Erick Smith

Protecting ideas, resolving disputes.

I bring over 40 years of legal experience to my practice, with particular depth in intellectual property, IT and licensing agreements, franchising, corporate governance and dispute resolution.

My career has spanned Commonwealth jurisdictions — including extensive work in South Africa and Zimbabwe where IP law is grounded in the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the legal frameworks of New Zealand and the UK. I've lectured postgraduate students at Nelson Mandela University in trademark, copyright, patent, and design law, including the law relating to plant variety rights, trade secrets and know-how, advertising standards and illegal trade practices.

I co-authored Advertising & The Law (Butterworths) and have presented papers and consulted on brand and trademark management, the strategic use of IP, and IP governance in the context of directors' fiduciary duties.

Intellectual Property, Licensing and Franchising

If you have IP questions, you don't need to travel to a major centre. We provide dedicated intellectual property, including licensing and franchise expertise, right here in Hawke's Bay.

Mediation and Dispute Resolution

I've been mediating disputes for more than 40 years, including international commercial matters in software licensing, engineering and oil pipeline sectors for major global companies.