Stephanie Grant joins NZIPA Council

Wellington UniVenture’s IP Manager, Stephanie Grant, has been elected to the New Zealand Institute of Patent Attorneys (NZIPA) Council—the first time in the organisation’s history that an in-house patent attorney has been appointed.  

The NZIPA is an incorporated body representing most of New Zealand’s registered resident and practising patent attorneys. Joining the Council, Stephanie will assist in providing a voice for in-house attorneys before the Institute—assisting in developing, promoting and maintaining the integrity of the laws and regulations relating to intellectual property matters.  

With a PhD in Chemistry, Stephanie previously worked in various roles, but becoming curious about the process of protecting IP, she started her career in intellectual property in 2011.

Stephanie has also been actively involved in the formation of a New Zealand network for New Zealand in-house patent attorneys and non-patent attorney in-house IP Managers.    

Stephanie proactively engages with the network and organises Continuing Professional Development sessions for those in-house for organisations across New Zealand. Stephanie is also working towards having more stakeholder engagement with MBIE and the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand on IP and policy to achieve a more rounded approach. 

Stephanie says: “This is an exciting step for in-house patent attorneys, and I’m pleased to be representing those in-house to provide perspective and insight going forward.”