Kate Duckworth

Kate Duckworth is one of New Zealand’s most respected intellectual property specialists. With more than 15 years of experience in litigation, commercial strategy and IP portfolio management, she helps clients protect, enforce and commercialise what makes their business unique.

Kate advises on all areas of intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, copyright, designs and confidential information. She also works across broader commercial matters such as licensing, franchising, software contracts and regulatory compliance. She is highly experienced in resolving disputes through litigation, negotiation and strategy, acting for clients ranging from startups to major corporates, government and research institutes.

Kate began her legal career at the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand, where she became an Assistant Commissioner. She went on to become a Partner and Head of Litigation and Commercial at Baldwins, before co-founding a specialist IP firm in 2012.

She holds an LLB and LLM (Hons) from Victoria University of Wellington, and is a registered patent and trademark attorney in both New Zealand and Australia. Kate is a board member of the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board, a committee member of IPSANZ, and contributes to several legal and industry working groups. She is a regular media commentator, often appearing on RNZ to provide expert insight into intellectual property and legal trends.

Kate consults to Gibson Sheat while continuing to run her own practice. Clients value her clear advice, strategic thinking and ability to simplify complex problems. Her approach is commercial, creative and always practical.

Outside of work, Kate enjoys running, cycling and exploring the outdoors. She loves hosting dinner parties and escaping to her Queenstown retreat whenever she can.