Practical Legal Support
for Businesses and SMEs

Helping startups, sole traders, and growing businesses structure, protect, and scale operations across New Zealand.

Wynn Williams’ commercial team works with every type and size of business that makes up the fabric of New Zealand’s economy. We understand the nuanced requirements of start ups, SMEs, corporates and organisations operating in the charity/not-for-profit space and how they differ. We are familiar with the different life cycles of businesses and are skilled at tailoring our advice around the needs of our client – whether that be a start up looking to establish itself in the market and put in place a strong foundation, a SME wanting to grow or business owners looking for a smooth and stress-free exit.

We advise our clients at a governance level around business structuring, directors’ duties and provide support at an operational level – helping to resolve day-to-day issues impacting almost every aspect of their business. We assist with a range of matters including contracts, financing, brand protection and enforcing intellectual property rights and more. In addition to our advice always being pragmatic and timely, we take the time to understand our clients’ businesses, circumstances and how they wish to work with us.

General Business & SMEs / Intellectual Property and Branding

Wynn Williams’ experienced intellectual property (IP) and branding team is dedicated to helping New Zealand businesses and individuals unlock the full value of their original ideas by transforming creativity and innovation into valuable commercial assets.  We work with start-ups, growing enterprises, and established organisations  to identify, protect, and leverage their unique creations, both in New Zealand and internationally.

Our Intellectual Property and Branding legal expertise

How we can help

Our experience in all manner of legal considerations facing organisations large and small, private, local government and not-for-profit is significant. Our team is well resourced to provide support with:

  • Structuring: We assist with the establishment and structuring of businesses and not-for-profits. We also assist with overseas investment regulatory compliance, and adapting global contracts and business processes for the New Zealand market.
  • Governance: The team are well placed to advise on governance in the private sector including directors’ duties, liabilities and governance responsibilities.
  • Sale and purchase: We regularly act for clients acquiring or selling businesses, either by way of assets or share transactions where our involvement spans from the outset of the transaction with assistance on confidentiality agreements and term sheets, right through to completion.
  • Commercial contracting: We have the expertise to assist with all your commercial contracting needs. Whether that be preparation and review of commercial contracts such as supply chain and service agreements, terms of trade, confidentiality agreements, privacy policies and more.
  • Brand and trade marks: Our team regularly assists clients with intellectual property brand and trade mark protection, including drafting and advising on intellectual property licensing arrangements with third parties.
  • Franchising: We advise a number of franchisors and have a deep understanding of the AU/NZ markets. We regularly assist clients in updating their documents, streamlining processes and assist in managing document production, leasing portfolios and brand schedules.
  • Financing: We assist with financing with external lenders, related parties and through shareholder funding/advances.
  • Full Service: While our team of commercial lawyers are experienced across the spectrum of business matters, as a full-service firm, we can draw on specialised teams within Wynn Williams to assist clients with all their legal needs.
  • Supported an overseas client entering the New Zealand market by setting up a local company, tailoring their internal documents and contracts for local compliance, and guiding them through the process of doing business in New Zealand.
  • Worked with the board of a SME to strengthen its governance framework. Delivered practical advice on decision-making processes, clarified director obligations and updated board protocols to reduce risk exposure.
  • Advised on all legal aspects of a business sale, from drafting initial heads of agreement to finalising settlement documents. Ensured due diligence was smooth and helped negotiate protections for the seller throughout the process.
  • Advising clients within the transportation industry, including in relation to regulatory compliance and preparation of contracts tailored to industry-specific issues, including delivery requirements, as well as insurance and liability for transported goods.
  • Assisting manufacturers and exporters with drafting and negotiating manufacturing and supply agreements, terms of trade and contracts with customers, and protection of intellectual property rights, including by working with our contacts in the State Capital Group to provide legal input in overseas jurisdictions.
  • Worked with a well-established franchisor to refresh its agreements, simplify internal processes, and align documentation with evolving commercial practices and brand standards across Australia and New Zealand.
  • Assisting clients at different phases of the business lifecycle, including restructuring both during downturns and growth phases.
  • Delivering an interim outsourced solution to an NZX/ASX listed company for the review and negotiation of procurement agreements.
  • Helped a company secure funding through a combination of shareholder loans and bank finance. Drafted the relevant funding documents, advised on securities and priority arrangements, and coordinated with external advisors.
  • Preparing terms and conditions, software-as-a-service agreements, and leasing agreements for a tech start-up.
  • Assisting clients associated with the construction industry, including architects and builders, particularly in relation to the protection of intellectual property, preparation and enforcement of contractual terms with their clients.

Key Contacts

Charlene Sell

Partner

Katrina Hammon

Partner

Danita Ferreira

Senior Associate