Ellie Ryan
Senior Associate
Expertise
Industries
Bio
Ellie is a highly experienced and efficient litigator, specialising in intellectual property and general commercial disputes.
Having specialised in litigation throughout her career, she advises clients across a wide range of sectors, including media and social media, telecommunications, retail, and FMCG, as well as small businesses and private individuals. Ellie regularly provides practical, commercially focused advice on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, marketing and consumer law, commercial disputes and regulatory compliance.
Her experience includes advising on contractual disputes, regulatory investigations, misleading advertising claims and urgent interim relief.
She has appeared for clients in both the High Court and District Court, achieving successful outcomes in each forum. Ellie is well versed in court procedure and regularly guides clients through the litigation process, whether pursuing or defending claims. She also represents clients in both formal and informal settlement negotiations, with a focus on resolving disputes efficiently and effectively wherever possible.
Committed to securing positive outcomes, Ellie takes a pragmatic and client-focused approach, delivering clear advice that supports her clients’ legal and commercial objectives.
Highlights
Memberships & Associations
- Member of IPSANZ
Qualifications
BA, LLB (Hons)
Admitted
New Zealand 2018
Experience
Hudson Gavin Martin | 2023
Gilbert Walker | 2022 - 2023
LeeSalmonLong | 2018 - 2019

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AI as a confidante? Legal privilege and the ever-increasing use of AI
As people increasingly turn to AI tools for guidance on sensitive legal issues, the emerging lesson from United States v Heppner is that what feels confidential may be neither private nor privileged.

Building blocks of trade mark law: New Zealand approach to "use as a trade mark" now compatible with Australia
A recent Court of Appeal decision provides long awaited clarity for businesses on the lawful use of another party’s trade mark in New Zealand.
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Baby Reindeer – When truth is stranger than fiction?
How would Fiona Harvey's case against Netflix be treated under New Zealand defamation law?
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Implications of the Supreme Court’s “new debt” approach in Mainzeal
The Supreme Court’s decision in Mainzeal confirms a “new debt” approach to compensation for breaches of section 136 of the Companies Act. This will have implications for directors of all companies, but start-ups in particular.
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UK Supreme Court puts Quincecare ‘duty’ back in its box
Bankers will be pleased to have clarity over the scope of their duties in cases of suspected fraud on customers. However, victims of cybercrime may continue to be left without any recourse, as the number and sophistication of fraudulent schemes continue to grow.
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New NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement signals tech, media and IP law changes
New Zealand and the United Kingdom have signed a free trade agreement that includes important reforms in the tech, media and IP spaces.
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