About Woodhouse IP

Woodhouse IP is led by Marcus Woodhouse and Lucy Hudson, and has been operating as a boutique Intellectual Property law practice since 2017. Unlike many large corporate firms Woodhouse IP focusses on each client’s needs and strategises to future proof them in the realm of brand and IP law.

Lower fees – based on low overheads and use of the latest technology, fixed costs wherever possible to aid certainty, no expense charges for start-ups, free phone calls and meetings.
We are proactive – identifying opportunities and acting decisively when needed.
We are experienced – with a combined 44 years experience in intellectual property law, globally and locally.
We are creative – with a creative background and extensive legal skills we can offer distinct and strong brands that are more easily protectable. We also actively pursue creative solutions for you at every level.
We are approachable – friendly, we care and we talk in your language.
We tailor to your needs – We listen to you and offer services to suit your particular needs.

About Marcus Woodhouse

Lawyer, husband and father of three. 

Marcus has 22 years’ experience in intellectual property law. He studied political science and religion at Otago University and gained his law degree (with Honours) from Victoria University. His working career includes a role at Crown Law researching Canadian Human Rights, and three years as a trade mark attorney in New Zealand before travelling to London in 2001 where he worked for an entertainment law firm, then back to New Zealand to spend the next 14 years at a leading intellectual property firm.

He formed his own firm as he could see an opportunity to provide real value and more certainty for clients by offering the highest quality IP services at reasonable and fixed costs, while at the same time enjoying a better lifestyle with time for family, friends and his other interests.

As a lawyer, I am focused on my clients’ needs within the intellectual property (IP) realm. I spend a lot of time creating IP strategies, creating IP itself (particularly trade marks and brands), and then also protecting, maintaining, enforcing and commercialising IP. I have recently received a Best Lawyers Award in Intellectual Property Law for the 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers™ in New Zealand. 

In my spare time, you will usually find me with the kids at home, working in the garden or out and about taking my kids to ballet, soccer, swimming or cycling. I have a strong interest in the arts, so I love movies, plays, music, art galleries and I play the guitar. I also love creating my own slice of heaven by building and painting at home (my wife and I have an 1897 villa), or working on old cars (my 1966 classic). For exercise, I love to walk and run with my two Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs.

About Lucy Hudson

I am a New Zealand lawyer, Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney and Australian Trade Marks Attorney with 22 years’ experience in intellectual property law. I have been recognised in The Best Lawyers™ New Zealand 2021 publication for intellectual property and listed as a Rising Star in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific rankings for 2020 in the IP category.

My direction in intellectual property came from a love of creativity and innovation. I’ve worked most recently in a large IP firm heading up a trade mark team and also practised in London including as an in-house trade mark manager at a large multinational drinks business. I work with a range of businesses from start-ups to multinationals across a wide range of industries. I enjoy talking to the people about their various projects and innovations. This can range from a new brand, product or idea, a new business venture or a problem that needs solving. I enjoy coming up with solutions that meet their business needs whether that be strategic advice early with a new brand or product, freedom to operate searching, protecting and commercialising new brands and innovations or enforcing existing IP rights.

I’m excited to join Woodhouse IP to co-direct and work in an IP practice that has significant depth of experience, an agile and friendly approach with a passion for helping businesses protect and use their intellectual property to their best advantage. Our company model means clients will always work directly with a highly experienced and friendly IP lawyer at reasonable and fixed costs.

In my spare time, I love getting outdoors, whether that be heading to the beach, a walk up one of the Auckland scenic hilltops or a family bike ride. I also love the arts; film festivals, art exhibitions and live music.