Virginia Nichols

Virginia is a Senior Associate in our litigation team, with an interest in resolving commercial disputes.

She is also an expert in intellectual property law, including protecting the intangible assets of clients in New Zealand and overseas through the strategic use of patents, trade marks, copyright, designs, confidential information and practical protections. Virginia is a Registered Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney and Registered Australian Trade Marks Attorney with technical competencies including physics and electrical and electronic engineering.

Virginia joined Corcoran French in 2024 following a period in the public service as an Assistant Commissioner. In that role, she decided disputes relating to the registration of patents and trade marks, including conducting hearings and issuing formal written decisions. Previously, Virginia has worked in the litigation team at a medium sized law firm, obtaining a wide range of experience in helping parties find solutions to their commercial and civil disputes, and in a specialist intellectual property practice.

Corcoran French is pleased to support Virginia’s ongoing work as a guest lecturer in Intellectual Property at the University of Canterbury and the University of Auckland. Virginia loves sharing her expertise and experience with students, other professionals, and industry groups.

Outside of work, Virginia enjoys walking and reading, and loves singing as part of a choir.