Intellectual Property 

Intellectual Property (IP) is often one of a company's most valuable assets. IP can be the result of creative thinking that generates ground-breaking inventions, ideas, innovative technological processes, or simply unique industry know-how. 

Our IP team, many of whom have technical backgrounds, work closely with clients to understand their businesses and their competitive edge. We work to secure appropriate national and international IP protection, and defend it, with our litigation team, if necessary. Our aims are to maximise the commercial value of our clients' IP assets, and protect them. These assets incorporate patents, trademarks, anti-counterfeiting, unfair competition, domain names, copyright laws, licensing, as well as sector-specific expertise in information technology, FMCG, marketing, wine law and retail. 

Summary 

• Advised a high-profile pearl jewellery producer in relation to the granting of distribution rights to France and Spain.
• Advised on IP protection of a new and innovative device for a manufacturing and distribution company, prior to its export and use in the market, which involved licensing the IP to the exporting company to develop the device.
• Acted for a globally-known e-business in relation to securing trademark protection in the USA under the Madrid Protocol.
• Acted for a significant WA-based manufacturer in relation to the securing of IP rights internationally. This involved instructing lawyers in other countries, lodging and registering trademarks through the Madrid Protocol, and negotiation and settlement of competing rights of existing trademark owners.
• Negotiated the international rights to an Australian, patented medical invention, leading to a high-profile case.
• Provided confidentiality agreements for key employees of an innovative agricultural company to protect the IP of its service.
• Acted in Supreme and Federal proceedings relating to claims of trade mark, copyright, patent and design infringement for companies in various industries, including construction and engineering, entertainment and insurance.