Intellectual Property

Ashurst has a highly accomplished practice which impresses on both contentious and non-contentious matters. The team is thoroughly experienced in handling high-profile patent, copyright and trade mark disputes, trade mark portfolio management, anti-counterfeiting matters and brand protection for a raft of well-known clients. The practice also offers specialist expertise in food labelling, advertising and marketing advice and the regulation of therapeutic goods and cosmetics. Ashurst acts for an impressive list of domestic and international clients within the technology, life sciences, food and beverage, retail, sports and media sectors.

"Ashurst is very sophisticated in its legal advice and also provides good, commercially practical advice. The firm is also very responsive."

"I have found the team at Ashurst extremely easy to deal with - they are down-to-earth, friendly and always willing to assist and work with difficult deadlines."

Ashurst acted for P&G in urgent proceedings brought by Reckitt Benckiser in relation to the Australian launch of the client's 30 Minute Miracle dishwashing product and then in the full hearing of the matter in the Federal Court.

Lisa Ritson maintains a highly respected practice, acting for a range of high-profile clients on a variety of trade mark and copyright issues, and offers a wealth of experience in managing global trade mark portfolios. She is notably recognised for her strength advising clients on trade mark litigation. "Lisa handled the matter very well. She is super experienced with a long career in this space."

Anita Cade heads the firm's practice group and acts on a range of trade mark and copyright matters, including managing IP assets in mergers and in the launching of new businesses, as well as on enforcement issues. "Anita is a highly organised and an intelligent operator who is a real team player."

Kellech Smith has a broad IP practice covering contentious and non-contentious mandates such as licensing, infringement, collaboration and joint venture agreements. "Kellech is highly skilled and very strategic."

Nina Fitzgerald is noted for her work acting for clients on contentious IP matters, most particularly those relating to patent infringement. She counts major firms in the pharmaceutical and technology spaces amongst her clients. "She is pretty relaxed, reliable for expertise and very commercially-minded." "Nina is very knowledgeable and has a good relationship with the client."

Stuart D'Aloisio acts on a range of intellectual property matters and demonstrates strong expertise in patent disputes, particularly in the life sciences sector.