Intellectual Property
Our Approach
Protecting, managing and commercialising IP assets is crucial for any market-leading business seeking a competitive advantage and requires the guidance of experienced specialists.
We have a dedicated team of over 25 intellectual property lawyers that practice exclusively in IP law to provide our clients with a depth and breadth of directly relevant expertise. Our partners are ranked as leading Australian IP lawyers in the main legal directories including Chambers, Legal 500, Managing Intellectual Property, the World Trademark Review, Doyles Guide, AsiaLaw and PLC Which Lawyer.
Our clients include a wide range of Australian and international companies in fields as diverse as consumer electronics, content, entertainment, software, FMCG, mining, and financial services. Common to our client base is the expectation of sound strategic advice, innovative approaches, robust representation in proceedings and an unswerving focus on their commercial objectives.
Our services by our Intellectual Property team:
Enforcement: As a leading intellectual property law firm, we advise on all aspects of IP protection, enforcement and recovery. Our IP lawyers are widely recognised for constantly raising the bar in IP enforcement. Our IP experts have successfully litigated a number of the most difficult and challenging intellectual property cases in Australia, including the Roadshow/iiNet case, the IceTV case, and the Kazaa and Cooper cases.
Brand protection: We manage significant brand portfolios both locally and overseas. Our comprehensive brand protection services span everything from strategic filing advice and clearance searches through to the registration; defence of registrations (oppositions and non-use removal options); enforcement and recovery of trade marks, domain names and associated company and business names; and IP audits.
Commercialising IP: We are regularly involved in identifying and auditing IP assets; negotiating and drafting strategic licensing and assignment agreements; and negotiating and drafting content agreements for internet and traditional businesses. We also have strong experience in the protection of confidential information, trade secrets, data protection and privacy.
Awards + Recognition
Intellectual Property Team of the Year – winners 2020, 2017, 2015
Ranked Tier 1 for Intellectual Property
"Lawyers on Gilbert + Tobin’s IP team utilise ‘their great strategic thinking skills and exceptional work ethic’ in providing partner-led advice to clients regarding contentious and non-contentious issues concerning all types of IP rights."
Ranked Band 2 for Intellectual Property
“[The Gilbert + Tobin team is] notable for its breadth of skills, advising on transactional and contentious copyright, design, patent and trade mark issues. Serves an impressive range of both local and global corporates, and is especially known for its prominence in the technology and media sectors, where it advises on gaming, software and online systems. Also possesses expertise in areas as diverse as mining and healthcare. Offers comprehensive skills on IP transactions including issues of royalty and distribution fee disputes, as well as advertising and regulatory compliance.”
"What sets them apart is the combination of top-quality advice, excellent service delivery and commercial pragmatism."
Ranked Gold for Prosecution and Strategy; and Silver for Enforcement and Litigation
Ranked Tier 1 for IP Transactions; Trade mark (contentious); and Copyright.
Ranked Tier 2 for Patent (contentious)
Ranked Tier 3 Trade mark (prosecution)
The firm's ability to balance technical and practical perspectives is especially appreciated by clients, one noting: "The team consists of extremely knowledgeable practitioners, with a keen understanding of both legal and commercial considerations.
Ranked Tier 1
Recognised as a Leading Contentious Intellectual Property Law Firms – NSW and Leading Non-Contentious Intellectual Property Law Firms - NSW
