Biography
John is a partner in our Technology and Intellectual Property group.John has many years’ experience advising on all aspects of intellectual property law with a particular focus on patent litigation and trade secrets across a range of industries including life sciences, resources and digital technologies. He has had outstanding success for his clients in Federal Court litigation including obtaining a record damages award for an Australian patent case. John has acted on a number of high profile trade secret cases, including recently obtaining and executing an urgent ‘Anton Piller’ search and seizure order in relation to misappropriation by an ex-employee. John also advised Aristocrat throughout its successful eight-year litigation on the highly contested issue of patent eligibility. The case, which went to the High Court, is arguably the most watched IP case in Australia over the last 20 years, with very significant implications for research and development and investment in innovation including AI.
He has also advised extensively on IP issues arising in the context of corporate transactions, licensing and commercialisation.
Experience
John’s experience includes advising:
Aristocrat on its case with Commissioner of Patents. Arguably the most watched IP case in Australia in the last 20 years, this case is the leading authority in Australia on the highly contentious area of patent eligibility. John’s client, Aristocrat, is the leading Australian patent filer. The ongoing proceeding went to the High Court of Australia in 2023 and resulted in an extremely rare 3:3 split decision meaning the case was referred back for further consideration by the Federal Court, which ultimately ruled in Aristocrat’s favour.
REC Solar and its Australian distributors in significant global litigation regarding patent infringement proceedings involving solar panel technology.
CPC Patent Technologies on their high-profile patent infringement action against Apple concerning the infringement of a biometric patent by iPhones and iPads sold in Australia.
A company on a high profile case involving the obtaining and execution of urgent search and seizure orders (Anton Piller Orders) in respect of industrial scale misappropriation of trade secrets.
Aristocrat on numerous notable cases including the trade secret dispute between Aristocrat v Light & Wonder and Aristocrat v Konami which resulted in a record Australian damages awarded for a patent case.
Xero on the long-running and successful entitlement dispute regarding Xero’s patents over a financial tool.
BASF on the long-standing, highly contentious multi-jurisdictional patent litigation, involving a complex portfolio of patents with a multi-jurisdictional reach.
Australian biotech company EnGeneIC regarding a patent dispute on mini-cell technology.
Shopify in defending a Federal Court patent infringement action regarding m-commerce applications.
ResMed on the Australian aspects of its global patent litigation with Fisher and Paykel over medical devices.
Various clients on IP and regulatory issues arising in transactions and in ongoing compliance regimes, including commercialisation and with the TGA, Pharmaceutical Benefits and Defence Export regimes.
Awards and Recognition
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Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026
Ranked in Intellectual Property: Patents
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Chambers Global 2025
Ranked in Intellectual Property: Patents
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The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026
Recognised as a Leading Partner in Intellectual Property
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The Best Lawyers in Australia 2027
Recognised for Intellectual Property Law, Life Sciences Practice and Litigation
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IP STARS 2026
Patent star
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Doyle’s Guide 2025
Recognised as a Leading Contentious Intellectual Property Lawyer in New South Wales
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IAM Patent 1000 2025
Ranked Silver for Litigation
Client first thinking
Chambers Asia-PacificJohn is extremely sound on legal strategy and tactics and is very commercial in his approach.
Chambers Asia-PacificClients underline his ‘outstanding client service, in-depth technical knowledge and understanding, communication and the ability to simplify complex matters.
The Legal 500 Asia-PacificJohn Lee is an impressive lawyer who goes above and beyond to deliver results and meet the needs of his clients.