Biography
Vanessa is a special counsel in our Technology and Intellectual Property group.She is an experienced intellectual property litigator who works closely with clients across a range of industries including health and life sciences, mining and resources, energy, government, technology, defence and software.
Vanessa’s practice covers contentious and non-contentious aspects of intellectual property law, with a particular focus on patent litigation and confidential information/trade secrets. Her work with clients involves the entire intellectual property life cycle from the initial innovation stage, intellectual property protection, commercialisation and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Vanessa has a strong technical background, having previously worked as a scientist prior to practising law, which enables her to have a well-rounded understanding of a client’s needs and technology.
Her professional memberships include IPSANZ and APPI.
Experience
Vanessa’s experience includes advising:
CPC Patent Technologies on their high-profile patent infringement action against Apple about alleged infringement of CPC’s biometric patents by Apple Touch ID / Face ID devices sold in Australia.
Calidad on its case against Seiko Epson Corporation where the court overturned more than 100 years of precedent and adopted the patent exhaustion doctrine.
Aristocrat, SAI Global and other clients in proceedings against former employees for breach of confidential information.
Clients on IP and regulatory issues arising in IP transactions and ongoing compliance regimes across a range of sectors.
BASF in long standing, highly contentious multi-jurisdictional patent litigation which involved a complex portfolio of patents.
Encompass Corporation in patent infringement proceedings against a competitor which attracted a rare five-member judicial bench to determine the eligibility of software under Australian patent law.
NSW Health on multiple ICT disputes relating to implementations of large-scale IT systems across the health network (including hospitals).
Hitachi (Bradken) on the transactional, advisory and disputes matters including patent litigation relating to mining infrastructure such as rolling stock and GET.
Clients across a range of sectors on the application of the Defence Trade Controls Act.
Various clients on issues relating to data protection and confidential information, contractual arrangements and freedom to operate.
Awards and Recognition
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Managing Intellectual Property’s IP Stars 2019 to 2023
Rising Star