Biography
Vanessa is a special counsel in our Technology and Intellectual Property group.She has extensive expertise in navigating clients through complex IP litigation and enforcement proceedings, with a focus on patent litigation and related IP rights.
As a patent litigation specialist, Vanessa has prosecuted and defended numerous patent infringement and validity proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia, and advises on freedom to operate across a range of technologies.
With a multi-jurisdictional patent disputes practice, Vanessa works closely with local and international patent attorneys and litigators. Her strong command of comparative patent law enables her to coordinate cross-border strategies effectively.
Vanessa is recognised for her ability to cut through complexity and focus on the issues that matter most. By rapidly identifying the critical legal and technical issues, as well as the key risks and opportunities, she develops practical, strategically focused solutions that support her clients' commercial objectives.
Her clients include Australian and international organisations in energy, metals and mining, healthcare and life sciences, pharmaceuticals, technology and defence.
Vanessa holds a BSc in Biomedical Science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Technology Sydney. Her scientific training gives her a distinct edge in understanding clients' technologies and working with technical experts.
Experience
Vanessa’s experience includes advising:
CPC Patent Technologies on their high-profile patent infringement action against Apple on alleged infringement of CPC’s biometric patents by Apple Touch ID and Face ID devices sold in Australia.
Calidad in its successful High Court appeal against Seiko Epson Corporation, resulting in the overturning of over 100 years of Australian precedent and the adoption of ‘patent exhaustion’.
Acciona in relation to a patent, copyright and confidential information dispute centred on Australia’s first waste to energy facility.
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 on long standing, highly contentious multi-jurisdictional patent litigation which involved a complex portfolio of patents with a multi-jurisdictional reach.
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.
Hitachi (Bradken) on the transactional, advisory and disputes matters including patent litigation relating to mining infrastructure such as rolling stock and GET.
Various clients on issues relating to data protection and confidential information, contractual arrangements, freedom to operate and Defence Export regimes.
Awards and Recognition
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IP STARS 2026
Rising star
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Managing Intellectual Property’s IP Stars 2019 to 2023
Rising Star