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. Notable names include ANZ, Alibaba and LEGO.

"They are a great firm. They are well known in the trade mark space. They have a good team, are responsive, and provide good service."

"Ashurst has a large IP team of knowledgeable lawyers who are able to assist counsel to a very high level. From junior lawyers to senior associates and partners, each of Ashurst's IP lawyers has a great depth of knowledge and experience."

Ashurst defended Henkel against trade mark infringement and passing-off proceedings brought by Reckitt Benckiser in the Federal Court of Australia.

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 is really senior and experienced, and is fantastic to work with. She is a real expert in her field."

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 Cade is an outstanding lawyer. She is clever and is an excellent manager."

Kellech Smith is regularly instructed on both contentious and non-contentious trade mark and copyright mandates. "Kellech Smith is very impressive. She is very good at working with the client." "Kellech provides good service. She is practical and experienced."

Stuart D'Aloisio acts on a range of intellectual property matters and demonstrates strong expertise in patent disputes, particularly in the life sciences sector. "Stuart is calm and collected. He is very reliable and easy to talk to, he has a good perspective. He is able to come up with interesting ideas when necessary." "He is an excellent, excellent practitioner."

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. "Nina is an enormously able instructor, she has a great knowledge of law and has very good strategy."