Department profile
Clayton Utz

Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia


Clayton Utz

Rankings

About

Provided by Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz is best known for its work in multi-jurisdictional international IP disputes. The team has recently won Intellectual Property Team of the Year at the 2022 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards (having also won in 2018) and the 2019 Copyright Law Firm of the Year at the Managing IP Asia awards. This recognition reflects the quality of our team, clients and matters. Partner Cameron Gascoyne was also named IP Partner of the Year at the 2022 Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards.

Clayton Utz fields a national team of experts who achieve outstanding results for a variety of distinguished clients throughout Australia. They continually act in complex and high-level IP matters for leading clients on both the contentious and non-contentious side, including in patent, trade mark, copyright and design disputes.

 

Evidence of their clients’ satisfaction is our long-standing relationships with some of the world’s leading companies. Examples include Bayer (over 30 years), Toyota (31 years), Singtel Optus (19 years); adidas and Novartis/Sandoz (20 years each).

 

They advise across all IP areas, including patents, copyright, trade marks, designs, trade secrets, confidential information and licensing. Our in-depth expertise encompasses sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotech, telco, technology, FMCG & manufacturing. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright - Australia


What the Team is Known For

Clayton Utz offers broad-based IP expertise including trade mark and copyright protection, with frequent involvement in cases featuring an international element. The team handles complex patent matters for a diverse clientele, most notably in the pharmaceutical, technology and telecom sectors, and is active in both contentious and non-contentious matters, though particularly strong on disputes. The firm offers significant expertise in design infringement, passing off and misleading conduct cases.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Clayton Utz acted for Apple in relation to Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners’ Society's reference to the Copyright Tribunal of Australia of a new licence scheme for the reproduction and communication of musical and associated literary works for subscription video on-demand services.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Clayton Utz is extremely commercial-minded, client-oriented, strategic and creative. The team is always a joy to work with.

    Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Clayton Utz stands out for its deep expertise in intellectual property law. They are consistently proactive, often identifying potential issues or opportunities that we may not have considered.

    Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright respondentAsia-Pacific
  • The team at Clayton Utz is highly responsive, approachable and sensitive to the needs of the business, while continuing to deliver top quality technical and commercial advice.

    Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3John Collins
    Band 3John Collins

    John Collins

    John Collins is highly experienced in patent litigation and acts for clients in a variety of sectors, offering notable expertise in high-profile pharmaceutical cases.
    • John Collins is an IP specialist and he clearly understands the life sciences sector.

      Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 4Timothy Webb
    Band 4Timothy Webb

    Timothy Webb

    Timothy Webb is regularly instructed by a wide range of clients on various contentious copyright and trade mark matters.
    • Tim has an excellent practice in contentious intellectual property and related advice.

      Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Timothy Webb is able to effectively communicate where the matter is at, what needs to be done and why it needs to be done. He takes a very rational approach.

      Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Up and ComingJames Neil
    Up and ComingJames Neil

    James Neil

    James Neil enjoys a strong reputation for IP litigation, specialising in trade mark disputes. He also offers brand protection, trade mark enforcement and portfolio management services.

    • James is almost obsessive about understanding our commercial drivers so he can align his legal advice and strategy accordingly.

      Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright respondentAsia-Pacific
    • James Neil is sharp, incredibly knowledgeable, highly strategic and easy to work with.

      Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Copyright respondentAsia-Pacific

Ranked Individuals at Clayton Utz (3)

Australia

Members

Provided by Clayton Utz

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