Intellectual Property
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Australia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9263 4000About
Provided by Gilbert + Tobin
A multi-award winning Australian intellectual property practice.
Winner: Intellectual Property Team of the Year at the Australian Law Awards 2020, 2017, 2015
What we do
Gilbert + Tobin offers a full service intellectual property practice with expertise across all major IP specialties including copyright, patents, brand protection and trade marks, false advertising, food and product regulatory, breach of confidence, database protection, commercial IP licensing, product liability, cyber security and anti-counterfeiting.
Our approach
Gilbert + Tobin's Intellectual Property team has a class leading success rate in trial and appellate litigation in the Australian market across the IP disciplines. We also have a strong track record of solving and settling complex IP disputes without litigation or in parallel to litigation. No other practice has more experience in the Australian market using novel strategies (direct negotiation, advocacy) and extraordinary litigation procedures (search orders, asset freezing orders and preliminary discovery where infringement is suspected).
Our commitment to client service is paramount and involves clearly articulated strategies, close matter management, transparent communications and cost predictability.
Chambers Review
Gilbert + Tobin is notable for its breadth of skills, advising on transactional and contentious copyright, design, patent and trade mark issues. The team serves an impressive range of both local and global corporations, and is especially known for its prominence in the technology and media sectors, where it advises on gaming, software and online systems. It also possesses expertise in areas as diverse as mining and healthcare. The team is particularly well regarded for its ability to assist clients on IP litigation, and is notably active of late on appellate work. Gilbert + Tobin offers comprehensive skills on IP transactions including issues of royalty and distribution fee disputes, as well as advertising and regulatory compliance.
Work Highlights
- Gilbert + Tobin acted for REC Solar and its Australian distributors in patent infringement proceedings brought by Hanwha over solar cell technology.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm has a broad range of experience handling all types of IP matters, with a deep bench of superb IP practitioners. G+T is a top-rate firm that delivers excellent results."
"Gilbert + Tobin has subject matter expertise, a pragmatic approach, thorough reviews and responsiveness."
"The firm has a broad range of experience handling all types of IP matters, with a deep bench of superb IP practitioners. G+T is a top-rate firm that delivers excellent results."
"Gilbert + Tobin has subject matter expertise, a pragmatic approach, thorough reviews and responsiveness."
Notable Practitioners
Michael Williams is a market-leading IP practitioner with a wealth of experience in advising clients on a diverse range of contentious matters, and with particular expertise in high-profile copyright disputes.
"He is very knowledgeable and is certainly an IP leader in the Sydney legal community."
John Lee advises clients on patent litigation, including disputes in the IT, gaming and renewable energy industries.
"John Lee is great in all areas."
"A very easy-going and calm practitioner."
Siabon Seet is frequently instructed across a range of contentious trade mark and copyright mandates, including enforcement and brand protection matters.
"Siabon is an excellent lawyer, with the perfect client approach."
Lisa Lennon is regularly instructed on non-contentious trade mark matters by a mixed international and domestic clientele from a broad range of sectors, including media, education, banking and life sciences. She specialises in commercial IP, brand protection and portfolio management.
"Lisa provides commercial advice, presented in an easy-to-understand way, with a good summary as well as a more detailed analysis."
Chris Williams frequently works on patent management and dispute resolutions for clients from the renewable energy and manufacturingindustries.
"Chris is incredibly passionate and cares deeply for outcomes. He's a great sounding board."
Ranked Lawyers at
Gilbert + Tobin
Australia
Members
Provided by Gilbert + Tobin
Chris Williams
Head of Department
Rebecca Dunn
Industries
Provided by Gilbert + Tobin
Aerospace & Defence
Banks
Commercial & Professional Services
Consumer Protection
Education
Energy
Entertainment
FMCG
Financial services
Gaming
Government
Health Care
Industrial Engineering
Insurance
Media
Mining & Resources
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Software & Computer Services
Technology, Hardware & Electronics
Utilities