Intellectual Property - Australia
What the team is known for
Herbert Smith Freehills is a pre-eminent group with an outstanding track record in patent litigation in both the pharmaceutical and technological sectors. Its expertise crosses the spectrum of IP services, with groups of commercial IP practitioners and litigators as well as a dedicated trade marks management and prosecution team, and the team has significant experience handling commercialisation and transactional matters. Herbert Smith Freehills regularly advises leading multinational clients on all aspects of IP protection, including the coordination of multi-jurisdictional cases, as well as advising on trade mark portfolio management and the IP aspects of market entry for new products. Notable clients include Biogen, Gilead and Motorola Solutions.
Strengths
"HSF is really at the top of the market, in the top bracket of firms in Australia, really in the top rung. Extremely high quality of work and real depth of expertise."
"HSF partners are exceptional and the senior associates are clearly subject matter experts. They have always been exceptionally responsive and willing."
Work highlights
Herbert Smith Freehills advised Suncorp Group on the IP aspects of its AUD4.9 billion sale of Suncorp Bank to ANZ.
Notable practitioners
Sue Gilchrist is renowned for her expertise in contentious intellectual property matters, including patents, trade marks and copyright. She counts major corporates amongst her clients, notably including those operating in the technology sector. "Sue is one of Australia's most experienced patent litigators. She is a dream to work with." "Sue is an exceptional expert in her field."
Kristin Stammer regularly advises clients on the IP aspects of significant transactions, trade mark portfolio management and rebrandings. "She understands the business well and can cut through the jargon."
Rebekah Gay frequently acts on patent enforcement strategy and infringement disputes, with clients including, but not limited to, pharmaceutical, IT and retail companies. "Rebekah is young and dynamic. She is very good to work with and is a straight talker." "Rebekah Gay is a fantastic litigator."
Emma Iles' practice is particularly focused on patent disputes, where she frequently acts for pharmaceutical and medical device companies. "Emma's expertise is fantastic, but she is able to distil it into practical user-friendly explanations."
