Dispute Resolution: The Bar

Nigel Bowen Chambers is a compact Sydney set generally acknowledged to represent one of the two or three best concentrations of intellectual property expertise in the jurisdiction, with several commentators acclaiming it as the clear market leader in that respect. One source finds "the barristers at this set to be strong in their technical skills and IP knowledge," adding: "From their clerk to their senior barristers, the entire team is respectful, diligent and supportive." The set garners praise for housing several of the leading practitioners in all branches of IP, with one commentator observing: "They always try their hardest, regardless of the strength of the case, and always give pragmatic advice in everything they do. They are the trendsetters for IP litigation and are well known in the industry for their legal brilliance." Head clerk Alistair Coyne is the key contact at the set.

Christian Dimitriadis SC has practised at the Sydney intellectual property Bar for over 20 years, operating across the discipline's spectrum and commanding a particularly high level of respect for his work in the patent space. "Christian Dimitriadis is one of the key senior barristers in patent litigation. He is highly intelligent and is a quick study in any technology." "He is an exceptionally bright lawyer, has a very good manner and the Bench love him. You are doing well if you have Chris on the case."

Ed Heerey KC operates in all areas of IP law, attracting particular praise for his work in the trade mark space. "Ed Heerey is fantastic. He is a go-to for IP, particularly trade mark issues." "Ed Heerey is brilliant in trade marks."

Hamish Bevan SC acts in all areas of IP practice, handling matters arising from an impressively varied range of business sectors, including fast food, the media and advanced technology. "Hamish is an outstanding IP silk. He is an excellent court advocate and has really outstanding knowledge of complex IP matters, especially patent and trade mark."

Laura Thomas practises in the copyright and patent spheres, bringing to her work a background in biochemistry which equips her particularly well to handle matters arising in the pharmaceutical sector. "Laura is excellent in all kinds of complex IP disputes, very easy to work with and has a very good feel for the court." "She is a go-to copyright counsel. She is excellent and her written work is really good. She has a deep understanding of the area and primarily focuses on copyright and patents."

Megan Evetts brings notable experience to her work, having practised privately and in-house before joining the Bar. Her practice covers a wide range of intellectual property rights, but she is singled out for her expertise with trade marks and patents, particularly within the life sciences sector. "Meg Evetts is highly intelligent. She is a key junior counsel at the Bar, a hard worker who is very strategic and easy to deal with. She has great scientific knowledge from her background in bioscience." "She is an excellent junior counsel."

Richard Cobden SC is widely held to be Australia's leading copyright silk, many interviewees also indicating that he is hardly less well regarded for his trade mark-related expertise. "I highly recommend Richard Cobden SC. He is a very senior, outstanding IP barrister who I have worked with many times over the years."

Shauna Ross is well reputed for the breadth of her intellectual property knowledge, which spans trade marks, copyright, design, domain name disputes and patents. "My client was tremendously pleased with her work. She is brilliant and gifted with legal talent."

Sophie Goddard SC is particularly familiar with IP issues arising in the engineering, resources and pharmaceutical sectors and acts across the IP spectrum, receiving specific praise for her work in all three of the principal branches of the discipline. "Sophie is very knowledgeable and one of the top patent lawyers in the Sydney Bar." "Exudes strength, charisma and sheer legal brilliance."

Justine Beaumont SC operates across the full copyright, patent and trade mark spectrum and enjoys recognition as a prominent and active barrister in the IP space. She is particularly experienced in the handling of disputes arising from the broadcast and online media sectors, particularly matters involving site-blocking applications or alleged instances of sound recording copyright infringement. "Justine Beaumont SC is a particularly impressive new silk. She ensures that she is over even the smallest detail of a matter and does not skip a beat." "She is excellent."