Minter Ellison provides comprehensive intellectual property advice with broad capabilities across trade marks, patents, copyright and related advisory work, representing public and private clients in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The team is led by Robert Cooper in Melbourne, who specialises in complex patent infringement claims and cross-border IP litigation. Simone Mitchell has significant expertise in the life sciences sector, acting in patent infringement and validity proceedings. John Fairbairn regularly advises entertainment industry clients on licensing negotiations and copyright royalty disputes. Zeina Milicevic supports clients on joint ventures and a wide spectrum of non-contentious IP issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are super responsive and have a high level of awareness about the issues their clients encounter in operating their businesses.’
‘John Fairbairn and Zeina Milicevic are trusted advisors with great technical knowledge and a commonsense approach to problem solving.’
‘Very hard working and intelligent team.’
‘Simone Mitchell - very smart and dedicated to her clients. John Fairbairn - very experienced, considered and thoughtful advisor; strong understanding of the law and practical aspects of the industry.’
‘Nigel Lokan is a highly professional and pragmatic advisor, known for delivering high-quality support even under tight deadlines. He consistently demonstrates clear strategic thinking and practical solutions tailored to complex challenges. His superior advisory skills are evident in his ability to quickly understand key issues and provide timely, actionable guidance.’
‘The intellectual property team at MinterEllison are exceptional, and offer their expertise to clients in a timely, practical and responsive manner. They are at the top of their game, and are the experts you want by your side when faced with intellectual property disputes, registrations and transactional matters.’
Key clients
- Hytera Communications
- Stan Entertainment Pty Ltd
- Kreglinger Pty Ltd & Pipers Brook
- Copyright Agency
- Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd and NS Pharma, Inc.
- Domain Holdings Australia Limited
- ESCO Group LLC
- Live Performance Australia
- Australian Departments of Education and Catholic and Independent School bodies
- CopyCo
- LONGi Green Energy Technology Co and LONGI Solar Australia
Work highlights
Represented Hytera Communications, a Chinese company, and its subsidiary Hytera Communications (Australia) Pty Ltd (Hytera), in a significant Australian limb of global 'bet the company' litigation against US giant Motorola, which involved defending complex patent infringement claims in the highly competitive market for digital mobile radios.
Representing Nippon Shinyaku and the University of Western Australia as Australian counsel in complex cross-border patent infringement and patent validity proceedings against Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.
Acting for Chinese solar manufacturer LONGi Green Energy Technology and its Australian subsidiary LONGi Solar Australia in defending a patent infringement proceeding commenced in the Federal Court by competitor Jinko relating to the manufacturing method of its Hi-MO 7 solar cell product.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Robert Cooper
Other key lawyers
Simone Mitchell; Zeina Milicevic; John Fairbairn; Nigel Lokan