Find the best intellectual property lawyer for your matter
“Best” is different for a startup filing a first trade mark than for a listed company defending a patent. We help you compare options in three steps:
1) Fit by matter type
- Trade marks: filing, TM Headstart, objections, oppositions, Madrid
- Patents: provisional and complete specs, PCT, freedom-to-operate
- Designs: registration and enforcement strategy
- Copyright and confidential information
- Commercialisation: assignments, licences, R&D, JV, due diligence
- Disputes: infringement, customs notices, court proceedings
2) Compare scope and price
We show official fees plus typical attorney/law firm ranges, so you can assess total cost and timing before engaging.
3) Availability near you
We shortlist specialists in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and nationwide virtual options for fast starts.
Important: This page is general information, not legal advice. IP outcomes depend on your facts, markets and deadlines.
Best IP lawyers and patent/trade mark attorneys in Australia (by city)
Below is a sample shortlist to help you compare well-regarded Australian IP firms. We also provide a free, tailored shortlist based on your matter, budget and timeline.
| City | Firm/Lawyer | Specialties | Indicative professional fees | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Spruson & Ferguson | Patents (engineering/biotech), trade marks, designs, oppositions | Provisional patent draft: $5,000–$12,000+; TM filing: $650–$1,200 + official fees | Website |
| Melbourne | Davies Collison Cave (DCC) | Patent prosecution, FTO, litigation support, trade marks | Complete patent spec: $8,000–$20,000+; TM opposition response: $2,500–$8,000+ | Website |
| Brisbane | Griffith Hack | Trade mark prosecution/opposition, patents, designs | Madrid filing handling: $900–$1,800 + WIPO/country fees; Design filing: $800–$1,500 + official | Website |
| Perth | Wrays | Mining/energy tech patents, brand protection, enforcement | PCT filing: $2,500–$6,000 + official; Cease & desist: $850–$2,200 | Website |
| Adelaide | Madderns | SME/startup patents and trade marks, strategy | Provisional patent draft: $3,500–$8,500; TM Headstart filing: $650–$1,000 + official | Website |
| National | FB Rice | Life sciences, chemistry, engineering patents; TM portfolio | Office action response: $900–$2,500+; Patent examination response: $1,500–$4,500+ | Website |
| National | Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick (POF) | Patents, trade marks, designs, oppositions | Design registration package: $1,200–$2,200 + official | Website |
| Litigation | Allens (IP disputes & commercial) | Complex IP litigation, licensing, transactions | Dispute letters: $1,500–$4,000; Court work: hourly/estimate on scope | Website |
Want a shortlist narrowed to your industry, deadlines and budget?
Check registration status: When using a “patent attorney” or “trade marks attorney”, verify they are registered with the Trans‑Tasman IP Attorneys Board. See the official register at the TTIPAB website.
Intellectual property costs in Australia (official fees and typical professional fees)
Trade mark official fees (IP Australia)
- Standard application (picklist): about $250 per class
- Standard application (custom goods/services): about $400 per class
- TM Headstart pre‑assessment: $330 per class (Part 1 $200 + Part 2 $130)
See the current schedule: IP Australia trade mark fees.
Madrid Protocol (international trade marks)
Fees include a WIPO basic fee plus each country’s individual fee and your attorney’s handling fees. Expect roughly AU$1,000–$2,500+ in WIPO/country fees for 1–3 classes (varies by countries) plus professional fees.
Check the calculator: WIPO Madrid fee calculator and IP Australia Madrid info.
Patent costs
- Provisional drafting (simple to complex): ~$3,500–$12,000+
- Complete/standard drafting: ~$8,000–$20,000+ (field dependent)
- PCT international phase attorney fees: ~$2,500–$6,000 + official fees
Official fees (filing, examination, renewals): IP Australia patent fees and WIPO PCT overview.
Designs
Filing and registration fees: see IP Australia designs fees. Typical professional fees for a design filing package are ~$800–$2,200 + official, depending on drawings and complexity.
How great IP lawyers approach matters
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Scoping | Clarify markets, timelines (e.g., launches), prior use, deadlines (priority dates, opposition windows) and risk appetite. |
| Search & strategy | Conduct clearance searches, assess registrability/infringement risk, choose filing paths (national, Madrid, PCT) and jurisdictions. |
| Filing | File trade marks, provisional/complete patents or designs; prepare evidence-of-use if needed; docket deadlines. |
| Examination/opposition | Respond to examiner objections or run/defend oppositions with targeted evidence and negotiation where appropriate. |
| Commercialisation & enforcement | Record ownership, prepare licences/assignments, lodge customs notices, send demand letters or commence proceedings if needed. |
IP lawyers near you
Trade marks, patents and disputes in NSW. Melbourne IP lawyers
Patent drafting, oppositions and brand strategy in VIC. Brisbane IP lawyers
Queensland specialists for filings and enforcement. Perth IP lawyers
Mining/energy tech patents and brand protection in WA. Adelaide IP lawyers
Startup-friendly pricing and strategies in SA. Canberra IP lawyers
Federal-facing IP work and government procurement. Hobart IP lawyers
Support for Tasmanian SMEs and exporters. Darwin IP lawyers
Northern Territory coverage with national experts.
Intellectual property FAQ
How quickly can I get an IP lawyer recommendation?
Most shortlists are provided within 1 business day (often sooner) once we understand your deadlines and budget.
Is TM Headstart worth it?
TM Headstart gives pre‑assessment feedback in about 5 business days, helping you refine your goods/services and spot issues early. It adds a small premium over standard filing but often saves objection costs later.
What if someone is already using a similar name?
Your lawyer may run clearance searches, assess risks, and consider coexistence agreements, rebranding, or filing strategies that reduce conflict. If infringement is occurring, prompt evidence gathering and targeted letters can reduce damage.
When should I file a provisional patent?
Before public disclosure or commercial launch if you need to secure a priority date while continuing R&D. Your attorney will balance speed, disclosure detail and future prosecution costs.
Where can I read the official rules and fees?
See IP Australia resources for trade marks, patents and designs, and fee pages linked in the Costs section above.
Get matched to the best IP lawyer for your needs
Answer a few questions and we’ll send a free shortlist with fee estimates. Prefer to talk? Call us on the number below.
Contact
Phone: +61 2 8003 9132
Email: Via the form above (priority response within 1 business day)
Business details
Legal Advice Help Pty Ltd
Level 8, 99 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
ABN 76 672 243 654
Author: Alex Porter, LLB (Hons), Registered Trade Marks Attorney (TTIPAB) & Solicitor (NSW). Verify on TTIPAB.
Editorial review: Independently reviewed by our Australian IP panel. Last updated: 17 April 2026.
Disclaimer: General information only. Obtain advice for your circumstances.