How a free IP lawyer consultation works
A free consultation is a short, structured conversation with an intellectual property professional to clarify your goals, identify urgent risks and map the next steps. It helps you evaluate whether to proceed, what specialist you need (IP lawyer, patent/trade marks attorney, or both) and the likely scope and cost.
- Initial triage of the issue and deadlines (for example, trade mark opposition, PCT/patent priority, design filing windows, takedown timing)
- High-level assessment of options: protect, enforce, defend, license, assign or rebrand
- Outline of the best next action: search, filing, response to a letter, negotiation or evidence collection
- Costing model and timeline for the next step (fixed fee, cap or hourly)
Important: a free consultation is not full legal advice or document drafting. Formal advice usually follows a conflict check, engagement and review of your documents.
Compare free consultation options
| Option | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| 10–15 min phone triage | Quick risk check or referral | Identify deadlines, fit for service, next step and estimate |
| 20–30 min video consult | Moderate complexity or multiple questions | Screen-share brief docs, outline strategy and likely costs |
| Fixed-fee strategy session | Deeper review before action | Targeted advice, tailored plan, written summary (often credited to next stage) |
Firms structure free time differently. Some offer a short call, then a discounted strategy session for clearance searches, letter reviews or filing pathways. Ask what is included and whether the fee is creditable if you proceed.
IP lawyer costs and typical fees in Australia
After the free consultation, most IP work moves to fixed fees or scoped estimates. Indicative professional fee ranges (ex GST and official fees):
- Trade mark filing (1 class, standard): $400–$1,200 + IP Australia fees
- Trade mark clearance search + advice: $450–$1,200
- Provisional patent drafting (simple–moderate): $2,500–$7,500
- Standard patent pathway (to acceptance, complexity dependent): $8,000–$20,000+
- Design application (single design): $750–$2,500 + official fees
- Copyright/licensing advice or contract review: $300–$1,000+
- Cease and desist letter (prepare/respond): $600–$2,500+
- Opposition or enforcement steps: varies; staged budgets are common
Official fees change periodically—check IP Australia for current schedules. Ask for a written scope, inclusions/exclusions and how disbursements are billed.
Common intellectual property issues
Topics people ask first
- Trade mark availability, classes and filing (including Madrid Protocol)
- Cease and desist letters—sending or responding
- Brand clearance and rebrand risk
- Patentability, novelty and priority dates (PCT timelines)
- Design registration strategy and timing
- Copyright ownership, licensing and online takedowns
- Assignments, NDAs and commercialisation agreements
- Domain and social handle disputes (auDRP and platform policies)
Why early action matters
IP is deadline-driven. Missing a priority date, opposition window or response deadline can weaken a case or increase cost. Evidence of first use, proper class selection and careful correspondence can dramatically shift outcomes.
A short, well-prepared free consultation helps you choose the best path before you commit spend.
Documents and information to have ready
Your consultation is more effective if key details are on hand:
- Brand, product or invention name; logo files; screenshots/URLs
- Dates of first use, publication or disclosure; any NDAs signed
- Any searches (trade mark, patent, design) already run
- Draft or existing applications, office actions or IP Australia letters
- Cease and desist letters, emails, takedown notices or invoices
- Contracts: creator agreements, assignments, licences, distribution
- Invention disclosure notes, drawings and photographs
Typical IP matter pathways
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Issue triage | Goals, jurisdiction and deadlines identified; conflicts checked; next step proposed. |
| Clearance or review | Searches, risk assessment and strategy (protect, enforce, defend, license or rebrand). |
| Filing or response | Trade mark/design/patent filings or responses to letters/office actions prepared and lodged. |
| Negotiation | Without prejudice dialogue, undertakings, coexistence or licensing explored. |
| Formal process | Opposition, ADR or court proceedings if settlement is not viable or urgency exists. |
Find IP lawyers near you in Australia
Most IP consultations occur by phone or video, so you can work with leading specialists wherever you are. If you prefer local support, IP lawyers and attorneys commonly serve:
- Sydney, NSW
- Melbourne, VIC
- Brisbane, QLD
- Perth, WA
- Adelaide, SA
- Canberra, ACT
- Hobart, TAS
- Darwin, NT
Matters often involve IP Australia, WIPO and, for disputes, the Federal Court or state courts. Choose experience over proximity if your issue is specialised.
IP free consultation FAQ
When should I request a free IP consultation?
As soon as you are considering a name, logo, invention or design—or if you receive a demand letter. Priority dates and opposition windows are strict, so early guidance can save cost and preserve options.
Is a free consultation confidential?
Yes. Reputable firms treat enquiries as confidential and will run a conflict check before discussing details. Engagement is required for formal legal advice.
Will a free consultation solve my issue?
It’s designed to scope the problem and next steps. Complex tasks—clearance searches, drafting, negotiations or filings—usually require a fixed-fee or scoped engagement.
What’s the difference between an IP lawyer and a patent/trade marks attorney?
Attorneys focus on preparing and prosecuting patent, trade mark and design applications. IP lawyers handle disputes, enforcement, contracts and litigation. Many matters benefit from collaboration.
Can I get a written plan or quote after the free call?
Often, yes. Ask for a written scope with inclusions, timeline, fee model and likely disbursements so you can compare options confidently.
Get a free consultation with an IP lawyer
Use the form below to outline your IP question. An Australian team member will confirm deadlines, suggest next steps and provide fee options if you wish to proceed.