From brand proximity disputes to lookalikes, dupes and the growing influence of AI, examine the latest hot topics shaping trade mark and brand protection. Analyse recent cases which consider when brands are “too close”, emerging issues around image and personality rights and the legal risks posed by copycat branding. You will gain practical insights for navigating an increasingly complex brand landscape.  

Presenters

James Lawrence, Partner, Addisons
James has extensive experience advising businesses on the protection, enforcement and commercialisation of intellectual property assets. As a Partner in Addisons’ Intellectual Property team, he specialises in managing complex IP disputes and advises clients across patents, trade marks, copyright, brand protection, trade secrets and portfolio management. James has developed a strong reputation as a leading adviser in contentious intellectual property matters, particularly patent litigation involving life sciences, biotechnology, electronics and high-technology industries. He regularly acts in significant patent infringement and revocation proceedings, trade mark disputes and copyright matters, helping clients navigate commercially critical and technically complex legal challenges. Before joining Addisons, James held partnership and senior roles at Mills Oakley, Piper Alderman, King & Wood Mallesons and Wragge & Co in London. He is also the editor of the Patents chapter in Halsbury’s Laws of Australia and is a frequent writer and presenter on intellectual property developments. James is consistently recognised by leading legal directories, including Best Lawyers, The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Doyle’s Guide and IAM Patent 1000, where he has been recognised among the world’s leading patent professionals since 2018.

Richard Baddeley, Principal, Wrays
Richard has an established track record acting for a range of clients from start-ups to large multinationals which has been built on his reputation as a trusted and experienced business adviser. His background in chemical engineering provides a platform to understanding the technical merits of innovation across a wide range of fields, particularly in the fields of mineral and hydrocarbon resources and processing, both upstream and downstream, environmental engineering and in automotive technology. Richard’s experience includes representing a multinational energy company’s patent and trade mark interests in Australia for over 20 years; completing numerous patent drafting, prosecution and opposition assignments in hydrocarbon exploration and production; extractive metallurgy including biohydrometallurgy, nickel, copper, uranium and gold hydrometallurgy; managing IP assignments in renewable energy and innovative agricultural methods; and pursuing patent, trade mark and design strategies to promote the global interests of an overseas automotive manufacturer. He is a published author and regular presenter on IP topics to corporate, industry, university and professional services audiences in Australia and internationally.