MinterEllison

Despite the loss of head of IP Lynne Lewis, MinterEllison still has an "excellent" patent team. A client says the team provides "timely and thorough legal advice [which] takes into account the business objectives". Notable practitioners in the team are Robert Cooper, who balances his time between patent and trade mark cases, and Wayne McMaster, who one client describes as a "great strategist [who] keeps business objectives in mind". The client adds that McMaster is "very adept in working with experts and managing litigation". Versatile Shyama Jayaswal is a partner to watch in patents. Another client concludes: "I work with many IP lawyers around the world and the lawyers at MinterEllison, and in particular Wayne McMaster, are within the select few I would consider top-tier."

Backed by some 15 partners, the IP practice at MinterEllison, a full service firm, is known for "excellent legal technical knowledge and media industry experience", remarks a client. Also in the team is Robert Cooper who "gives well-thought-out advice" and copyright specialist John Fairbairn. The firm continues to manage the trade mark portfolio of Qantas. Trade mark attorney Shyama Jayaswal, a nearly two-decade veteran, is entering her third year as a partner with the firm. Lynne Lewis, head of the IP group, has moved to a rival firm.