Top 10 Trademark Lawyers in Melbourne (2026 Rankings)

Melbourne has long been Australia's most competitive market for intellectual property law. With the city home to some of the nation's largest brand-driven industries — from fashion and food to fintech and pharmaceuticals — securing the right trademark lawyer isn't just advisable, it's essential. Whether you're a startup founder lodging your first trade mark application or a multinational defending against infringement, the quality of legal counsel you engage can make or break your brand protection strategy, as we cover in our guide for startups.

In this 2026 edition of our annual rankings, we've assessed Melbourne's trademark legal landscape to identify the ten practitioners and firms that consistently deliver outstanding results for their clients. Our methodology considers factors including successful registration rates, opposition and dispute outcomes, client testimonials, industry recognition, specialisation depth, and overall reputation within the Australian IP community.

How We Ranked Melbourne's Top Trademark Lawyers

Before diving into the list, it's worth understanding what separates a competent trademark lawyer from an exceptional one. Australia's trade mark system, governed by the *Trade Marks Act 1995* (Cth) and administered by IP Australia, demands practitioners who understand not just the letter of the law but also the strategic nuances of brand protection.

Our evaluation criteria included:

• Registration success rates — How effectively does the lawyer guide applications through examination and secure registration?
• Opposition and dispute track record — What is their win rate in contested proceedings before the Trade Marks Office and the Federal Court of Australia?
• Client portfolio and diversity — Do they serve a broad range of industries, or have they carved out a valuable niche?
• Peer recognition — Are they recognised by bodies such as the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA), World Trademark Review (WTR), and other industry benchmarks?
• Client feedback — What do actual clients say about their experience, responsiveness, and value for money?
• Strategic advisory capability — Do they go beyond filing to provide holistic brand protection strategies, including international portfolio management?

With those criteria in mind, here are our top 10 trademark lawyers in Melbourne for 2026. For more detail, see our definitive 2026 rankings.

1. Shelston IP

Shelston IP continues to occupy the top tier of Melbourne's trademark landscape. As one of Australia's oldest and most established IP firms, Shelston brings an unmatched depth of experience to trade mark prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management. Their Melbourne team handles everything from straightforward registrations to complex multi-jurisdictional disputes, and their attorneys are consistently recognised in global directories including WTR 1000.

What sets Shelston apart is their ability to integrate trade mark strategy with broader IP considerations — including patents and designs — giving clients a cohesive approach to protecting their innovations and brands. Their client roster spans ASX-listed companies, international brands entering the Australian market, and high-growth SMEs.

2. Davies Collison Cave (DCC)

Davies Collison Cave is a heavyweight in Australian IP, and their Melbourne headquarters remains a go-to destination for complex trademark matters. DCC's trade marks team is one of the largest dedicated groups in the country, offering cradle-to-grave services from clearance searches and filing through to Federal Court litigation.

Their strength in contentious matters is particularly notable. DCC's lawyers and attorneys have been involved in some of the most significant trade mark disputes in Australian legal history, and their opposition success rate is among the highest in Melbourne. For clients who need a firm that can handle volume without sacrificing quality, DCC consistently delivers.

3. Wrays

Wrays has expanded its Melbourne presence significantly in recent years, and the results speak for themselves. Known for combining legal rigour with genuine commercial pragmatism, Wrays' trade marks team excels at helping clients understand not just *what* to protect, but *why* and *how* to prioritise their brand assets.

Their attorneys are particularly well-regarded for international portfolio management, helping Australian businesses expand their trade mark protection into key overseas markets through the Madrid Protocol and direct national filings. Wrays' collaborative culture means clients benefit from cross-disciplinary insights, and their responsiveness has drawn consistently positive feedback.

4. Griffith Hack

Griffith Hack has been a fixture of Melbourne's IP scene for decades, and their trade marks practice continues to evolve with the market. The firm is particularly strong in sectors where branding and innovation intersect — think biotechnology, medical devices, and technology — making them a natural choice for clients whose trade mark needs are intertwined with patent and regulatory considerations.

Their Melbourne team includes several practitioners recognised in the WTR 1000 and Managing Intellectual Property's IP Stars rankings. Griffith Hack's investment in technology-driven search and monitoring tools also gives their clients an edge in identifying potential conflicts early.

5. Spruson & Ferguson

As part of the IPH Limited group, Spruson & Ferguson offers something few Melbourne firms can match: a genuinely integrated Asia-Pacific practice. For businesses whose trade mark strategies extend beyond Australia into Southeast Asia, China, and the broader region, Spruson & Ferguson provides seamless coordination across multiple jurisdictions.

Their Melbourne practitioners are experienced across the full spectrum of trade mark work, from initial clearance and prosecution to enforcement and commercialisation. The firm's long history — stretching back to 1887 — provides a foundation of institutional knowledge that benefits clients navigating complex or precedent-setting matters.

6. FB Rice

FB Rice strikes an appealing balance for many Melbourne clients: the resources and expertise of a major IP firm, combined with a service model that feels personal and accessible. Their trade marks team has earned a strong reputation for being proactive rather than reactive, helping clients anticipate potential issues before they escalate into costly disputes.

The firm is particularly well-regarded for its work with emerging brands and creative industries, including fashion, food and beverage, and entertainment. Their attorneys take the time to understand each client's commercial objectives, ensuring that trade mark strategies are aligned with broader business goals. This is explored further in our guide for food & beverage brands.

7. Holding Redlich

Holding Redlich brings a different perspective to this list as a full-service commercial law firm with a dedicated and highly capable IP practice. Where many of the firms ranked above are specialist IP firms, Holding Redlich's strength lies in the intersection of trade mark law with broader commercial, corporate, and competition law.

This makes them particularly valuable for clients dealing with complex enforcement scenarios — including cases involving Australian Consumer Law, passing off, and misleading or deceptive conduct claims that run alongside trade mark infringement. Their litigation team has appeared in numerous significant Federal Court matters, and their strategic advice is informed by a comprehensive understanding of the commercial landscape.

8. Pizzeys (now part of IPH)

Pizzeys has built a loyal client base in Melbourne by delivering reliable, efficient trade mark prosecution services at competitive price points. Now operating as part of the IPH group, the firm retains its client-focused culture while benefiting from the resources and networks of a larger organisation.

They're an excellent choice for SMEs and mid-market businesses that need dependable trade mark advice without the premium pricing of the largest firms. Pizzeys' attorneys are known for their thoroughness in conducting clearance searches and their skill in navigating examination reports — resulting in strong first-time acceptance rates.

9. K&L Gates (Melbourne)

K&L Gates' Melbourne office provides access to one of the world's largest law firm networks, making it a natural choice for multinational corporations managing trade mark portfolios across dozens of jurisdictions. Their Australian IP team works seamlessly with colleagues in the United States, Europe, and Asia to deliver coordinated global brand protection strategies.

The Melbourne team is particularly experienced in trade mark due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, brand licensing, and franchise-related IP matters. For clients whose trade mark needs are inseparable from broader transactional work, K&L Gates offers a compelling integrated service.

10. Watermark Intellectual Asset Management

Rounding out our top 10 is Watermark, a firm that has steadily built its reputation in Melbourne through a focus on treating intellectual property as a genuine business asset rather than merely a legal obligation. Their trade marks team excels at helping clients develop portfolio strategies that maximise the commercial value of their brands.

Watermark's practitioners bring a strong understanding of licensing, franchising, and brand monetisation — areas that are increasingly important as businesses look to extract greater value from their IP portfolios. Their proactive approach to watching services and brand monitoring ensures that clients' marks are defended consistently and efficiently.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Melbourne Trademark Lawyer

Selecting the right trademark lawyer depends heavily on your specific circumstances. Here are some key considerations:

Nature of Your Business

A tech startup with global ambitions will have very different needs to a local hospitality group. Some firms on this list specialise in particular sectors, so alignment with your industry matters.

Domestic vs International Protection

If you're only seeking Australian registration, a domestically focused firm may offer excellent value. If your brand strategy extends internationally, prioritise firms with strong overseas networks or membership in organisations like INTA (International Trademark Association).

Budget and Fee Structure

Trade mark costs in Melbourne vary significantly. Some firms offer fixed-fee packages for straightforward registrations, while others charge on a time-cost basis. For context, see our comparison of fixed-fee firms. Always request a clear estimate upfront and understand what's included.

Prosecution vs Litigation

Not all trademark lawyers are equally skilled at both prosecution (obtaining registrations) and litigation (defending or enforcing them). If you're facing an opposition or infringement dispute, ensure your chosen firm has a proven track record in contested proceedings.

Responsiveness and Communication

Trade mark matters are often time-sensitive — particularly when dealing with deadlines set by IP Australia or responding to potential infringements. Prioritise firms that are known for being responsive and keeping clients informed throughout the process.

The Melbourne Trademark Landscape in 2026

Melbourne's trade mark ecosystem continues to mature. IP Australia's digital transformation has streamlined many aspects of the application process, but this has also lowered barriers to entry for less experienced practitioners. The value of engaging a seasoned trade mark lawyer lies not just in filing an application correctly, but in the strategic thinking that precedes it — conducting thorough clearance searches, selecting the right classes of goods and services, drafting specifications that are both broad enough to provide meaningful protection and specific enough to withstand examination.

The rise of e-commerce and cross-border trade has also made international trade mark strategy more important than ever for Melbourne businesses. The Madrid Protocol remains a cost-effective pathway for seeking protection in multiple countries, but it requires careful planning and an understanding of the nuances of each target jurisdiction, as we cover in our e-commerce trademark rankings.

Meanwhile, enforcement challenges continue to evolve. Online marketplaces, social media platforms, and the growing threat of cybersquatting mean that brand owners need lawyers who understand both traditional enforcement mechanisms and the digital tools available to combat infringement in the modern marketplace.

Final Thoughts

The firms and practitioners listed above represent Melbourne's best when it comes to trade mark law in 2026. Each brings distinct strengths to the table, and the right choice will depend on your specific needs, budget, and strategic objectives.

We recommend reaching out to two or three firms for an initial consultation before making your decision. Most reputable trade mark lawyers will offer an initial discussion at no or minimal cost, giving you the opportunity to assess their expertise, communication style, and fit with your business before committing.

Protecting your brand is one of the most important investments you can make as a business owner. The right Melbourne trademark lawyer will not only help you secure your trade mark rights — they'll help you build a brand protection strategy that supports your business for years to come.

*This article was last updated on 6 January 2026. Rankings are reviewed annually. If you believe a firm should be considered for future editions, please contact our editorial team.*