Thomson Geer is a regular advisor on the full gamut of contentious IP matters, with a focus on representing a wide range of media and entertainment clients. Key names in the team include experienced litigator Peter Le Guay, who leads on trade mark portfolios management issues, ‘stellar operator’ Ben Coogan, who handles alleged patent infringement matters, and Marlia Saunders, assisting with copyright infringement proceedings. The team is also well-equipped to service a range of public sector clients on acquisitions of IP and related due diligence. Kerry Awerbuch joined from Gadens in January 2024.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Marlia Saunders is an exceptional advisor. She is a subject matter expert who is also highly pragmatic and responsive. Marlia has a deep understanding of the various factors an in-house lawyer has to balance, which means her advice is always clear and actionable. She is a stand-out operator and I recommend her unreservedly.’
‘Peter Le Guay is one of the most experienced trade mark litigators in NSW. Especially strong in trade mark protection in consumer and household goods. Backed by a strong team in which Marlia Saunders and Diane Beer stand out.’
‘Ben Coogan is a stellar operator. From what I have observed as a barrister, he is excellent at making the complicated simple, allowing me to understand exactly what is needed from me and nothing more. His pragmatic, down-to-earth approach in advising clients and managing complex litigation makes working on cases with him an absolute pleasure. I would recommend Ben to anyone looking for assistance with litigious intellectual property matters.
- 'Peter Le Guay is a very personable practitioner, with very broad knowledge and experience in the advertising field. From what I have seen he knows his clients very well and has an instinctive understanding of their motivations and needs.'
‘Thomson Geer's IP team are knowledgeable and practical. They bring significant knowledge in the sector that helps ensure that decisions around IP are being made with full consideration of the options and consequences.’
‘Ben Coogan is an excellent practitioner. Someone that you can call and discuss multiple alternatives and their commercial consequences with. Ben has broad knowledge of a complex sector that enables him to provide quality advice on the best approach to resolving an issue.’
‘Kerry Awerbuch's team is incredibly responsive, competent and able to provide commercially-relevant advice on trademark and design matters, all at reasonable rates, which is quite a rare combination.’
‘Thomson Geer has recently added a great deal of expertise to its IP team, with Kerry Awerbuch joining the team in Melbourne. Kerry brings many years of experience to the firm, particularly in trade mark and copyright issues. Kerry is a very hands-on partner, taking a close involvement in matters, but also leading her team with ease and efficiency.’
Key clients
- JSHealth Holdings
- Audio-Visual Copyright Society
- Southern Cross Austereo
- IXUP Limited
- Reckitt
- Solving Plastics Waste CRC
- Queensland University of Technology
- SenSen Networks