Chris Maher
Director & Co-Founder
About
Chris is a senior trade mark practitioner with extensive experience managing large, complex global portfolios and advising major Australian and international brands. He combines in-house experience as sole IP counsel at one of Australia's most valuable companies with private practice leadership at a top-tier international law firm, and now brings that expertise to Markster.
Key experience
- Managed a global trade mark portfolio of approximately 1,100 trade marks across 60+ jurisdictions as sole in-house IP counsel for a major Australian brand
- Led the Brisbane trade marks practice at a top-tier international law firm
- Advised ASX-listed companies and international brands on portfolio management, oppositions, and enforcement
- Designed and implemented portfolio strategies, defensive filing programmes and coordinated rebrands
- Built proprietary automation tools for trade mark watching, evidence collation and reporting
Specialisations
- •Global trade mark portfolio management
- •Trade mark filing strategy and prosecution
- •Trade mark enforcement and oppositions
- •Brand licensing and commercialisation
- •Portfolio audits and rationalisation
Qualifications
- •Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Honours
- •Admitted to practice in Queensland (2013)
- •Admitted to practice in the Federal Courts of Australia
- •Member, Queensland Law Society
Articles by Chris
DIY vs online filing service vs lawyer-led trade mark help
Should you file directly with IP Australia, use an online filing service, or get lawyer-led help? How to choose the right filing path based on your mark, budget and risk profile.
Trade mark basicsI've changed my logo — does my trade mark still protect it?
It depends on how much has changed. Minor tweaks are usually fine, but a significant redesign may leave your brand unprotected. Here's how to tell.
Trade mark basicsShould I register my logo, my name, or both?
If you can only file one trade mark, start with a word mark for a distinctive name or a logo mark for a descriptive one. Here's a practical framework to help you decide.
ApplicationsMy trade mark was rejected as descriptive — what can I do?
A section 41 objection does not have to be the end of the road. Here are the options for overcoming a descriptiveness objection from IP Australia.
ApplicationsHow to overcome a trade mark examination report
Received an examination report from IP Australia? Here are the proven strategies for overcoming objections and getting your trade mark accepted.
ApplicationsWhat is a trade mark examination report?
An examination report from IP Australia means the examiner has raised objections to your trade mark — but most can be overcome. Here's what to expect and how to respond.
MonitoringHow to protect your cosmetics brand from dupes
Cosmetics dupes are a growing threat to beauty brands. Learn how trade mark registration and monitoring can protect your products from copycats.
Trade mark newsFacebook v Clive Palmer - the trade mark showdown over Ausface
Facebook's parent company, Meta Platforms Inc, recently locked horns with Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer’s Mineralogy Pty Ltd....
InternationalHow to register a trade mark in the European Union
A step-by-step guide for Australian businesses on searching, filing, examining, opposing, and renewing an EU trade mark — including costs, lawyer requirements, and practical tips.
InternationalHow to register a trade mark in New Zealand
A step-by-step guide for Australian businesses on searching, filing, examining, opposing, and renewing a New Zealand trade mark — including costs, lawyer requirements, and practical tips.
InternationalHow to register a trade mark in the United States
A step-by-step guide for Australian businesses on searching, filing, examining, opposing, and renewing a US trade mark — including costs, lawyer requirements, and practical tips.
InternationalHow to register a trade mark in the United Kingdom
A step-by-step guide for Australian businesses on searching, filing, examining, opposing, and renewing a UK trade mark — including costs, lawyer requirements, and practical tips.
InternationalHow much does it cost to register a trade mark in New Zealand?
NZ trade mark registration starts from NZ$100 per class with IPONZ. See government fees, filing methods, Madrid Protocol costs, and renewal obligations.
InternationalHow much does it cost to register a trade mark in China?
Chinese trade mark registration starts from CNY 270 per class with CNIPA. See government fees, local agent costs, Madrid Protocol pricing, and what to watch out for.
InternationalHow much does it cost to register an EU trade mark?
EU trade mark registration starts from €850 for the first class with the EUIPO. See government fees, Madrid Protocol costs, and how to protect your brand across 27 EU countries.
InternationalHow much does it cost to register a trade mark in the UAE?
UAE trade mark registration costs from approximately AED 6,850 per class. See government fees, local agent costs, Madrid Protocol pricing, and what makes the UAE unique.
InternationalHow much does it cost to register a trade mark in the UK?
UK trade mark registration starts from £170 for the first class with UKIPO. See government fees, filing methods, Madrid Protocol costs, and renewal obligations.
InternationalHow much does it cost to register a trade mark in the US?
US trade mark registration starts from US$250 per class with the USPTO. See government fees, attorney costs, Madrid Protocol pricing, and maintenance requirements.
EnforcementTrade mark enforcement in Australia: cease and desist letters, oppositions, and court action
Once you have identified trade mark infringement, you need to enforce your rights. Learn how enforcement works in Australia, from cease and desist letters through to court proceedings.
ApplicationsThe benefits of trade mark registration for business owners
Registering a trade mark gives you exclusive rights, stronger enforcement options and long-term brand protection. Here are the key benefits.
Trade mark basicsMomofuku's chili crunch trade mark: the recipe for a spicy PR disaster
When enforcing IP rights, it’s important to keep the potential PR consequences in mind.
Trade mark newsOpenAI’s trade mark troubles - goodbye ChatGPT?
OpenAI has had massive success with ChatGPT, but its trade mark strategy has major problems.
ApplicationsHow much does it cost to register a trade mark in Australia?
Trade mark registration in Australia starts from $250 per class. See IP Australia fees, TM Headstart costs, and typical total filing costs.
ApplicationsHow to register a trade mark in Australia
Everything you need to know about registering a trade mark in Australia — the process, costs, key decisions, and when to get help.
ApplicationsShould you register a trade mark? When it makes sense and when it doesn't
Not every business needs a trade mark registration straight away. Here's how to decide if and when you should apply, and what happens if you don't.
ApplicationsHow to choose the right goods and services for your trade mark application
Your goods and services specification defines the scope of your trade mark rights. This guide explains how to choose the right classes and draft an effective specification — with examples and common mistakes to avoid.