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
I've changed my logo - does my trade mark still protect it?
If you've updated your logo, your existing trade mark registration may or may not still cover it. Here's how to tell.
Trade mark basicsShould I register my logo, my name, or both?
A practical guide to help you decide whether to register your business name, your logo, or both as a trade mark.
ApplicationsMy trade mark was rejected as descriptive - what can I do?
If IP Australia has raised a Section 41 objection against your trade mark application, here are the options available to you.
ApplicationsHow to overcome a trade mark examination report
Received a trade mark examination report? Here are the strategies you can use to overcome objections and get your trade mark registered.
ApplicationsWhat is a trade mark examination report?
Received an examination report from IP Australia? Learn what it means, the types of objections that can be raised, your options, and how to respond.
MonitoringHow to protect your cosmetics brand from dupes
MCoBeauty has built a billion-dollar business by perfecting the art of cosmetic dupes. Known for replicating viral beauty products, often...
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....
InternationalThe complete guide to trade marks in the European Union
Everything Australian businesses need to know about registering, searching, examining, opposing, and maintaining a trade mark in the EU.
InternationalThe complete guide to trade marks in New Zealand
Everything Australian businesses need to know about registering, searching, examining, opposing, and maintaining a trade mark in New Zealand.
InternationalThe complete guide to trade marks in the United States of America
Everything Australian businesses need to know about registering, searching, examining, opposing, and maintaining a trade mark in the USA.
InternationalThe complete guide to trade marks in the United Kingdom
Everything Australian businesses need to know about registering, searching, examining, opposing, and maintaining a trade mark in the UK.
InternationalHow much does it cost to file a trade mark in New Zealand?
Interested in how much it costs to file a trade mark in New Zealand?
InternationalHow much does it cost to file a trade mark in China?
For an Australian business, the cost to file a trademark in China via the Madrid Protocol starts from around 2,451 AUD. This includes the...
InternationalHow much does it cost to file an EU trade mark?
Interested the cost to register an EU trade mark?
InternationalHow much does it cost to file a trade mark in the UAE?
For an Australian business, the cost to file a trademark in the United Arab Emirates via the Madrid Protocol starts from around 4,542...
InternationalHow much does it cost to file a trade mark in the United Kingdom?
For an Australian business, the cost to file a trademark in the UK via the Madrid Protocol starts from around 2,367 AUD. This includes...
InternationalHow much does it cost to file a trade mark in the United States?
Wondering how much it costs to file a trade mark application in the US?
EnforcementNavigating trade mark infringement and trade mark enforcement in Australia
Trade mark enforcement is essential to stop trade mark infringement. Learn how to enforce your trade mark rights and protect your registered
ApplicationsThe top 10 benefits of trademark registration for business owners
There are many benefits of trademark registration. Learn how registering your trade mark can give your business an advantage.
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 trademark? A full breakdown
See the breakdown of fees and learn how much it costs to register a trademark in Australia.
ApplicationsTrade mark registration: How to register a trademark in Australia and protect your business
A step-by-step guide on how to file a trademark application in Australia.
ApplicationsShould I apply for a trademark registration? Expert insights
A trademark application should be filed when the risk of infringement to your business outweighs the cost of applying to register the...
ApplicationsChoosing the right goods and services for your trademark application
Choosing the goods and services for your trademark application can be tricky but it's important to get right.