Kate McAlister
Director & Co-Founder
About
Kate is an intellectual property and technology lawyer with a decade of experience in trade mark strategy, portfolio management and commercialisation. She advises clients ranging from startups to ASX-listed companies, working as an extension of in-house legal and brand teams. Kate brings top-tier law firm experience and a deep understanding of global portfolio management across diverse industries.
Key experience
- Manages a portfolio of 300+ trade marks across 45+ jurisdictions for a global ASX-listed technology company
- Previously the sole specialised IP lawyer in the Digital and Technology Law team at a Big Four professional services firm
- Trade mark and technology lawyer at a top-tier international law firm, advising ASX 200 companies on branding and international expansion
- Coordinated and lectured in IP at a leading Australian university
- Advises a range of large corporate clients on branding strategy, international portfolio expansion and enforcement
Specialisations
- •Global trade mark portfolio management
- •Trade mark strategy and brand protection
- •Trade mark enforcement, oppositions and takedowns
- •IP commercialisation and licensing
- •Coexistence arrangements
Qualifications
- •Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- •Admitted to practice in Queensland (2016)
- •Admitted to practice in the Federal Courts of Australia
- •Member, Queensland Law Society
Articles by Kate
Are those trade mark registration emails a scam?
Received an urgent email from a 'trade mark lawyer' about a conflicting trade mark? It's almost certainly a scam. Here's what to look for.
Trade mark basicsHow long does a trade mark registration last?
Trade mark registrations in Australia last 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. Here's what you need to know.
Trade mark basicsWord mark vs logo mark: what's the difference?
A word mark protects your brand name in any visual form. A logo mark protects a specific design. Here's what each covers legally and where the protection gaps lie.
ApplicationsWhat does evidence of use involve for a trade mark?
If IP Australia raises a distinctiveness or conflicting mark objection, evidence of use can help you overcome it. Learn what to include in your statutory declaration and how to get it right.
ApplicationsWhat types of objections can IP Australia raise?
IP Australia can raise objections on several grounds, from descriptiveness to conflicting marks. Here's what each type means and how it affects your application.
Trade mark newsCosmetic Market Intelligence - Q4 2024
Markster's cosmetic market intelligence report uses trade mark data to highlight trends, opportunities and market shifts in the industry.
ApplicationsDo you need a trade mark lawyer to file your application?
You don't legally need a lawyer to file a trade mark, but the risk of getting it wrong can cost more than professional help. Here's how DIY, online filing, and lawyer-led options compare.
EnforcementTrade mark infringement: how to identify it, what to do, and how to protect your brand
Trade mark infringement occurs when someone uses a mark that is identical or deceptively similar to yours for related goods or services. Learn how to spot it, what steps to take, and how to protect your business.
ApplicationsThe trade mark registration process in Australia: steps and timeline
A clear breakdown of each stage of the Australian trade mark registration process, from filing to registration, including timelines and what to expect.
MonitoringTrade mark monitoring: what it is, how it works, and what it costs
A trade mark monitoring service watches registers for new applications that could conflict with your brand. Learn what it costs, how it works, and whether you need a watch service or can do it yourself.
InternationalWhere should I file my international trade mark?
How to prioritise countries for international trade mark filing, including key factors like business presence, manufacturing, online sales, competitors and enforcement strength.
InternationalDo I need an international trade mark?
Find out when international trade mark protection makes sense for your business, the risks of not filing, and how timing affects your options.
InternationalHow to file an international trade mark
A complete guide to filing international trade marks, covering direct filing vs the Madrid Protocol, costs, timing, and key considerations for protecting your brand overseas.
InternationalDirect filing vs the Madrid Protocol: which is right for your international trade mark?
A detailed comparison of filing your international trade mark directly in each country versus using the Madrid Protocol through WIPO, including costs, pros, cons and when each approach is better.
ApplicationsHow to choose a strong trade mark
A practical guide to choosing a trade mark that is distinctive, registrable, and enforceable — covering the spectrum of distinctiveness, clearance searches, and common mistakes to avoid.