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?
Understand the difference between a word mark and a logo mark, and how each type of trade mark protects your brand.
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?
When IP Australia examines your trade mark application, they can raise objections on several grounds. Learn about the most common types of objections and what they mean for 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 I need a trademark lawyer or attorney to register a trademark?
Wondering if you need a lawyer or to hire a trademark attorney to register a trademark? Or should you apply for trademark registration yours
EnforcementTrademark infringement - how to identify and stop trade mark infringement
Trademark infringement can impact your brand integrity, customer loyalty, IP and revenue. Here's how to identify and stop infringement.
Trade mark basicsUnderstanding the Australian Trade Mark Registration Process
Understand the trademark registration process and each stage required to successfully register a trade mark in Australia.
MonitoringTrade mark monitoring in Australia: what it is, why it matters, and how to set it up
Your registered trade mark doesn't protect itself. Learn how trade mark monitoring works, what it costs, and how to set up a watching service to catch infringement early.
InternationalWhere should I file my international trademark?
Not sure where you should file your international trademark? We set out some key considerations for choosing the countries in which to file.
InternationalDo I need an international trademark?
Discover if you need an international trademark, the benefits it may provide and the countries in which you should file.
InternationalHow to file an international trademark
Learn how to file your international trademark and what different filing options are available.
InternationalFiling an international trademark - direct or through WIPO? Pros and cons
There are many pros and cons to filing an international trademark directly or through WIPO. Discover which option would suit you best.
ApplicationsHow to choose a good trademark
Learn what makes a good trademark and what to consider before you create and register a trademark.