Wrays expands IP service

PATENT and trade mark attorney firm Wrays has extended its services by establishing a law firm specialising in intellectual property in recognition of the increased local demand for IP litigation services.

The group has recruited experienced IP lawyer David Stewart, formerly at Freehills and Minter Ellison, to lead the firm as managing director.

Mr Stewart has extensive experience in intellectual property law, having worked in Hong Kong in anti-counterfeiting and as a lecturer at Murdoch University.

His team comprises solicitors Nada Maltaric, Clarke Drury and consultant, Jim Davies.

The firm is hoping to occupy a strategic niche in the area of domain names and e-commerce.

Mr Stewart said these areas were building in demand as a result of the difficulties experienced in protecting intellectual property on the internet.

"Copyright is the sleeping giant in terms of intellectual property," Mr Stewart said.

A point of difference for Wrays is its intellectual property consultant service, offering expertise in domain names and e-commerce consultancy, catering to the increased demand for legal services in the copyright domain.

Mr Stewart and his team will extend Wrays' legal expertise into the broader commercial context working with strategic advisory, IP management and patent attorney groups across the practice.

Mr Stewart believes the changes will make Wrays more competitive against firms such as Mallon and Co and Elevation Legal, which also focus on IPproperty advice and services.

Mr Stewart suggested Wrays would create a competitive edge with the extension of its services, as the firm would be among the few in Perth to offer both patent services and IP services under the one brand.