Finding the right trademark lawyer in Perth can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. Western Australia's business landscape is unique — driven by mining, resources, agriculture, and a rapidly growing tech and startup scene — and protecting your brand in this market requires legal expertise that understands both local industry dynamics and the national trademark registration framework, as we cover in our guide for startups.
Whether you're a Fremantle craft brewery looking to lock down your brand, a Pilbara mining services company expanding interstate, or a Perth-based tech startup eyeing international markets, having the right trademark lawyer in your corner is essential. This is explored further in our startup trademark guide.
We've researched and compiled this list of the seven best trademark lawyers in Perth and Western Australia for 2026, as explored in our Australian trademark lawyer rankings, based on their expertise, client outcomes, industry reputation, and specialisation in intellectual property law.
What to Look for in a Perth Trademark Lawyer
Before diving into the list, it's worth understanding what separates a good trademark lawyer from a great one in the Western Australian context:
- Deep knowledge of IP law: Trademark law in Australia is governed by the *Trade Marks Act 1995* (Cth), and your lawyer needs to understand every nuance — from registrability assessments to opposition proceedings before IP Australia.
- Industry-relevant experience: Perth's economy is distinct from Sydney's or Melbourne's. Look for lawyers who understand the sectors you operate in.
- Strategic thinking: The best trademark lawyers don't just file applications — they build comprehensive brand protection strategies that account for future growth.
- Transparent pricing: Nobody wants billing surprises. The best firms are upfront about costs and offer fixed-fee arrangements where possible.
- Responsiveness: Trademark matters are often time-sensitive, particularly when dealing with opposition deadlines or enforcement actions.
With those criteria in mind, here are our top seven picks.
1. Wrays
Location: Perth CBD, Western Australia
Website: wrays.com.au
Wrays is arguably the most well-known intellectual property firm in Western Australia, and for good reason. Founded in Perth, the firm has been a cornerstone of IP law in the west for decades and has built a national and international reputation that belies its WA roots.
Their trademark team handles everything from initial availability searches and registration through to enforcement, opposition proceedings, and commercialisation advice. What sets Wrays apart is the depth of their bench — they have dedicated trademark attorneys and lawyers who work exclusively in IP, meaning you're not getting advice from a generalist who dabbles in trademarks on the side.
Wrays is particularly strong in the resources, energy, and technology sectors — industries that dominate the Perth business landscape. They also have significant experience with international trademark portfolios, which is critical for WA businesses looking to expand beyond Australian borders. For more detail, see our guide to international trademark filing.
Best for: Mid-to-large businesses, companies with international trademark needs, and businesses in the resources and technology sectors.
2. Griffith Hack
Location: Perth, with offices nationally
Website: griffithhack.com
Griffith Hack is one of Australia's largest dedicated IP firms, and their Perth office brings national-level expertise to the Western Australian market. As part of the IPH Limited group, they have access to extensive resources and a network that spans the Asia-Pacific region.
Their Perth-based trademark professionals offer the full suite of services: trademark searching, filing, prosecution, opposition, and enforcement. They're also well-regarded for their trademark portfolio management services, making them a strong choice for businesses with multiple brands or product lines that need ongoing strategic oversight.
One of Griffith Hack's strengths is their use of technology in managing trademark portfolios. They offer clients sophisticated monitoring and reporting tools, which can be a significant advantage for businesses that need to keep a close eye on potential infringement across multiple jurisdictions.
Best for: Businesses with complex or multi-jurisdictional trademark portfolios and companies that value technology-driven portfolio management.
3. Kott Gunning
Location: West Perth, Western Australia
Website: kottgunn.com.au
Kott Gunning is a well-established Western Australian law firm with a solid intellectual property practice that deserves more recognition than it sometimes receives. While they're a full-service commercial law firm rather than an IP-only practice, their IP team has genuine depth and a strong track record in trademark matters.
What makes Kott Gunning worth considering is their ability to integrate trademark advice with broader commercial law expertise. If you're dealing with a trademark issue that intersects with corporate law, commercial contracts, or dispute resolution, having a firm that can handle all aspects under one roof is incredibly valuable.
Their team is well-versed in trademark registration, brand protection strategy, and IP dispute resolution. They're also known for being pragmatic and commercially focused — they understand that legal advice needs to serve business objectives, not exist in a vacuum.
Best for: SMEs and mid-market businesses that want trademark advice integrated with broader commercial legal services.
4. Shelston IP
Location: Perth, with offices in Sydney and Melbourne
Website: shelstonip.com
Shelston IP is another heavyweight in the Australian intellectual property space, and their Perth presence gives Western Australian businesses access to one of the country's most experienced IP teams. The firm has been operating for over 100 years, and their trademark practice is among the most respected in Australia.
Shelston IP's trademark lawyers handle the full lifecycle of trademark matters, from clearance searches and registrability advice through to prosecution, oppositions, and enforcement actions. They have particular strength in complex registrability issues — those tricky situations where a trademark might be on the borderline of registrability and you need expert guidance on how to navigate the application through IP Australia.
Their experience across a wide range of industries is also a plus. Whether you're in mining, agriculture, retail, hospitality, or technology, Shelston IP has likely handled trademark matters in your sector before. For more detail, see our food and beverage rankings.
Best for: Businesses facing complex trademark registrability challenges and those wanting a firm with deep historical expertise in Australian IP law.
5. Lawson Lundell (formerly Cullen Macleod)
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Perth-based firms that have built their reputation on the ground in WA offer something that fly-in-fly-out national firms sometimes can't: genuine local knowledge and relationships. Firms with deep roots in the Perth legal community understand the local business ecosystem, the industries that matter here, and the practical realities of operating in Western Australia.
When evaluating locally rooted commercial firms for trademark work, look for teams that combine IP expertise with strong commercial acumen. The best Perth-based firms understand that trademark strategy isn't just about legal protection — it's about supporting business growth, market positioning, and competitive advantage in the WA context.
Best for: Businesses that prioritise working with a locally based firm with strong ties to the WA business community.
6. Davies Collison Cave (DCC)
Location: Perth, with offices nationally and internationally
Website: dcc.com
Davies Collison Cave is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious IP firms, and their Perth office ensures Western Australian clients don't have to look east for top-tier trademark expertise. DCC has been protecting Australian brands since the 19th century, and their trademark practice is among the most comprehensive in the country.
DCC's trademark team offers everything from initial brand clearance and registration strategy through to global portfolio management, opposition and cancellation proceedings, and enforcement. They're particularly well-regarded for their work in international trademark protection, with strong relationships with IP offices and associate firms around the world.
For Perth businesses with ambitions beyond the Australian market — and given WA's strong trade links with Asia, there are many — DCC's international capability is a significant advantage. They can coordinate trademark filings across multiple jurisdictions and provide strategic advice on how to build a global brand protection program.
Best for: Businesses with international expansion plans and those needing sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional trademark portfolio management.
7. Freehills (Herbert Smith Freehills)
Location: Perth CBD, Western Australia
Website: herbertsmithfreehills.com
If you're a large enterprise or a business dealing with high-stakes trademark disputes, Herbert Smith Freehills' Perth office brings the firepower of one of the world's largest law firms to bear on your IP matters. Their intellectual property practice is part of a global network spanning 24 offices across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas.
While HSF is primarily known as a disputes powerhouse, their IP team handles the full range of trademark matters, including registration, portfolio strategy, and commercialisation. Where they truly shine, however, is in contentious trademark matters — opposition proceedings, infringement actions, and complex disputes that require serious litigation capability.
Their Perth office is deeply embedded in the WA resources and energy sectors, so they understand the brand protection challenges facing companies in these industries. They also have strong capabilities in technology, consumer markets, and financial services.
The trade-off with a firm like HSF is cost — their hourly rates reflect their global status, and they're generally not the most cost-effective option for straightforward trademark registrations. But for high-value or complex matters, the investment can be well worth it.
Best for: Large enterprises, high-value trademark disputes, and matters requiring global legal coordination.
How Trademark Registration Works in Australia
For those new to the process, here's a quick overview of how trademark registration works through IP Australia, the government body responsible for administering trademark rights in Australia:
1. Trademark search: Before filing, a comprehensive search should be conducted to identify any existing trademarks that might conflict with yours. This is where a good lawyer adds immediate value — they can assess not just identical marks, but similar marks that might create issues.
2. Application filing: Your trademark application is filed with IP Australia, specifying the classes of goods and/or services you want to protect. Australia uses the Nice Classification system, which divides goods and services into 45 classes.
3. Examination: An IP Australia examiner reviews your application to ensure it meets all requirements under the *Trade Marks Act 1995*. If there are any issues, you'll receive an adverse report and have an opportunity to respond.
4. Acceptance and advertisement: If the application passes examination, it's accepted and advertised in the Australian Official Journal of Trade Marks for a two-month opposition period.
5. Registration: If no opposition is filed (or any opposition is successfully overcome), your trademark proceeds to registration.
The entire process typically takes between seven and twelve months, though it can be longer if complications arise. A registered trademark in Australia is valid for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Perth-Specific Considerations for Trademark Protection
Western Australia presents some unique considerations when it comes to brand protection:
- Resources sector branding: The mining and resources sector is WA's economic backbone, and companies in this space often need to protect specialised technical brands, service marks, and certification marks.
- Export-oriented businesses: WA's strong trade links with Asia mean that many Perth businesses need trademark protection not just in Australia, but in markets like China, Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural considerations: WA businesses should be aware that trademarks containing Indigenous cultural expressions may face additional scrutiny and ethical considerations.
- Geographic indicators: For WA's growing wine, food, and agricultural sectors, understanding the intersection between trademark law and geographic indicators is crucial.
Making Your Decision
Choosing the right trademark lawyer ultimately comes down to matching your specific needs with a firm's strengths. Consider the following:
- Budget: Be realistic about what you can invest. A straightforward trademark registration might cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 in legal fees (plus IP Australia filing fees), while complex matters can run significantly higher.
- Complexity: Simple registrations can be handled by most competent IP lawyers, but if you're facing opposition proceedings, dealing with international filings, or navigating complex registrability issues, you want a specialist.
- Relationship: Trademark protection is an ongoing commitment, not a one-off transaction. Choose a lawyer you can build a long-term relationship with.
- Responsiveness: Before engaging a firm, pay attention to how quickly they respond to your initial enquiry. It's often a reliable indicator of the service level you'll receive as a client.
Each of the seven firms on this list brings genuine expertise to trademark law in Perth and Western Australia. The best choice for you will depend on your industry, the complexity of your needs, your budget, and the kind of relationship you want with your legal adviser.
Protecting your brand is one of the smartest investments any business can make. In a competitive market like Perth — where innovation and enterprise are driving economic diversification — having a skilled trademark lawyer in your corner isn't just good practice. It's essential.
James Whitfield
Legal Industry Analyst
James Whitfield is a freelance legal industry analyst covering the Australian trademark and IP sector. His research draws on publicly available information including firm websites, professional registrations, and published industry data.