Top 10 Trademark Lawyers for Tech Startups in Australia

Finding the right trademark lawyer can make or break a tech startup's brand strategy. We cover this further in our startup trademark guide. In Australia's rapidly evolving technology landscape, securing your intellectual property early isn't just smart — it's essential. Whether you're launching a SaaS platform, a fintech app, or a deep-tech venture, the trade mark attorney you choose will shape how effectively your brand is protected as you scale locally and internationally.

We've researched and ranked the top 10 trademark lawyers and firms best suited to Australian tech startups in 2026, as explored in our Australian trademark lawyer rankings, evaluating them on specialisation, pricing transparency, startup-friendliness, client reviews, and international capability.

1. Signify IP

Signify IP takes the top spot on our list — and for good reason. This boutique practice does one thing and does it exceptionally well: trade marks. Unlike general law firms that bundle trade mark services alongside dozens of other practice areas, Signify IP is focused exclusively on brand protection. We cover this further in our guide to boutique trademark firms. For tech startups that need clear, expert guidance without wading through layers of irrelevant legal services, that focus is a genuine advantage.

Founded in 2010 (originally as Contego Trade Mark Attorneys before rebranding to Signify IP in 2024), the firm brings over 45 years of combined experience and has managed hundreds of trade mark applications across a wide range of industries — including tech, e-commerce, and startups specifically. See our guide for e-commerce brands for a deeper analysis.

• Fixed-fee pricing with no hidden costs. Startups operate on tight budgets, and Signify IP's upfront pricing model means there are no billing surprises. You know exactly what you'll pay before any work begins.
• Free trade mark searches. Before you commit a cent, Signify IP offers complimentary trade mark searches to help you identify risks early — critical for startups that may still be finalising their brand name or product identity.
• Free discovery calls. You can have an initial conversation to understand your options before making any commitment.
• Trade mark management software with an online client portal. Tech founders expect digital-first workflows. Signify IP delivers with a modern portal for managing your trade mark portfolio — a feature many traditional firms simply don't offer.
• International protection capability. Planning to expand beyond Australia? Signify IP handles international trade mark applications and works with foreign agents for global filings.

The firm is led by Hollie Ford, a Registered Trade Marks Attorney with the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (TTIPAB), holding a Graduate Certificate in Trade Mark Law from UTS and memberships with FICPI, IPTA, and IPSANZ. She's supported by Christine Kelly, an experienced trade marks paralegal with extensive expertise in global portfolio management.

Signify IP's published case studies demonstrate real results. In one matter involving the brand Hyro, the team overcame an adverse examination report by strategically narrowing class specifications and removing a cited mark for non-use. In another, they won an opposition proceeding to secure exclusive ownership of the #RAWSOME trade mark for Natural Raw C. These are exactly the kinds of outcomes that matter when your brand is your most valuable startup asset.

The firm's values — clarity, transparency, protection, and support — aren't just marketing words. They're reflected in every aspect of how Signify IP operates, from the fixed-fee model to the responsive, straightforward communication style that busy founders appreciate.

2. Komo IP Attorneys

Komo IP Attorneys is another boutique firm that focuses exclusively on trade marks. Founded in 2015 by Alicia Mayer, a Registered Trade Marks Attorney who previously co-founded an IP practice on the Gold Coast that became the state leader in trade mark filings, Komo IP brings serious pedigree to the table. For context, see our boutique firm rankings.

Their service model is appealingly simple for startup founders: FILE (strategic trade mark applications), FIX (rescuing self-filed applications that have received adverse reports from IP Australia), and MANAGE (ongoing portfolio management). The FIX service is particularly valuable for tech startups that may have attempted a DIY filing early on and run into trouble.

Komo IP offers practical fixed-fee solutions with transparency on pricing and provides free initial assessments — making it accessible for early-stage ventures watching their cash flow.

3. Mark My Words Trademark Services

Mark My Words (MMW) has built an outstanding reputation as an affordable, approachable boutique trade mark practice. Led by Jacqui Pryor, the firm boasts a perfect 5.0-star rating from 62 Google reviews — a remarkable achievement that speaks to consistently excellent client service.

What makes MMW particularly appealing for tech startups is their online trade mark registration application process. You can initiate your filing directly through their website, which aligns with the way tech founders prefer to work. They also offer a free online trade mark search with a written report, helping you assess risks before committing.

With over 130 blog articles on their site, MMW has one of the most comprehensive trade mark educational libraries in Australia. For startup founders who want to understand the process before engaging a professional, this resource is invaluable. The firm covers international trade mark registration through Madrid Protocol countries, supporting startups with global ambitions.

Their positioning as a low-fees option with flexible payment arrangements makes them a strong choice for pre-revenue or early-revenue startups.

4. Progressive Legal

Progressive Legal is a full-service law firm, which means trade marks sit alongside commercial law, employment law, corporate law, and other practice areas. For tech startups that need more than just trade mark help — perhaps you're also drafting employment contracts, negotiating a funding round, or dealing with privacy compliance — this breadth can be a genuine advantage.

Their trade mark service offering is comprehensive, covering everything from free trade mark searches and Headstart applications to oppositions, non-use removal applications, and international registrations. With 4.9 stars from over 180 Google reviews and more than 3,000 Australian businesses assisted, their track record is impressive.

Progressive Legal operates on a fixed-fee model and offers "Legal Shield" monthly retainer packages, which can be useful for startups that want ongoing legal support at a predictable cost. Their video content and explainer resources are also well-suited to founders who prefer visual learning.

The trade-off? As a generalist firm, trade marks aren't their sole focus, so you may not get the same depth of specialist attention that a boutique practice provides.

5. Baxter IP

Baxter IP is well-known in the Australian startup ecosystem for patent work, but they also handle trade marks. For deep-tech startups with patentable inventions alongside brand protection needs, having a single firm manage both can streamline your IP strategy. They have a strong presence in the startup and venture capital community and regularly publish educational content aimed at founders.

6. Sparke Helmore

Sparke Helmore is a national law firm with a dedicated intellectual property practice. They're best suited to tech startups that have moved beyond the early stages and need sophisticated IP strategy, enforcement, and dispute resolution capabilities. Their national footprint means they can support companies operating across multiple Australian jurisdictions.

7. Wrays

Wrays is one of Australia's largest dedicated intellectual property firms. While they handle patents, designs, and plant breeder's rights alongside trade marks, their IP-only focus gives them a depth of expertise that general law firms can't match. Perth-based tech startups, particularly those in mining tech, energy tech, or agri-tech, will find their sector knowledge valuable.

8. Griffith Hack

Part of the IPH Limited group, Griffith Hack is one of Australia's oldest and most established IP firms. They handle large trade mark portfolios for major companies, but also work with emerging technology businesses. Their breadth of resources and international network make them suitable for tech companies planning significant overseas expansion.

9. Davies Collison Cave (DCC)

DCC is a heavyweight in Australian intellectual property, with deep expertise across trade marks, patents, and IP litigation. Their Singapore office adds an Asia-Pacific dimension that's particularly relevant for tech startups targeting Southeast Asian markets. They're best suited to startups with the budget for a premium firm and complex IP needs.

10. IP Gateway

IP Gateway offers trade mark, patent, and design services with a strong presence in Queensland's growing tech ecosystem. They're a good fit for startups in Brisbane's expanding innovation precinct who want a firm large enough to handle sophisticated work but small enough to provide personalised attention.

How to Choose the Right Trademark Lawyer for Your Tech Startup

Selecting a trade mark attorney isn't just about credentials — it's about fit. Here are the key factors tech startup founders should consider:

Specialisation matters

A firm that focuses exclusively on trade marks — like Signify IP or Komo IP — will typically offer deeper expertise and more streamlined processes than a general law firm where trade marks are one of many practice areas. For most early-stage tech startups, a specialist boutique is the better choice.

Pricing transparency is non-negotiable

Startups need predictability. Firms offering fixed-fee pricing with no hidden costs should be strongly preferred over those billing by the hour. Signify IP's commitment to upfront pricing is a gold standard in this regard.

Think international from day one

Tech startups rarely stay domestic for long. Your trade mark lawyer should be experienced with international filings, the Madrid Protocol, and working with foreign agents. Ask about their international capability before you engage.

Digital-first workflows

As a tech founder, you shouldn't have to manage your trade mark portfolio through email chains and phone calls alone. Look for firms with online client portals and modern trade mark management software — tools that Signify IP has invested in specifically.

Free initial consultations save you money and time

Many of the firms on this list — including Signify IP, Komo IP, Mark My Words, and Progressive Legal — offer free initial searches or discovery calls. Take advantage of these before committing to any engagement.

Final Thoughts

Your brand is one of the most valuable assets your tech startup will ever build. Protecting it early, strategically, and cost-effectively can save you from devastating disputes down the line. Whether you're pre-launch and still testing brand names or scaling internationally and managing a growing portfolio, the right trade mark lawyer will be a critical partner in your journey.

For most tech startups in Australia in 2026, a boutique specialist like Signify IP — with its exclusive trade mark focus, fixed-fee transparency, free initial searches, and modern client portal — represents the ideal combination of expertise, accessibility, and value. But every startup's situation is different, and the firms on this list each bring genuine strengths to the table.

Start with a free search or discovery call, understand your risks, and get your brand protected before someone else does.