Tom Cordiner KC holds the dual qualification of barrister and registered patents and trade mark attorney

After a short stint as a molecular geneticist in the mid 1990’s, Tom has, since 1998, specialised in all aspects of intellectual property law.  He was admitted to the bar in 2003 and appointed silk in 2016. 

Tom commonly appears in the Federal Court of Australia in trials and appeals throughout Australia, and from time to time the Patents Office and Trade Marks Office.  He appears for, and advises, a broad range of clients in all kinds of industries including pharmaceutical, mining, automotive, agricultural, information technology/telecommunications, wagering, and fashion. 

Tom has appeared in a number of leading intellectual property cases, is often called on to speak at or chair intellectual property seminars, and also mediates intellectual property disputes.

Tom contributes to IPForum each quarter and is the author of Patent Infringement in Lahores, published by Lexis Nexis.  

Tom has the current highest ranking (band 1) in the Chambers and Partners’ Asia-Pacific Guide for “Intellectual Property: The Bar – Australia” and the highest ranking (preeminent) in the Doyles’ Guide for “Leading Intellectual Property Senior Counsel” in both Australia and Victoria for a number of years: “Leading Intellectual Property Law Senior Counsel – Victoria, 2024”; “Leading Intellectual Property Law Senior Counsel – Australia, 2023". He has also been ranked in Doyles’ Guide for “Leading Technology, Media & Telecommunications Senior Counsel” in Australia and Victoria, most recently the highest ranking in Victoria for 2024.

Tom is enrolled as a barrister of the High Court of New Zealand.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation

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