Two partners join Minter Ellison in Melbourne

Australian law-firm Minter Ellison has boosted its IP team after announcing that a patent and trademark litigator will be joining the firm and bringing a 13-strong team with them.

Wayne McMaster and Robert Cooper (pictured) will join the firm’s Melbourne office as partners.

The pair, who join from King & Wood Mallesons, will also carry across their combined portfolio of work.

John Weber, chief executive partner at Minter Ellison, said the firm is “well positioned” to take the opportunity to grow in areas of strong client demand and was “delighted” to welcome the pair.

“They are senior practitioners who have built a market-leading and widely respected litigation practice focussed on the pharmaceutical sector,” Weber said.

“Their arrival brings a new dimension to our commercial disputes and IP practices and will help to drive growth in those areas by opening up new client and market opportunities."

McMaster (below left) has been a patent attorney for more than 30 years and was head of the IP practice and health & pharma practice at King Wood & Mallesons. He also drafts and negotiates commercial technology agreements for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries."

Cooper (below right) is a registered trademark attorney and handles disputes, licensing issues and trademark registrations.He also has experience in patent disputes in areas including pharmaceutical compounds and processes, mobile telecommunications and consumer goods.

The lawyers joining McMaster and Cooper include a special counsel and three senior associates, as well as paralegals and support personnel.