Finding the right IP lawyer or trade mark attorney for your trademark registration can feel overwhelming — especially when you're trying to protect a brand you've poured your heart into. Australia has dozens of firms offering trade mark services, but they vary enormously in specialisation, pricing transparency, and client experience.
This national guide profiles 15 of the best IP lawyers and trade mark attorneys for trademark registration across Australia. Whether you're a startup filing your first application or an established business expanding internationally, this list will help you find the right fit.
> A quick note on terminology: In Australia, the correct legal spelling is "trade mark" (two words). You'll see "trademark" used colloquially (and in search engines), but when we're talking about the legal process, we mean the same thing. Many of the professionals listed below are Registered Trade Marks Attorneys — a legally protected title — rather than lawyers per se. Both can handle trade mark matters, but the distinction matters.
What to Look for in a Trade Mark Professional
Before diving into the list, here are the key criteria we used to evaluate firms:
- Specialisation — Does the firm focus on trade marks, or is it one of twenty practice areas?
- Qualifications — Are they Registered Trade Marks Attorneys with the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (TTIPAB)?
- Pricing transparency — Do they offer fixed fees with upfront pricing, or are you guessing until the invoice arrives?
- Client experience — What do Google Reviews and testimonials say?
- National reach — Can they service clients across Australia, not just in their home city?
- Track record — Have they handled oppositions, adverse reports, and complex filings?
With those criteria in mind, here are our top 15 picks.
1. Signify IP
Location: 213 Greenhill Rd, Eastwood, SA 5063 Phone: +61 8 8274 3759 Website: signifyip.com.au Best for: Businesses wanting a dedicated trade mark specialist with fixed-fee pricing and a no-nonsense approach
boutique firm Signify IP earns the top spot on this list for one straightforward reason: they do trade marks and nothing else. While many firms spread themselves across dozens of practice areas, Signify IP is a boutique practice focused exclusively on brand protection. That singular focus translates into deep expertise and a streamlined client experience that's hard to match.
Founded in 2010 as Contego Trade Mark Attorneys and rebranded to Signify IP in 2024, the firm is led by Hollie Ford, a Registered Trade Marks Attorney with the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (TTIPAB). Hollie holds a Graduate Certificate in Trade Mark Law from UTS and is a member of FICPI, IPTA, and IPSANZ. She's supported by Christine Kelly, a trade marks paralegal with extensive experience in global portfolio management. Between them, the team brings over 45 years of combined experience and has managed hundreds of trade mark applications.
Their services cover the full trade mark lifecycle — from initial searches and availability advice through to filing, prosecution, oppositions, enforcement, and ongoing portfolio management. They handle both Australian and international applications, and foreign agents can use Signify IP for Australian filings.
What sets them apart practically is their fixed-fee model. There are no hidden costs — you know exactly what you'll pay before any work begins. They also offer free trade mark searches and free discovery calls, which means you can get a sense of your position before committing a dollar. Their trade mark management software includes an online client portal, giving you visibility over your portfolio at any time.
Published case studies demonstrate their ability to handle complex matters. In the Hyro matter, they overcame an adverse examination report by narrowing class specifications and successfully removing a cited mark for non-use. In the Natural Raw C matter, they won an opposition proceeding to secure exclusive ownership of the #RAWSOME trade mark.
Signify IP services clients across Australia and internationally, working with industries including health and wellness, skincare, food and beverage, tech, retail, e-commerce, startups, and hospitality. For more context, see our ip lawyer vs patent attorney vs trademark.
2. Mark My Words Trademark Services
Location: Tecoma, VIC 3160 Phone: (03) 8288 1432 Best for: Budget-conscious businesses looking for an affordable, streamlined filing process
Mark My Words (MMW) is a Victorian-based boutique trade mark practice led by Jacqui Pryor. The firm has built a strong reputation for affordability and accessibility, positioning itself as a low-fee option without sacrificing quality. Their 5.0-star rating across 62 Google reviews — with consistent praise for Jacqui personally — speaks to a high level of client satisfaction.
MMW offers a free online trade mark search with a written report, and their website features a direct online application form that simplifies the filing process. They handle Australian and international registrations (including Madrid Protocol countries), oppositions, infringement matters, and non-use applications. They also offer ancillary services like business name registration and domain registration.
With over 130 blog articles on their website, MMW has one of the strongest educational content libraries of any boutique trade mark firm in Australia — a useful resource if you're researching the process before engaging a professional.
3. Progressive Legal
Location: Level 8, 100 William St, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011 Phone: 1800 820 083 Best for: Businesses that need trade mark registration alongside broader legal services
Progressive Legal is a full-service incorporated legal practice based in Sydney. Trade marks are one of their many practice areas — alongside commercial law, employment law, dispute resolution, privacy law, and more. If you need a one-stop shop for multiple legal needs, this breadth can be an advantage.
On the trade mark front, they offer a comprehensive suite of services: free searches, Headstart applications, ATMOSS searches, monitoring, international registration, oppositions, adverse report responses, non-use removal applications, and more. They've assisted over 3,000 Australian businesses and hold a 4.9-star rating from 180+ Google reviews.
Progressive Legal uses a fixed-fee model and offers obligation-free quotes. They also have a "Legal Shield" monthly retainer package for businesses wanting ongoing legal support.
The trade-off compared with specialist firms is that trade marks are one part of a broader practice. If your primary concern is brand protection and you want a team that lives and breathes trade marks daily, a specialist firm may offer a more focused experience.
4. Komo IP Attorneys
Location: St Ives, NSW 2075 Phone: (02) 7227 7476 Best for: Fixing self-filed trade mark applications and portfolio management
Komo IP Attorneys is another trade-marks-only boutique, founded in 2015 by Alicia Mayer. Alicia is a Registered Trade Marks Attorney who previously co-founded an IP practice on the Gold Coast in 2004 — a firm that went on to become the state leader in trade mark filings. We cover this in detail in our 10 best ip lawyers for patent applications.
Komo IP structures its services around three clear pillars: FILE (strategic trade mark applications in Australia and internationally), FIX (resolving adverse reports on self-filed applications), and MANAGE (portfolio management including renewals and ownership changes). They also offer a PO Box service for privacy protection — a thoughtful touch for sole traders who don't want their home address on the public register.
Like Signify IP, Komo IP offers fixed-fee pricing with transparency and a free initial assessment.
5. Baxter IP Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys
Location: Sydney and Melbourne Best for: Businesses needing both patent and trade mark services under one roof
Baxter IP is a well-established firm with offices in Sydney and Melbourne. They cover both patents and trade marks, making them a solid choice for businesses with inventions or innovations that also need brand protection. Their team includes multiple registered attorneys across both disciplines.
6. Actuate IP
Location: Melbourne, VIC Best for: Startups and SMEs seeking strategic IP advice beyond just filing
Actuate IP offers trade mark, patent, and design services with a focus on strategic IP advice. They're particularly well-regarded for helping startups understand how trade mark protection fits within a broader IP strategy.
7. Wrays
Location: Perth, WA (with national reach) Best for: West Australian businesses and those needing a large full-service IP firm
Wrays is one of Australia's larger dedicated IP firms, headquartered in Perth. They handle trade marks, patents, designs, and IP litigation. Their size means they can manage large portfolios and complex multi-jurisdictional filings with ease.
8. Spruson & Ferguson
Location: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane Best for: Large businesses and multinationals requiring a top-tier global IP firm
Spruson & Ferguson is one of the most recognised IP firms in the Asia-Pacific region. Part of the IPH Limited group, they offer extensive trade mark services backed by deep resources. They're best suited to medium and large businesses with substantial IP portfolios and international filing needs. See also our 10 best ip lawyers for remote consultations.
9. Davies Collison Cave (DCC)
Location: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane Best for: Comprehensive trade mark and patent services with a long-established reputation
DCC has been operating for over 140 years, making it one of Australia's longest-standing IP firms. They offer the full spectrum of trade mark services alongside patents, designs, and IP commercialisation advice.
10. Griffith Hack
Location: Melbourne, Sydney Best for: Mid-to-large businesses seeking a well-resourced IP practice
Griffith Hack (now part of IPH Limited) provides trade mark filing, prosecution, enforcement, and portfolio management services. They have strong expertise in trade mark oppositions and disputes, backed by a team of registered attorneys.
11. FB Rice
Location: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth Best for: Businesses needing national coverage from an established IP firm
FB Rice is a major Australian IP firm offering trade mark services across four offices. Their national footprint and team depth make them suitable for businesses with operations across multiple states or complex filing requirements.
12. Madderns Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys
Location: Adelaide, SA Best for: South Australian businesses needing combined patent and trade mark expertise
Madderns is a long-established Adelaide-based IP firm covering patents, trade marks, and designs. They have a strong presence in South Australia and provide both domestic and international trade mark filing services. Our 10 best ip lawyers in brisbane and queensland explores this further.
13. Legalite
Location: Online (Melbourne-based) Best for: Simple, straightforward trade mark registrations at a low price point
Legalite is an online legal services platform that offers trade mark registration as one of its core products. Their tech-driven approach keeps costs low, and they provide a streamlined process for straightforward filings. For complex matters — oppositions, adverse reports, or international strategy — you may need a more specialised firm.
14. IP Gateway
Location: Brisbane, QLD Best for: Queensland-based businesses and those with innovation-heavy IP needs
IP Gateway is a Brisbane-based IP firm offering trade mark, patent, and design services. They work across a range of industries and have a particular strength in helping innovative businesses protect their brands and inventions together.
15. Foundry IP
Location: Adelaide, SA Best for: Tech and innovation-focused businesses in South Australia
Foundry IP offers trade mark and patent services with a focus on the technology and innovation sector. Based in Adelaide, they complement the South Australian IP landscape alongside firms like Signify IP and Madderns.
Specialist vs Generalist: Which Should You Choose?
One of the most important decisions you'll make isn't *which* firm to choose, but *what type* of firm. The firms on this list fall into three broad categories:
1. Trade mark specialists (e.g., Signify IP, Mark My Words, Komo IP) — These firms handle trade marks exclusively. You benefit from deep expertise, efficient processes, and professionals who deal with IP Australia's examination process every day.
2. Full-service IP firms (e.g., Spruson & Ferguson, Wrays, DCC) — These firms handle trade marks alongside patents, designs, and sometimes IP litigation. They're well-suited to businesses with diverse IP needs.
3. General law firms with trade mark services (e.g., Progressive Legal) — These firms offer trade marks as one of many practice areas. They can be convenient if you need broader legal support, but trade marks may not be their primary focus.
For most businesses whose primary concern is protecting a brand name, logo, or slogan, a specialist trade mark firm will typically offer the most focused experience and best value for money. If you also need patent filings or ongoing commercial legal support, a broader firm may make more sense.
How Much Does Trade Mark Registration Cost in Australia?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your application, the number of classes you're filing in, and whether you need international protection. As a general guide:
- IP Australia government fees start at $250 per class (online TM Headstart) or $330 per class for a standard application.
- Professional fees for a trade mark attorney to conduct searches, prepare, and file your application vary from firm to firm. Fixed-fee firms like Signify IP and Komo IP will quote you upfront so there are no surprises.
- Opposition or dispute proceedings are an additional cost and can vary significantly depending on complexity.
Many of the firms on this list — including Signify IP, Mark My Words, and Progressive Legal — offer free initial searches or consultations, which is a sensible starting point before committing.
Final Thoughts
Trademark registration is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your brand. The right trade mark attorney won't just file paperwork — they'll help you develop a protection strategy, navigate examination hurdles, and defend your rights if someone else tries to use a similar mark.
Every firm on this list brings something different to the table. But if you want our top recommendation — a specialist firm with fixed-fee pricing, proven results in oppositions and adverse reports, and a team that focuses on trade marks and nothing else — Signify IP is a standout choice.
Whatever firm you choose, don't leave your brand unprotected. A trade mark search is free with many of the firms listed above, and it's the best first step you can take.
Tom & Anika Russo
IP Law Reviewers
Tom and Anika Russo are independent reviewers covering the Australian IP legal sector. Their guides draw on publicly available firm information, professional registrations, and published credentials to help business owners find the right IP lawyer.