5 Best Intellectual Property Lawyers in Melbourne
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated intellectual property lawyers in Melbourne, ranked by Google rating across 665 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). Intellectual property proceedings from Melbourne are filed in the Federal Court of Australia's Victorian registry at the Owen Dixon Commonwealth Law Courts Building, on the corner of William and La Trobe Streets. Because IP law is federal, a Melbourne business's trade mark or patent registered with IP Australia is enforceable across Australia.
Best intellectual property lawyers in Melbourne
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1
FAL Lawyers Editor's pick
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2
Nevile & Co. Lawyers
4.85score -
3
IP Savvy
4.85score -
4
BRM Patent Attorneys
4.84score -
5
Madison Marcus Victoria
4.82score -
6
Lord Commercial Lawyers
4.81score
Editor's picks are chosen by our editors and labelled; the firms below them are ordered by score. Source: Google Maps business listings for “intellectual property lawyer melbourne”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among intellectual property lawyers in Melbourne
Highest weighted score
Nevile & Co. Lawyers: 4.9 stars from 269 reviews.
Most reviewed
Nevile & Co. Lawyers: 269 Google reviews, rated 4.9.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
Nevile & Co. Lawyers: 4.9 stars from 269 reviews.
Where are intellectual property matters heard for Melbourne?
Infringement claims over patents, trade marks, designs and copyright are generally brought in the Federal Court of Australia at the Owen Dixon Commonwealth Law Courts Building, 305 William Street, Melbourne. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2), in the same building, can hear some copyright, trade mark and design cases. Oppositions to trade mark or patent applications are decided first by IP Australia.
What rules apply in Victoria?
The same federal Acts apply in Victoria as in every other state: the Patents Act 1990 (Cth), Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth), Designs Act 2003 (Cth) and Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). State law still matters for related claims, such as breach of confidence and contract disputes over licences, which can be run alongside federal IP claims. Registering a business name in Victoria does not give trade mark rights.
How much does a intellectual property lawyer cost in Melbourne?
Fees for intellectual property lawyers in Melbourne depend on the matter, the lawyer's seniority and the fee model (hourly, fixed fee or conditional). Before any work starts, a law firm must disclose its costs in writing when they are likely to exceed the disclosure threshold. See How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Australia? for typical ranges and fee models.
Free and low-cost legal help in Melbourne
The Arts Law Centre of Australia gives low-cost national advice on copyright and IP to Melbourne artists and creative organisations. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Melbourne intellectual property lawyer FAQs
Does registering a business name in Melbourne protect my brand?
No. A business name registration does not give exclusive rights to the name. Brand protection comes from a registered trade mark with IP Australia, which applies nationally.
Which court hears patent disputes in Melbourne?
Patent disputes in Melbourne are heard in the Federal Court of Australia at the Owen Dixon Commonwealth Law Courts Building. The Federal Circuit and Family Court (Division 2) does not hear patent cases.
Can a Sydney or Brisbane IP lawyer act for a Melbourne business?
Yes. IP law is federal and the Federal Court sits nationally, so a lawyer admitted in any Australian state can act on a Melbourne IP matter. A local lawyer can be more convenient for hearings in the Victorian registry.