The Honourable David Yates SC, former Judge of the Federal Court of Australia

David Yates was a Judge of the Federal Court of Australia for 15 years, retiring on 30 November 2024.  During his time on the Court, he was one of the National Co-ordinating Judges for the Intellectual Property Practice Area and, for a number of years, one of the Court’s National Appeals Co-ordinating Judges.  Throughout his tenure, he was also one of the Court’s Commercial and Corporations Duty Judges.  Prior to his appointment, he had an extensive practice as a barrister in commercial law, particularly in the fields of intellectual property law and competition law.  He was appointed Senior Counsel in 1997.  He is currently an Associate Member of 5 Wentworth Chambers.

James Lawrence, Partner, ADDISONS

James is a widely respected intellectual property (IP) advisor and litigator.  He helps clients across varying industries identify, protect and enforce their valuable intellectual property.  James is known for his expertise in contentious intellectual property and specialises in managing IP disputes.  He also advises clients on issues involving patents, trade marks, copyright, brand protection, trade secrets and portfolio management.  James’s skills and experience in intellectual property disputes and biotechnology law have been recognised by clients and peers in numerous legal benchmark surveys and directories.  He edits the Patents chapter in Halsbury’s Laws of Australia and regularly publishes and presents on intellectual property issues.  James is the Treasurer of the Copyright Society of Australia.