RichardHoad

Richard Hoad has nearly 25 years of experience advising clients in intellectual property (IP) and technology disputes and transactions.

Richard's practice focuses on dispute resolution in intellectual property, technology, franchising, and competition and consumer law matters. He also assists clients in responding to regulatory investigations in these areas.

Richard has advised clients in contentious patent matters across a broad spectrum of industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemicals, engineering, mining, safety equipment, genetically modified crops, motor vehicles, textiles, consumer goods, electronic devices, payment systems, and information systems.

Richard also has extensive experience in contentious trademark, passing off, trade secrets, registered design, copyright, consumer law, and franchising matters.

In addition to his contentious IP practice, Richard advises clients on intellectual property and technology transactions, the protection of intellectual property rights and trade secrets, trademark prosecution, and compliance with the Australian Consumer Law and the Franchising Code of Conduct. He also assists clients with the negotiation and drafting of research, collaboration, commercialization, franchise, distribution, and licensing agreements.

Richard was called to give evidence as an independent expert witness on Australian trademark and contract law in proceedings before the High Court in Singapore. His contentious and noncontentious intellectual property experience has been recognized in Chambers, The Legal 500, IP Stars, IAM Patent 1000, World Trademark Review's WTR 1000, Best Lawyers, AsiaLaw, and Doyle's Guide.

Richard is currently chair of the Intellectual Property Committee of the Law Council of Australia and is convenor of the Designs Subcommittee.