Rachel Guthrie Lawyer
BPA, LL.B

Rachel Guthrie is an intellectual property (IP) and commercial lawyer at mdp McDonald Partners.

Rachel graduated from Monash University with a double degree of Law (with honours) and Performing Arts. She began her career at Mallesons Stephen Jaques, gaining commercial experience in project finance, drafting agreements and structuring. She also has competition law and IP experience, having worked on international copyright litigation in relation to Australian films, as well as copyright and advertising advice for Yellow Pages, Telstra and Trading Post.

Since joining mdp McDonald Partners in 2009, Rachel has specialised in commercial law and IP, including the related fields of media and entertainment, brand protection and enforcement as well as commercial advice and drafting related to IP assets. Rachel also regularly provides advice on corporate structuring, licensing and general contractual issues.

Rachel's recent work of note includes:

• Drafting and negotiating commercial agreements including licence agreements, shareholder/unitholder agreements, supply agreements and franchise agreements;
• Advice on corporate structuring for risk protection and beneficial tax outcomes;
• Advisor and presenter to various professional groups (including theInstitute of Public Accountants) in relation to the implementation of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 and its impact on small to medium enterprise clients;
• Advisor on corporate governance issues toInformation Exchangeonline portal servicing clients such as theAustralian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). This included publishing recent articles and information in the AICDCompany Directormagazine,The Australian Journal of PharmacyandNational Accountant;
• Providing advice in relation to media, entertainment and IP law to clients in the music, film, theatre, television and publishing industries including performers, recording artists, agents and personalities;
• Advising a notable public figure on the establishment of an international children's project, including domestic and international trade mark protection, licensing for toys, games and related merchandise as well as general commercial considerations such as structuring and international tax implications;
• Acting as a secondee lawyer to a large retail product brand and advising staff on intellectual property, employment, consumer law and general commercial issues;
• Taking action to enforce registered trade mark and related brand rights in the Federal Court of Australia;
• Drafting IP licensing agreements; and
• Presenting on commercial law issues to a national real estate conference.

Rachel has also gained experience in relation to business succession planning workshops and implementing new business strategies arising from those workshops. This work includes conducting interviews with stakeholders, advising on business strategies and drafting commercial documentation to implement new strategies.

Rachel's diverse background means that she advises clients with a holistic approach and is always mindful of clients' commercial objectives.

Rachel Guthrie can be contacted on +61 3 9620 9660 or via email at rguthrie@mdplaw.com.au