Rachel Guthrie is second-year intellectual property (IP) and commercial lawyer.

Rachel graduated from Monash University with a double degree of Law (with honours) and Performing Arts, majoring in Drama. 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 IP and the related fields of media, entertainment and general commercial law. Her particular areas of expertise include brand protection and enforcement as well as commercial agreements related to IP assets. Rachel also regularly provides advice on corporate structuring, licensing and general contractual issues.

Rachel’s recent work of note includes:

• 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 part-time secondee lawyer to a large retail product brand and advising staff on intellectual property, brand 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 approaches IP advice 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