Sarah Verstak B.A., LL.B., Cert IV I.D. – Senior Associate

Sarah Verstak has significant experience with in the area of intellectual property (IP) including advising on registrability of trade marks and making trade mark applications both in Australia and internationally, IP structuring and licensing.  Sarah’s experience includes overcoming trade mark objections issued by IP Australia and dealing with trade mark oppositions by third parties.  Notably, she is responsible for the worldwide trade mark portfolios of Kylie Minogue and First National Real Estate.

Sarah also has extensive litigation experience with a particular focus on enforcement of IP rights including running disputes over trade mark infringements and design infringements.  She has successfully run a Federal Court trade mark infringement matter on behalf of First National Real Estate against one of its former members for misuse of the 'First National' brand.

In addition, Sarah is responsible for drafting commercial documents such as IP licences, software licences, IP assignments (transfers), confidentiality deeds and terms and conditions.  In particular, Sarah has drafted copyright licences for Porter Davis Homes.

Sarah has conducted litigation matters for many years in respect of contractual disputes including franchise and leasing matters and WorkCover litigation.  She also acted for one of the former senior employees of AWB in the Oil-For-Food Inquiry.