Robynne Sanders is a leading intellectual
property (IP) lawyer and patent litigator.
Most recently a founding director of a
boutique IP firm, Robynne has decades of
experience in patent litigation and
dispute resolution, especially complex
multijurisdictional cases for Australian
and international clients. With a degree
in Chemistry, a Masters of Intellectual
Property laws and qualifications as a
patent attorney, Robynne is uniquely
placed to assist clients with all aspects
of patent protection and enforcement, and
the technical background and experience to
understand the most complex
technology.
Robynne has particular experience
assisting clients in the materials
sciences, engineering, information
technology and medical devices sectors.
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria,
2004Solicitor of the High Court of Australia,
2003Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales,
2000
EXPERIENCE
Robynne has acted in various complex intellectual
property cases, including the 2006 landmark case of
Bavaria N V v Bayerischer Brauerbund eV (Federal Court
Proceedings No. NSD 1395); these proceedings were the
first judicial consideration of those sections of the
Australian Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) relevant to
geographical indications. She also acted in Expo-Net
Danmark A/S v Buono-Net Australia Pty Ltd & Ors
(Federal Court Proceedings No. NSD 428 of 2009). A
decision in this case provided a judicial determination
on the Australian requirements for a patent to contain
the 'best method of performing the invention'.
Patent Litigation - Engineering, Building and
Construction
Acting for multinational and national clients in
patent, design and confidential information cases
including Bostik Australia Pty Ltd (cementitious tile
adhesives), EXPO-NET Danmark A/S (polymer elements
used in industrial waste water treatment), Interflow
Pty Ltd (method of lining junctions in sewer lines)
Austworld Commodities Pty Ltd (gas and water valves).
Advising clients on enforcement strategies for IP
rights directed to manufacture of industrial walkways,
manufacture and installation of cladding used in large
construction, methods of rehabilitating concrete
structures, coatings and adhesives used in
construction and industry and manufacture of
biodegradable polymer products for commercial use.
Acting for two Australian manufacturers of safety
equipment in separate proceedings for patent
infringement, where the Australian Standards had been
amended to specify the patented product/system.
Patents and Patent Litigation - Chemistry and
Biotechnology
Acting for BASF SE and Novamont SpA in Federal Court
proceedings alleging infringement of patents directed
to biodegradable polymers by multiple infringers;
these proceedings formed part of global litigation
against the infringers and their suppliers.
Advising on strategies for addressing infringement of
patents for insecticides for seasonal use by multiple
infringers.
Representing pharmaceutical companies and research
institutes in proceedings challenging the validity of
patents and patent families relating to
xenotransplantation applicable to organ
transplantation, Type 1 diabetes, high cholesterol and
medical device companies in proceedings for
infringement of innovation patents for single use
forceps and patents for spinal implants.
Trade Marks, Consumer Protection and Copyright
Advising two of Australia's largest companies in the
building products sector to prevent a competitor from
obtaining monopoly rights in terms used to describe
products, which would otherwise have severely
restricted their ability to market their core product.
Developing a branding strategy for a market leading
company in the construction and industrial products
sector to strengthen brand awareness and penetration
amongst both wholesale customers and end users,
improve enforceability of IP rights and formalise
strategies for dealing with infringing conduct.
Developing and executing a strategy to prevent
significant and long term counterfeiting of its
products in Australia, at both retail and wholesale
level.
Awards
Best Lawyers Australia
Intellectual Property Law (2014-2026 ed)
IAM Patent 1000
Litigation Gold (2025 ed)
Litigation – Silver (2019-2024 ed)
Litigation – Bronze (2018 ed)
Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia
Intellectual Property – Mention (2018-2025 ed)
Managing IP Stars
Patent Star (2019-2025 ed)
Practitioner of the Year (2023 ed)
Top 250 Women in IP (2023-2024 ed)
Who’s Who Legal (WWL)
IP: Trademarks - Recommended (2024 ed)
World Trademark Review
Enforcement & Litigation Gold (2025 ed)
Enforcement & Litigation - Silver (2020-2024 ed)
Prosecution & Strategy – Silver (2020-2023
ed)
Education
Master of Industrial Property, University of Technology,
Sydney, 2003
Bachelor of Laws, University of Newcastle, 1999
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), University of Newcastle,
1997
Publications
Robynne has written many articles on aspects of patent
law for IAM Magazine, Managing Intellectual Property and
IP Value. Copies of articles are available on
request.
"Aspirating IP v Vision Systems",
Watermark Journal, December 2010
(co-author)
"To sue or not to sue (but amend the claims first)?
That is the question" IAM Magazine, October
2010 (reprinted by Lexology, October 2010)
"Using the Innovation Patent in Patent Infringement
Cases", Watermark Journal, September 2010
"Managing intellectual assets in the changing IP
landscape", IP Value 2010 (co-author;
reprinted by Lexology, January 2010)
"Unregisterability of marks consisting of exact
geographical indications", IAM Magazine,
July 2009 (reprinted by Lexology, July
2009)
"Bavaria Holland Beer Watermark Intellectual
Property Lawyers Federal Court win",
Watermark Journal, June 2009
"Contributory Infringement at the High Court",
Managing Intellectual Property, April 2009
(co-author)
"The commercial impact of a changing legal landscape
in Australia", IP Value, 2009 (co-author;
reprinted by Lexology, January 2009)
"The impact of changing legislation on IP owners",
IP Value, 2008 (co-author)
"Lessons for the Boardroom from UWA v Gray",
Watermark Journal, September 2008
"The Federal Court Fast Track List Speed but at what
Cost", Watermark Journal, September 2007
"IP litigation", Anthill Online, April 2007
"The Use of Expert Evidence in Court Proceedings and
Oppositions", Watermark Journal, September
2006 (reprinted in IAM Magazine, September 2006)
Memberships And Affiliations
Fellow, Institute of Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys
Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New
Zealand (Victorian committee member, September 2008 to
September 2010; committee chairman from September 2010;
trans-national committee member from September 2010)
Registered Patent Attorney in Australia and New Zealand
