Leading independent law firm Johnson Winter Slattery has appointed intellectual property specialist Chrystal Dare as a partner in its Melbourne office.
With over 15 years’ experience as an intellectual property litigator and advisor, Chrystal specialises in copyright, trade marks, misleading conduct, designs, domains, GIs and other international issues in IP across sectors including technology, FMCG, health, energy and resources, the arts, and luxury goods. Chrystal joins the firm from Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
Chrystal has protected some of the world’s most well-known international trade marks and a wide range of significant Australian brands. Her copyright advisory and disputes experience includes digital platforms, as well as traditional copyright in art, photographs and literary works.
Chrystal led the historically significant and high-profile copyright matter relating to the assignment of rights in the Australian Aboriginal Flag to the Commonwealth of Australia, acting for the artist and rights-holder, Harold Thomas. This work culminated in the ultimate unfettering of the Australian Aboriginal Flag, in a $20 million negotiated copyright deal announced by the Prime Minister. Chrystal has worked on a number of other matters and taken local and international speaking roles in relation to First Nations IP issues and the emerging area of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). Chrystal also sits on the board of the peak body for art galleries in Victoria, the PGAV.
In welcoming Chrystal to the firm, Managing Partner Jeremy Davis said, “Chrystal is an exceptional IP lawyer having protected some of the world’s most iconic trade marks. Her experience complements our strong IP advisory and disputes capability and we are delighted to have Chrystal join us to build out our Melbourne IP team.”
In joining the team, Chrystal said, “I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic firm as JWS in this highly regarded Intellectual Property team, and look forward to growing the practice in Melbourne”.
JWS is a leading independent Australian law firm engaged by major corporates and investment funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes. Media contacts
Jeremy Davis, Managing Partner T: +61 2 8274 9531 | M: +61 419 133 883 E: jeremy.davis@jws.com.au
Angela Welsh, Marketing & Communications Manager T: +61 2 9392 7454 | M: +61 414 281 902 E: angela.welsh@jws.com.au