Rob McMaster

Special Counsel
Melbourne
About

Rob McMaster is an experienced IP litigation and disputes lawyer. As a qualified mechanical engineer, Rob has a particular appreciation for the technologies of clients in the industrials, medical device, engineering, mining and construction sectors. He leads DLA Piper’s automotive sector initiatives in Australia, with a particular focus on autonomous vehicles and alternative fuel technologies.

His practice focuses on patent disputes, as well as strategic patent advice including freedom to operate and infringement risk analysis. Rob has acted in complex, multi-jurisdictional, multi-patent disputes, and numerous landmark patent cases in Australia. Rob also acts in disputes relating to trade marks, copyright, designs and confidential information.

Areas of FocusConsumer Goods, Food and RetailEnergy and Natural ResourcesIndustrialsInfrastructure, Construction and TransportLife SciencesMedia, Sport and EntertainmentIntellectual PropertyTechnologyPatent LitigationTrademark and Copyright Litigation
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the High Court of AustraliaSolicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria

EXPERIENCE

  • Acting in multi-jurisdictional, multi-patent disputes related to medical devices.
  • Providing freedom to operate advice and co-ordinating global patent defence strategies.
  • Representing clients in patent disputes before the Federal Court and Patent Office in technologies including medical devices, construction products, water treatment, mining equipment, haulage trailers, braking systems, locks, alarm technologies, industrial machinery, optical security devices, and toys.
  • Acting for clients in trade mark disputes in industries including oil and gas, automotive, retail, FMCG, entertainment, food and beverage, and clothing.
  • Providing copyright infringement advice in relation to manufacturing drawings and specifications, automotive parts catalogues, instruction manuals, information brochures, sculptures, and photographs.

Awards

Managing IP Stars

  • Rising Star (2019-2022, 2025 ed)

IAM Patent 1000

  • Litigation – Bronze (2022-2023 ed)
Education

  • University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Laws

  • University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)

  • Monash University, Master of Laws (Intellectual Property)

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Law Institute of Victoria
  • Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand
  • Institute of Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys

My latest insights

Publication

Practical Law Life Sciences Australian chapter

4 April 2023 .1 minute read

Publication

Minimising risk when changing suppliers in the automotive industry

2 June 2021 .7 minute read

Publication

Practical Law Life Sciences Australian chapter

15 March 2021 .1 minute read

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Phone

+61 3 9274 5177
(Work, Melbourne)
+61 417 383 687
(Mobile)