Marcus Fleming
- Commercial Law Intellectual Property
Marcus has substantial experience in intellectual property litigation, including in relation to patent revocation and infringement proceedings, patent oppositions, copyright infringement proceedings, trade mark infringement proceedings (including related consumer protection law claims and passing off), trade mark non-use applications and oppositions, and proceedings concerning allegations of misuse of confidential information and related breaches of employment duties. Marcus also has extensive experience in proceedings concerning claims for compensation on undertakings as to damages in the Federal Court of Australia in the context of pharmaceutical patent revocation proceedings.
Marcus is regularly listed in Doyle’s Guide to Leading Victorian Intellectual Property Barristers (2014-2023) and in Doyle’s Guide to Leading Victorian Technology, Media & Telecommunications Barristers (2017-2023).
He is listed in Chambers and Partners for Intellectual Property: The Bar (2021 and 2022). In 2021, he was described as "very insightful and even-tempered, calm under pressure and a pleasure to deal with - one of a number of rising stars in the IP space at the Victorian Bar" and "very clever, particularly knowledgeable about the pharmaceutical industry, and a go-to junior for pharmaceutical patent work".
He is also listed in The Legal 500. In 2021, he was listed as a ‘Rising Star’ in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2021). In 2022, he was described as “[s]mart, careful, responsible, knowledgeable, very responsive and efficient. A very safe pair of hands”. In 2023, he was described as “a measured, targeted and persistent advocate. He is incredibly thorough and his drafting skills are excellent”.
He is also recognised in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Editions of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of Intellectual Property Law, and in the 2023 and 2024 Editions in the field of Life Sciences Practice.
Prior to joining the Bar, Marcus was a Senior Associate at Ashurst Australia where he gained extensive experience in large-scale patent litigation, including acting for Samsung in proceedings against Apple Inc concerning patents for smartphone devices.
Marcus holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (Chinese language major) from Monash University.
Contact
- P03 9225 8174
- F03 9225 8668
- E[email protected]
- Connect on Linkedin
- Download VCard
Emmerson Chambers
Level 18 Room 13
200 Queen Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Jane King
03 9225 8558
Expertise
- Competition
- Consumer Law
- Contractual Disputes
- Appellate
- Confidential Information
- Copyright & Designs
- Patents
- Privacy & Data Protection
- Trade Marks
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
Bachelor of Arts
Victoria
State and Territory Courts and Tribunals
Federal Court of Australia
High Court of Australia
Recent Cases
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation v Urrbrae Foods Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 504 – preliminary discovery and request for pre-action production of samples
- Ono Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd v Commissioner of Patents [2020] APO 43; [2021] FCA 643 and on appeal in [2022] FCAFC 39 – judicial review of decision in relation to application for extension of term of a standard patent, involving the proper construction of ss 70, 71 and 77 of the Patents Act (led by Bruce Caine KC)
- UbiPark Pty Ltd v TMA Capital Australia Pty Ltd [2022] FCA 111 – patent invalidity and infringement in parking system technology (led by Christian Dimitriadis SC)
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland v Alphapharm Pty Ltd [2018] FCA 2060 and on appeal in [2019] FCAFC 28 – patent invalidity and infringement (led by Tom Cordiner KC and Julian Cooke)
- Apotex Pty Ltd v Warner-Lambert Company LLC [2016] FCA 1238, and on appeal in Warner-Lambert Company LLC v Apotex Pty Ltd [2018] FCAFC 26 – patent invalidity and infringement (led by David Catterns KC and Neil Murray)
- Oakmoore Pty Ltd v ARB Corporation Limited [2019] APO 29 – patent opposition
- Claymont Bond Pty Ltd v Sedic [2018] APO 88 – patent opposition, and subsequent appeal to Federal Court of Australia
- Brick Lane Brewing Co Ltd v Torquay Beverage Company Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 66 – alleged contravention of ACL in features of design or “get up” (led by Ed Heerey KC)
- State Street Global Advisors Trust Company v Maurice Blackburn Pty Ltd [2021] FCA 137, and on appeal in [2022] FCAFC 57 – contravention of the ACL, trade mark infringement, passing off, copyright infringement and contractual interference (led by David Studdy SC)
- Urban Alley Brewery Pty Ltd v La Sirène Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 82, and on appeal in [2020] FCAFC 186 – trade mark infringement, contravention of the ACL and passing off (led by Ed Heerey KC)
- Samuel Smith & Son Pty Ltd v Pernod Ricard Winemakers Pty Ltd [2016] FCA 1515 – trade mark infringement (led by Bruce Caine KC)
- Khaos Group Pty Ltd v State Street Global Advisors Trust Company [2023] ATMO 68 – trade mark opposition (non-use)
- Noshu Foods Pty Ltd v Torquay Beverage Company Pty Ltd [2023] ATMO 29 – trade mark opposition
- Noshu Foods Pty Ltd v Torquay Beverage Company Pty Ltd [2022] ATMO 221 – trade mark opposition (non-use)
- Choo La La Pty Ltd [2022] ATMO 179 – trade marks – s 38 proceeding
- Dale Cleves Music Pty Ltd v Allans Musical Instruments Pty Ltd [2022] ATMO 51 – trade mark opposition
- EMI (IP) Limited v Spotlight Pty Ltd [2022] ATMO 40 – trade mark opposition
- Richards v Black Star Pastry Pty Ltd [2022] ATMO 1 and [2022] ATMO 2 – trade mark oppositions
- Manuka Honey Appellation Society Incorporated v Howes [2021] ATMO 64 – trade mark opposition
- Warehousing Equipment Pty Ltd v Troden Equipment Pty Ltd [2021] ATMO 43 – trade mark opposition
- Geowan Pty Ltd v Senceive Ltd [2020] ATMO 133 – trade mark opposition
- 3Floorsup Pty Ltd v Fiix Inc [2019] ATMO 177 – trade mark opposition
- State of Escape Accessories Pty Ltd v Schwartz [2020] FCA 1606, and on appeal in [2022] FCAFC 63 – copyright infringement (work of artistic craftsmanship) and contravention of the ACL (with Luke Merrick)
- Henley Arch Pty Ltd v Del Monaco [2019] FCCA 3848 – copyright infringement in house plans (led by Tom Cordiner KC)
- The Pokémon Company International Inc, v Redbubble Ltd [2017] FCA 1541 – copyright infringement and contravention of ACL (led by Richard Cobden SC)
- Re Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd [2020] ADO 4 – examination of design under s 63 of Designs Act
- Directed Electronics OE Pty Ltd v OE Solutions Pty Ltd [2022] FCA 1404 – breach of contract, breach of directors’ duties, misuse of confidential information and copyright infringement (led by Adrian Ryan SC and with Ryan Maguire)
- Verix Pty Ltd v Williams [2021] FCA 748 – breach of contract, breach of directors’ duties, misuse of confidential information and copyright infringement
- Bucher Municipal Pty Ltd v Crozier – breach of contract, breach of employee duties, misuse of confidential information, copyright infringement and contravention of the ACL (led by Ed Heerey KC and with Lucy Davis – settled prior to trial)
- Lift Shop Pty Ltd v Next Level Elevators Pty Ltd – breach of copyright, misuse of confidential information, contravention of the ACL and breach of employee duties (led by John Hennessy SC)
Publications
Intellectual Property Update: National Cancer Foundation v Registrar of Trade Marks (2025) FCA 711 (30 June 2025)
03 June 2025Intellectual Property Law Update - Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc v MGI Australia Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 572
23 May 2025Intellectual Property Law Update - Jacksons Drawing Supplies Pty Ltd v Jackson's Art Supplies Ltd [2025] FCA 530
21 May 2025Intellectual Property – Patent Law Update - Sanofi v Amgen Inc (No 3) [2025] FCA 387 (23 April 2025) Justice Nicholas
01 May 2025Intellectual Property - Trade Mark Law Update - Village Roadshow IP Pty Ltd v VUR Village Trading No 1 Limited [2025] FCA 428
08 April 2025Intellectual Property Law Update - Rock Solid Industries International (Pty) Ltd v Ozi 4x4 Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 334
28 March 2025Intellectual Property – Patent Law Update - Perfect Day, Inc. v Commissioner of Patents [2025] FCA 270
14 February 2025Intellectual Property - Trade Mark Law Update - Cantarella Bros Pty Ltd v Lavazza Australia Pty Ltd [2025] FCAFC 12
06 December 2024Intellectual Property - Trade Mark Law Update - Caporaso Pty Ltd v Mercato Centrale Australia Pty Ltd [2024] FCAFC 156
14 June 2024Intellectual Property - Trade Mark Law Update - Vitaco Health IP Pty Ltd v AFI Cosmetic Pty Ltd (No 3) [2024] FCA 598
07 May 2024Intellectual Property - Patent Law Update - Jusand Nominees Pty Ltd v Rattlejack Innovations Pty Ltd [2023] FCAFC 178
02 May 2024Intellectual Property - Patent Law Update - the Full Court gives SARB’s latest parking product the green light, but says that VMS’ patents remain valid.
30 April 2024Intellectual Property – Patent Law Update - validity, manner of manufacture. Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited v Commissioner of Patents (No 3) [2024] FCA 212
26 April 2024Intellectual Property – Patent Law Update: Section 117, authorisation and “Swiss-style” claims, liability not avoided - but where to on damages?
14 February 2024The Agency Group Australia Ltd v H.A.S. Real Estate Pty Ltd [2023] FCAFC 203
09 February 2024Intellectual Property Law Update - McD Asia Pacific LLC v Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 1412
13 November 2023Halal Certification Authority Pty Limited v Flujo Sanguineo Holdings Pty Limited [2023] FCFCA 175
08 November 2023Cantarella Bros Pty Ltd v Lavazza Australia Pty Ltd (No. 3) [2023] FCA 1258
02 October 2023Patent Law Update - Sanofi v Amgen Inc. (No 2) [2023] FCA 1156
26 September 2023Patent Law Update - Hanwha Solutions Corporation v REC Solar Pte Ltd [2023] FCA 1017
14 September 2023Energy Beverages LLC v Kangaroo Mother Australia Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 999
23 August 2023MMD Design and Consultancy Limited v Camco Engineering Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 827
07 August 2023Patent Law Update - ToolGen Incorporated v Fisher (No 2) [2023] FCA 794
07 August 2023Copyright Law Update - Chapcon Building Services Pty Ltd v Spectrum Homes Qld Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 873
07 August 2023Trade Mark Law Update - Ragopika Pty Ltd v Padmasingh Isaac Trading as Aachi Spices and Foods [2023] FCA 487
06 July 2023Patent Law Update - Vehicle Monitoring Systems Pty Limited v SARB Management Group Pty Ltd trading as Database Consultants Australia (No 8) [2023] FCA 182.
15 June 2023Trade Mark Law Update - Seven Network (Operations) Limited v 7-Eleven Inc [2023] FCA 608
06 June 2023Patent Law Update - Sandoz Ltd v Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company [2023] EWCA Civ 472
02 June 2023Intellectual Property Law Update - New Aim Pty Ltd v Leung [2023] FCAFC 67
31 May 2023Copyright and Confidential Information Law Update - Austin Engineering Pty Ltd v Podulova [2023] FCA 419
16 February 2023Intellectual Property Law Update – claim construction fuels the Full Court – Airco Fasteners Pty Ltd v Illinois Tool Works Inc [2023] FCAFC 7
14 February 2023Misleading & Deceptive Conduct Update – Inspiration vs Deliberate Copying. Elements common to the trade – Natural Raw C Pty Ltd v Maicap Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 51
27 October 2022Intellectual Property Law Update - Australian Mud Company Pty Ltd v Globaltech Corporation (No 3) [2022] FCA 1189
06 October 2022Patent Law Update – Full Federal Court upholds Justice Burley’s findings that only half of Juno’s proposed product infringes Pharmacia’s valid patent
14 September 2022Trade Marks Update – acquired distinctiveness is not relevant to assessment of deceptive similarity
13 September 2022Trade Marks Update – the CAT is well and truly in the bag - Puma SE v Caterpillar Inc [2022] FCAFC 153
08 September 2022Trade Marks and Consumer Law Update – Shape mark – use as a trade mark – is this the FINISH?
23 August 2022Intellectual Property Law Update – What to do with the split High Court decision on Manner of Manufacture?
22 August 2022Defamation Law Update – Google LLC v Defteros [2022] HCA 27
25 July 2022Intellectual Property Law Update – WeChat confidential information and lawyers beware, how to prepare expert reports
25 June 2022Intellectual Property Update - C.M.E. Blasting & Mining Equipment Ltd v Rock Tool Refurbishment Solutions Pty Ltd (No 2)
27 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update – Enough with elections already
27 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update When “opposites” attract infringement
12 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update – Finally: A truly trivial addition not innovative
12 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update – recovery of costs by a successful appellant from a decision of the Registrar (designs, trade marks or patents).
12 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update – Stay of Costs Orders Pending Appeal
12 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update – Microphone design more than a sound bite
12 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update – “Oils ain’t oils” but can be staple commercial products
12 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update – Damages for infringement of a patent that is still under attack
11 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update Default Judgment and Declarations
09 May 2022Intellectual Property Law Update Settling an appeal from the Trade Marks Office: power and public interest
22 April 2022Intellectual Property Law Update Commissioner of Patents v Thaler [2022] FCAFC 62 - 13 April 2022 Allsop CJ, Nicholas, Yates, Moshinsky and Burley JJ
20 April 2022Intellectual Property Update Novartis AG v Pharmacor Pty Limited [2022] FCAFC 58
08 December 2021Intellectual Property Update - Repipe Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Patents [2021] FCAFC 223
25 November 2021Intellectual Property Law Update - Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc v Elanco New Zealand
19 November 2021Intellectual Property Update - Shepparton Partners Collective Operations Pty Ltd v QAD Inc [2021] FCAFC 206
05 November 2021Intellectual Property Update - Henley Arch Pty Ltd v Henley Constructions Pty Ltd [2021] FCA 1369
11 October 2021Intellectual Property Update - Nagpal v Global Cars Aus Pty Ltd
27 September 2021Intellectual Property Update - BGD Corporation Pty Ltd v Kalaoun
15 September 2021Intellectual Property Update - Otter Products, LLC v Haydon
10 September 2021Intellectual Property Update - XCFB and National Disability Insurance Agency
07 September 2021Intellectual Property Update - Swancom Pty Ltd v The Jazz Corner Hotel Pty Ltd (No 3) [2021] FCA 729 (30 June 2021)
07 September 2021Intellectual Property Update - Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc v Sequenom, Inc [2021] FCAFC 101 (18 June 2021)
07 September 2021Intellectual Property Update - Chevron Global Energy Inc v Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd [2021] FCA 617 (8 June 2021)
07 September 2021Insolvency & Intellectual Property Update - McCallum, in the Matter of Re Holdco Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) (No 2) [2021] FCA 377 (21 April 2021)
12 August 2021Intellectual Property Update - Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. v Sandoz Pty Ltd
04 August 2021Intellectual Property Update - International Wushu Federation v Google LLC
04 August 2021Intellectual Property Update - Ames Australasia Pty Ltd v AgBoss Australia Pty Ltd
30 July 2021Intellectual Property Update - Thaler v Commissioner of Patents
09 July 2021Intellectual Property Update - Chevron Global Energy Inc v Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd (No 2)
08 July 2021Intellectual Property Update - Swancom Pty Ltd v The Jazz Corner Hotel Pty Ltd (No 2)
08 July 2021Intellectual Property Update - Repipe Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Patents (No 3)
08 July 2021Intellectual Property Update - Whitsunday Aerial Solutions Professionals Pty Ltd v Emprja Pty Ltd
29 March 2021Intellectual Property Update - D’Annunzio v Willunga Projects Pty Ltd
10 March 2021Intellectual Property Update - Metricon Homes Pty Ltd v Zac Homes Pty Ltd
26 February 2021Intellectual Property Update - The Cultural Intelligence Project Pty Ltd v The Entourage Education Group Pty Ltd
22 January 2021Intellectual Property Update - UON Pty Ltd v Hoascar [No 3]
03 December 2020Intellectual Property Update - Brennan v Foster Blake [2021] Fed C Fam C2G 261
Memberships
Victorian Bar - Commercial Bar Association