I have extensive experience acting in patent disputes across a wide range of technologies, including pharmaceutical compounds and processes, mining equipment, medical devices, business methods, methods of treatment, mobile telecommunications, 2-way radios, ink-jet cartridges, multi-valent vaccines, mechanical devices, heavy engineering and consumer goods. I regularly act in substantial multi-jurisdictional patent disputes for both patentees and revokers in the Federal Court, Full Federal Court and Australian Patent Office.

I advise numerous clients on strategic patent licensing issues and especially where relationships become strained or disintegrate and IP ownership disputes arise.

I am a registered trade mark attorney and manage the trade mark protection needs of a range of Australian and International clients. I have successfully acted for trade mark owners in numerous Federal Court trade mark disputes.

Complementing my litigation expertise, I hold a Masters degree in computing and a diploma in IP Law, and am admitted to practise in England and Wales.

Career highlights

• Obtained the first judgment in Australia in which a patent infringer was ordered to pay 'additional damages' due to the flagrancy of the infringement.
• Successfully acted for 'first mover' Sandoz in defeating Regeneron and Bayer's PI which unsuccessfully attempted to prevent my client's launch of its Aflibercept biosimilar onto the block buster market. 
• Secured the first judgment in Australia confirming that a 'springboard' injunction could be granted to prevent the sale of non-infringing products.
• I acted for Rio Tinto in its successful appeal to the Federal Court against a decision by IP Australia to refuse a patent application on three grounds for a method of processing ore.
• Successfully acted for Hytera Communications in its large-scale Australian dispute with Motorola concerning three patents relating to 2-way radio technology.
• I successfully acted for Sweet Rewards in its defence of a claim brought by Mars Australia in the Federal Court and on appeal in the Full Federal Court. The matter was cited by Asia IP as a ‘case of the year’.
• For ten years, I led MinterEllison's substantial Melbourne pro bono practice and continue to regularly advise pro bono clients on IP related matters.
  
   

Awards & recognition

• Leading Individual, Intellectual Property (Patents) - Chambers Global and Asia Pacific: 2026 - 2016
• Clients say 'Robert is a strategic operator who understands the client's need as well as the best way to operate.' - Chambers Asia Pacific: 2023
• Robert Cooper is an 'expert in the field' who 'partners with you to think outside the box and come up with solutions.' - Chambers Asia Pacific: 2022
• Leading Individual, Life Sciences- Chambers Asia Pacific: 2026 - 2021
• Chambers 2026 says 'Robert stands out in the market for his particularly well-regarded representation of pharma sector players in patent-related matters.'
• Asia Pacific Legal 500 (APL500) regards Robert Cooper as 'client-focused, pragmatic and having significant respect throughout the industry'
• Recommended – Intellectual Property, Best Lawyers: 2026 - 2009
• Recommended – Biotechnology Law, Best Lawyers: 2026 - 2018
• Leading individual, IAM1000, The World's Leading Patent Professionals: 2026- 2013
• Robert Cooper delivers 'a great combination of experience, technical skill and cost effectiveness. He has a very good ability to narrow down the fundamental issues at play and advise on them.' - IAM1000, The World's Leading Patent Professionals
• He is regarded as a 'calm, strategic thinker' - IAM1000, The World's Leading Patent Professionals
• Leading Individual, Lexology Index (formerly Who's Who Legal) - Patents: 2026 - 2013
• Leading Individual, Lexology Index (formerly Who's Who Legal) - Life Sciences: 2026 - 2015
• Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars Handbook (Australia): – Trade mark star, Patent star: 2026 - 2014
• Leading individual, WTR1000, The World's Leading Trademark Professionals: 2026 - 2017
• Robert Cooper is a 'bright strategic thinker' whose 'reliable and timely advice' covers branding, trademark disputes and a host of other IP issues - WTR 1000 – World Trade Mark Review.
• Robert Cooper is 'dedicated and determined, with brilliant technical legal skills' - WTR 1000 – World Trade Mark Review.
• Leading Individual, World IP Review: WIPR Leaders - Patent Leaders: 2026 - 2017
• Leading Individual, World IP Review: WIPR Leaders – Robert is also a leader in Life Sciences, Technology and Trade marks
• IP Expert, Asia IP 2025
• Lexology Index Thought Leaders Healthcare & Life Sciences 2025 – Leading Practitioner
• Lexology Index IP 2025 – Leading Practitioner