Baxter IP, Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys, is exceptionally proud to announce our continued recognition, along with three of our leading attorneys, in the latest edition of the IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. This prestigious guide has once again highlighted Baxter IP's dedication to providing top-tier patent prosecution services in Australia.


The IAM Patent 1000 is widely regarded as the definitive ‘go-to’ resource for those seeking world-class legal patent expertise, and we are honoured to be featured among such esteemed colleagues and firms.


Baxter IP has been awarded a ranking for patent prosecution in Australia. The IAM Patent 1000 praised our firm, noting:

"Big-firm expertise with small firm personalised service" – Baxter IP is the ultimate choice for both start-ups and multinationals. This boutique goes above and beyond, offering comprehensive patent strategisation with competitive pricing models that sets them apart in the market.”


This acknowledgment underscores our commitment to delivering strategic, commercially-focused IP solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client, from innovative start-ups to established multinational corporations.


We are also thrilled to celebrate the individual achievements of our attorneys who have been singled out for their outstanding contributions:


Chris Baxter – Individuals: Prosecution

Our Managing Director, Chris Baxter, has been distinguished with a Silver ranking. The IAM Patent 1000 highlights his strategic capabilities:

"At the fore, managing director and patent and trademark attorney Chris Baxter provides strategic, cross-jurisdictional IP advice, leveraging his experience to support multinationals, ASX-listed companies, university spin-outs, and SMEs, particularly in the defence sector. “Chris is extremely knowledgeable, and takes the time to really understand new technology and inventions so that he can devise claims and general IP strategies to get the best protection coverage possible. He takes the time to explain the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.”


Martin Earley – Individuals: Prosecution

Director Martin Earley continues to be recognised for his extensive experience, earning a Bronze ranking. IAM noted his meticulous approach:

"Director Martin Earley is a seasoned patent and trademark attorney with 30-plus years of experience, specialising in mechanical, medical, physics and software technologies. As the director of Baxter IP's Victoria division, Earley evaluates both commercial and IP aspects to maximise the value of inventions, offering clients meticulous attention to detail and innovative problem-solving skills."


We are particularly delighted to announce Qi Zhang's debut in the IAM Patent 1000 rankings, also receiving a Bronze individual ranking for prosecution. His unique expertise was commended:

"Making his debut in the rankings this year, Baxter IP's electrical and ICT team lead Qi Zhang is a highly qualified Trans-Tasman and Chinese patent attorney with more than 20 years of experience integrating his technical expertise into clear, practical advice and commercially focused patenting strategies."


These accolades from the IAM Patent 1000 are a testament to the hard work, expertise, and client-focused approach of the entire Baxter IP team. We believe our success is intrinsically linked to the innovative spirit of our clients, and we are privileged to partner with them in protecting their groundbreaking ideas.


This recognition reinforces our dedication to providing "big-firm expertise with small firm personalised service" and fuels our ongoing commitment to excellence in the IP field.

Congratulations to Chris, Martin, and Qi on their well-deserved recognition, and thank you to our clients and peers for their continued trust and support.

Baxter IP and Key Attorneys Honoured in 2025 IAM Patent 1000 Rankings

In a recent decision from the Australian Trade Marks Office ([2025] ATMO 57), the Hearing Officer refused the registration of the trade mark "YIMOBRA" after finding the application was filed in bad faith. This case offers valuable insights for businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property in Australia, particularly against trade mark squatting.

Linfei Chen successfully opposed Xiamen Xiaoyuyao Trading Co., Ltd's application to register "YIMOBRA" for various mat and carpet products. Chen, who created the YIMOBRA brand in 2016 and had been using it commercially since then, demonstrated prior use of the mark in Australia and worldwide.

Key factors in the Registrar's decision included:

The Opponent had used and registered the identical mark internationally before the application date

The mark was highly distinctive and unusual

The Applicant sought registration for identical or similar goods

The Applicant had a pattern of applying for marks that triggered citation issues

The Applicant failed to provide any evidence contesting the bad faith allegations

The Registrar found that the evidence established a prima facie case of bad faith, which the Applicant did not rebut.

Strategies for Combating Trade Mark Squatting and Bad Faith Applications

The YIMOBRA case highlights the importance of securing trade mark registrations in markets where you operate or plan to operate. Chen had registrations in multiple jurisdictions, including the Applicant's home country of China, which strengthened their opposition.

Practical tip: Consider a strategic filing plan that covers not just your current markets but also manufacturing hubs and countries where trade mark squatters frequently operate.

Chen provided substantial evidence of use, including:

Customer reviews from Australian consumers

Examples of the mark on products and packaging

Practical tip: Maintain an "evidence vault" with dated screenshots, sales data, marketing materials, and other documentation that proves continuous use of your mark.

Regular monitoring of trade mark registers globally can help identify potential bad faith applications early, allowing for timely opposition.

Practical tip: Implement a watch service for your key marks, including common variations and misspellings, particularly in strategic markets.

Chen's evidence included information about the Applicant's pattern of filing trade marks of other parties, which was persuasive in establishing bad faith.

Practical tip: When opposing a bad faith application, investigate whether the applicant has a history of suspicious filing activity, as this can strengthen bad faith claims.

5. Act Decisively When Trade Mark Squatting Occurs

The successful opposition demonstrates the value of taking prompt action when potential trade mark squatting is identified.

Practical tip: Develop an enforcement strategy with clear triggers for when to file oppositions or pursue more significant legal actions.

The YIMOBRA case offers a valuable reminder that the Australian trade mark system provides effective remedies against bad faith applications. However, the burden of proof rests with the opponent, making it essential to gather comprehensive evidence.

For businesses facing trade mark squatting or bad faith registrations, a strategic approach combining preventative measures (early registration and monitoring) with decisive enforcement actions offers the best protection. When building a case, focus on demonstrating the distinctive nature of your mark, your prior use and rights, and any pattern of questionable behavior by the applicant.

By taking these steps, businesses can help ensure their valuable intellectual property remains protected in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Discover key strategies to combat trademark squatting through the YIMOBRA case study. Learn how to protect your brand with early registration, evidence documentation, and proactive monitoring to prevent bad faith applications in Australia and globally.

Trade Mark Battle: YIMOBRA Case Highlights Risks of Bad Faith Applications in Australia

On 20 November 2017 our Dr John Baxter (Commercial Counsel, Baxter IP) was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in Engineers Australia, Australia’s peak engineering body, for his service to the automotive industry, to the Australian engineering profession in general, and his philanthropic work, over many years.

Dr. John Baxter, Commercial Counsel at Baxter IP, awarded Honorary Fellowship in Engineers Australia for contributions to the automotive industry, engineering profession, and philanthropy.

Dr John Baxter receives an Honorary Fellowship Award

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Innovate Boldly. Protect Strategically.

Innovate Boldly. Protect Strategically.