About us

Testimonials

IAM’s Patent 1000 (2023) describes Halfords IP as being:

• “recognised for its enduring client relationships and technical dexterity”; and,
• “housing some of the most experienced and technical fluent patent attorneys in Australia”.

 

MIP’s IP Stars (2023) has published independently obtained client testimonials, including:

• “They are professional, attentive, always available at short notice, responsive, courteous, easy to deal with, and knowledgeable.”
• “They are easily approachable, very knowledgeable and make the IP system easy to navigate. “
• “We value their technical expertise.”
• “I have worked with the same partner at Halfords IP (and at other firms before then) for many years and know that he is a safe pair of hands, has an extensive knowledge of the industry and field and a great reputation.”
• “The team is responsive, and we value their good pricing and dependability.”
• “It seems that their docketing system is very reliable. They always provide us with the progress of the cases in a timely manner.”
• “They have good knowledge on national patent law and produce clearly worded reporting letters.”
• “We value their competence and promptness.”
• “We appreciate the reliable answers and advice.”
• “They are professional and communicative.”
• “They are prompt and accurate.”
• “They are responsive, and I know the people well and trust the advice.” 
• “They are very attentive and responsive.”

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History of Halfords IP

In 1979, the firm Halford & Co was established by Graham Halford (1943 – 2011). Graham was a Physicist, and started his Patent career at the Australian Patent Office in 1963. He left the Patent Office in 1967 to join the Patent Department of Philips, and in 1971 entered private practice as a Patent Attorney.

Graham was a founding Partner of the firm Shelston Waters prior to establishing his own firm. With a comprehensive grasp of Intellectual Property case law and Intellectual Property policy issues, Graham was regarded as one of the pre-eminent members of the Australian Patent profession.

The firm therefore quickly became recognised as one of Australia’s leading specialist firms for the protection and maintenance of intellectual property rights in Australia and overseas. Following his retirement in 2003, Graham continued to lead the firm’s professional development program for several years.

The firm changed its name to Halfords IP in 2009.

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Halfords IP today

Halfords IP remains proudly independent. We have avoided the ‘Australian experiment’ – not replicated in any other country – where the vast majority of Australia’s patent profession is now owned by two stock market entities owning multiple firms each.

Staying independent allows us to put our clients first, and to avoid the situation where another firm under the same ownership may be acting for your major competitor.

Even more importantly, our independence helps us attract and retain high quality staff, so that we provide superior service to our clients, and ensure that there is always a familiar voice on the end of the line.

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Commitment to our clients

Our commitment is to provide relevant and cost-effective intellectual property services of the highest quality to our clients.

The Halfords IP team are highly qualified, experienced, proficient and communicative, with expertise in a broad range of technology, and experience working with clients of all sizes and capabilities.

Whilst we act for major Australian and International Corporations, our prime focus is towards our local Australian inventors, start-ups, and small to medium enterprises. We understand the importance of each client’s business and the time and cost pressures our clients are under, and so aim at all times to be practical and focused in our approach to provide services of real value.

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Professional associations

Halfords IP Attorneys are members of a number of professional and technical associations, including the following:

• The Institute of Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA)
• The Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand, Inc. (IPSANZ)
• International Trademark Association (INTA)
• Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA)
• International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property (AIPPI)
• Federation Internationale des Conseils en Propriete Intellectuelle (FICPI)
• Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO)

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