Practice Areas

Geoff has a varied practice of mechanical, medical and chemical Patent work, Design Registrations and Trade Marks. His practice includes drafting and prosecuting Patent applications, preparation of Design applications, advising on Trade Mark registrability, Patent and Trade Mark oppositions, and providing advice in relation to infringement and validity of Patent, Design and Trade Mark rights. Geoff has a substantial trade mark opposition practice and is ranked in the prestigious WTR1000 list of the world’s leading trade mark practitioners for 2025.

Background

Geoff graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) in 1986. After a short time at the Australian Patent Office, he moved to the Sydney firm Arthur S. Cave & Co., and worked primarily in the field of chemical/pharmaceutical patents. He joined Halford & Co. (now Halfords IP) in 1989, expanding his practice areas to encompass medical and mechanical technologies, Designs and Trade Marks.

Geoff joined Graham Halford in partnership of the firm in 1998 and retired from partnership in 2024 to work more ‘normal’ work hours, so he could devote more time to his charitable work with several animal rescue charities and contribute to legislative reform in the sector.  Geoff remains active within Halfords’ practice, in both client work and mentoring.