Russell Kennedy Partner, IP lawyer Gina Tresidder was recently featured in Managing IP’s ‘Five Minutes With’ series in an article titled “Practical not pedantic: the IP lawyer as commercial partner”, where she shared insights into her career, the evolving intellectual property landscape, and the importance of delivering practical, commercially focused advice.
In the interview, Gina highlighted the dynamic nature of intellectual property practice, explaining that managing multiple matters across industries and jurisdictions requires adaptability, commercial judgment and a strong collaborative approach.
She noted that while significant matters such as litigation can quickly become a priority, the support of a full-service firm enables clients to receive comprehensive and responsive legal advice.
A key theme throughout the interview was the importance of balancing technical expertise with commercial practicality. When asked about what are the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer / practitioner, Gina said “Technical excellence is important, but so is commercial judgement. Clients don't want a lengthy academic analysis; they want practical, concise advice from someone they trust to help them make good decisions.”
Gina also addressed one of the most common misconceptions about intellectual property: the assumption that creating something automatically guarantees ownership and protection. She explained that intellectual property rights are often more complex than many businesses realise and highlighted the importance of having appropriate contracts, policies and processes in place from the outset to minimise future risk and disputes.
Gina was recently recognised in the Managing IP IP STARS Asia-Pacific Rankings 2026, as a Trademark Star. Gina’s recognition reflects her and the team’s expertise in intellectual property law and her work helping clients protect and leverage their intangible assets. The team supports clients on IP strategy, protection, transactions and disputes, helping them navigate the complexities of an evolving IP landscape.
Read the full Managing IP ‘Five Minutes With’ feature here.
Credit: Managing IP
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