Welcome to the latest instalment of Managing IP’s ‘Five minutes with’ series, where we learn more about IP practitioners and professionals on a personal and professional level.
This time, we meet Gina Tresidder, partner at Russell Kennedy, in Australia.
Someone asks you at a party what you do for a living. What do you say?
As an IP lawyer, I help to identify and protect all the creative and intellectual effort that goes into building a successful business.
Talk us through a typical working day.
My day starts with coffee and connecting with my team before diving into client work. On any given day, I might be advising on trademarks, technology and AI issues, negotiating IP clauses in commercial agreements, or helping a client with an infringement dispute. I also spend time as chair of the Russell Kennedy Women's Network, connecting with colleagues locally and internationally through Ally Law, and speaking at conferences on topics I am passionate about.
What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment, I'm working on a mix of trademark, technology, privacy and AI matters. That ranges from helping clients protect new brands and commercialise IP to advising on the legal risks of emerging technologies and responding to cyber and data-related issues.
Does one big piece of work usually take priority or are you juggling multiple things?
Our team usually has a wide range of matters on the go at once - big and small, local and international. It keeps things interesting, but it also means being organised and knowing when priorities need to shift; when a major matter such as litigation arises, everyone pulls together, and we have the benefit of a full-service firm behind us.
What is the most exciting aspect of your role and what is the most stressful?
The most exciting aspect is working with creative people to bring new products and business ideas to life. The hardest part is sometimes delivering news clients don't want to hear - whether that's that their preferred trademark isn't available or that they don't own IP they assumed they owned because the right agreements weren't in place.
Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer/practitioner.
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.
What is the most common misconception about IP?
Many people assume that because they've created something, it is automatically protected and they automatically own all the rights in it. The reality is often more complicated, which is why having the right contracts, policies and processes in place from the outset can make all the difference if a dispute later arises.
What or who inspires you?
The many talented women in the legal profession who are pushing boundaries, supporting others and helping create a better profession for the next generation.
If you weren’t in IP, what would you be doing?
Teaching or performing. I love learning, storytelling and connecting with people, so either would probably have been a good fit.
Any advice you would give your younger self?
Life is short - go for it. The moments that have led to the greatest growth have usually been the ones where I felt out of my comfort zone.
What is your motto in life?
Always be kind – first to yourself, and then to others.
