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Key contacts
Anthony J Cowle: Partner
Quick facts
Partners

4

Other qualified practitioners

6

Total number of lawyers

10

Practitioners (worldwide)

10

Languages

English, Chinese, French, Italian

Network memberships

IPTA, IPSANZ, FICPI, AIPPI, APAA, IPO

Key practice areas
Intellectual property
Patent disputes
Trade mark
Patent
Patent prosecution
Trade mark - patent & trade mark attorney firms
Firm overview

HIP – AN ENVIABLE REPUTATION

Halfords IP (HIP) is a boutique IP firm based in Sydney, Australia, with some of the most experienced Attorneys in Australia and New Zealand.

HIP has an enviable reputation for excellence as one of the country’s leading specialist firms for providing strategic, commercially focused and practical advice.

HIP represents clients of all sizes and capabilities, from individuals and start-ups through to multinational entities.

EXPERT TEAM – KEY CONTACTS

Patents/Designs

Electrical/ICT - Anthony Cowle - anthony.cowle@halfords.com.au
Mechanical – Chris Atichian – chris.atichian@halfords.com.au
Chemical/Materials – Dan Berger – dan.berger@halfords.com.au

Trade Marks

Aparna Watal – aparna.watal@halfords.com.au

AWARDS:

Consistently ranked as one of Australia’s leading IP firms, its practitioners are consistently recognised for numerous Awards.

Client testimonials (independently obtained) include:
• "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."

ASSOCIATIONS:

IPTA, INSANZ, FICPI, AIPPI, APAA, INTA

Practice Areas & Sector Specialisations

Key practice areas

Designs, Intellectual property, Intellectual property (prosecution), Patent, Patent (prosecution), Trade mark, Trade mark (prosecution)

Key Sector Expertise

Aerospace, Agriculture, Artificial intelligence, Automotive, Aviation, Biotechnology, Chemical, Computer technology & services, Consumer goods and services, E-commerce, Electrical, Electronics, Energy, Fashion & luxury goods, Financial services, Food and beverage, Furniture, Gaming, Healthcare, ICT & software, Life sciences, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Medical device, Mining, Nanotechnology, Natural resources, Oil and gas, Optics & photonics, Pharmaceutical, Renewable energy, Robotics, Semiconductors, Shipping, Sports, Technology hardware, Telecommunication, Transport, Transport, Universities & research, Utilities

Address:
309 Kent St, Sydney
NSW, 2000, Australia
Tel:+61292648388 Email:Contact Us Web Address:https://halfords.com.au
2026 Edition
Patent prosecution
Tier 2
17 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Davies Collison Cave
4 practice areas
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FB Rice
4 practice areas
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FPA Patent Attorneys
3 practice areas
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Griffith Hack
5 practice areas
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Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick
8 practice areas
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Spruson & Ferguson
4 practice areas
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Tier 2

Halfords IP
6 practice areas
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Madderns
6 practice areas
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Wrays
6 practice areas
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Tier 3

Allens
10 practice areas
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MBIP
5 practice areas
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Pearce IP
8 practice areas
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Other Notable Firms

Baxter IP
6 practice areas
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GLMR
4 practice areas
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IP Gateway
7 practice areas
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James & Wells
6 practice areas
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Pizzeys
5 practice areas
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Trade mark - patent & trade mark attorney firms
Tier 3
13 firms ranked
View full list

Tier 1

Davies Collison Cave
4 practice areas
View profile
FB Rice
4 practice areas
View full profile
Griffith Hack
5 practice areas
View profile
Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick
8 practice areas
View profile
Spruson & Ferguson
4 practice areas
View profile

Tier 2

Wrays
6 practice areas
View profile

Tier 3

Halfords IP
6 practice areas
View full profile
Madderns
6 practice areas
View full profile

Other Notable Firms

GLMR
4 practice areas
View full profile
IP Gateway
7 practice areas
View profile
MBIP
5 practice areas
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Pearce IP
8 practice areas
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XVII Degrees
5 practice areas
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Overview

Established in 1979, independent IP boutique Halfords IP has offices in Sydney and Parramatta. It focuses on providing commercially focused and strategic IP advice to its domestic clients, including inventors, startups and other SME businesses. 

Notable patent practitioners: Chris Atichian, Dan Berger, Anthony Cowle, and Mattia Pagani. 

 
 
 
Testimonials

2026

"Halfords IP’s IP litigation team combines deep technical expertise with a highly commercial, results-driven approach. The team is exceptionally professional, responsive and strategically sharp, with Chris Atichian, Dan Berger and Anthony Cowle standing out for their clarity of advice, sound judgment and ability to handle complex disputes efficiently and decisively"

"The filing and prosecution team is highly reliable and detail-oriented, with smooth, well-organised processes and excellent deadline management. Their advice is clear and practical, and the administrative support is efficient, proactive and easy to work with, even in complex international portfolios."

"Halfords IP’s advisory team provides commercially focused, pragmatic guidance grounded in strong technical expertise. Their advice is concise, strategic and tailored to the client’s business objectives, making them a trusted partner for both day-to-day IP decisions and more complex strategic matters."

Chris Atichian

"Chris Atichian stands out for his clear, pragmatic advice and his ability to distil complex legal and technical issues into well-reasoned, actionable strategies. He is highly reliable, commercially astute and effective in guiding matters forward with calm authority and sound judgment."

Anthony Cowle

"Understands the clients needs and provides tailored advise "

 

2025

"Deep understanding of our business, subject-matter and industry expertise, responsiveness and ease of working with lawyers."

"Good feedback, good turnaround time and good pricing."

"Good responsive to inquiries and willing to work within budget constraints."

"Good work, well-priced, responsive."

"Great people and great service."

"Halfords IP has been flexible in adapting to our requirements as a client, implementing specific reporting formats."

"Halfords IP stands out for its technical expertise, responsiveness, and strategic approach. Their team is highly skilled, proactive, and always available to address our needs with clarity and efficiency. We value their professionalism and the strong partnership we have built over the years."

"Historical representation of our company, deep understanding of our company, subject matter expertise, ease of working relationship."

"I know members of the team very well and trust their opinion and work product."

"Knowledge of complex IP portfolios and areas of business."

"The long-term relationship based on the quality work that they have done over the years."

"They have always been responsive and professional, with a good price point."

"They work quickly and are responsive as well."

"Very professional team with competent staff. They help in all decisions regarding patents and break it down in easy to understand terms. Everything is open and transparent."

"We have worked with Halfords IP for many years and trust their deep knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Their team consistently delivers high-quality services, offering clear and reliable advice that aligns with our clients’ best interests."

Anthony Cowle

“A first class professional."

Linked Reviews
Trade mark

Case studies show the firm manages the trade mark portfolio of JBX, a leading multinational healthcare and life sciences company, spanning Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the EU, services including trade mark clearance, protection strategies, registrations and ongoing oppositions. Other clients include White International and Rise Projects. 

Patent

Case studies show the firm manages a large IP portfolio for Nepean Group, including reviewing, drafting, prosecuting and enforcing IP rights. Other clients include Huawei, Nicslab and Rheem Australia. 

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