James Orr

Profile

James is a senior intellectual property and commercial litigation lawyer with more than 15 years’ experience advising national and international clients across a wide range of industries. His practice sits at the intersection of intellectual property protection, technology and complex commercial disputes, enabling him to support clients in safeguarding innovation while resolving high-stakes litigation efficiently.

He advises on the protection, enforcement and commercialisation of intellectual property rights, including trade marks, copyright, patents, designs and confidential information. James is particularly valued for his ability to translate technically complex issues into clear, commercially focused advice that supports business objectives.

In addition to his IP practice, James has extensive experience in commercial litigation, acting in disputes involving contracts, insolvency, property and construction. His breadth of practice allows him to manage disputes holistically, particularly where IP issues overlap with commercial, operational or reputational risk.

Areas of Focus

• Intellectual property protection and disputes
• Trade mark, patent and copyright enforcement
• Commercial litigation and insolvency
• Contract, property and construction disputes
• Technology, digital assets and confidential information

Experience & Authority

Intellectual Property Protection & Enforcement
James advises on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights across trade marks, copyright, patents, designs and confidential information. He acts in IP disputes across a wide range of industries, including software, digital platforms, clothing, architecture, building products, industrial storage, fixtures and electrical equipment.

His experience includes disputes involving passing off, infringement and misuse of confidential information, as well as advising on the commercialisation and licensing of IP assets.

Public Sector & Sensitive Litigation
James has acted for government entities and statutory authorities in sensitive litigation matters, including representing the City of Melbourne in disputes requiring careful risk management, reputational awareness and cost control.

His dual focus on intellectual property and commercial disputes enables him to support public bodies in managing brand protection, copyright, technology and contractual issues within complex regulatory environments.

Technology, Digital Assets & Branding
James regularly advises clients on protecting digital assets, branding, websites and software systems. His work includes advising on copyright, design and trade mark issues arising from digital platforms and technology-driven operations.

Commercial Litigation & Insolvency
James acts in a broad range of commercial disputes, including contractual claims, insolvency proceedings (winding up and bankruptcy), unfair preference claims, sale of business disputes, debt recovery and Corporations Act matters.

He appears regularly in the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Courts of Victoria and New South Wales, and other tribunals. James is experienced in running matters in expedited jurisdictions.

Property & Construction Disputes
James advises and acts in disputes involving property transactions and construction matters, including disputes relating to contracts of sale, leases, mortgages, stamp duty and complex commercial construction claims.

Style & Approach
James is known for his strategic thinking, technical precision and ability to resolve disputes quickly and cost-effectively. Clients value his clear, decisive advice and his ability to balance legal, technical and commercial imperatives to achieve practical outcomes.