Justin Lambert

Justin is of Counsel in the Patents Group in the Innovation department. He is qualified as a solicitor in both Australia and the United Kingdom, and has over 20 years of experience in intellectual property matters in these jurisdictions. He focusses on contentious patent matters, and has significant experience in design and copyright cases. 

Justin has a background in science, having studied chemistry and pure maths. This complements his industry sector expertise that includes pharmaceutical, natural resources, semiconductors, electrical engineering and chip design.

Alongside his contentious work, Justin also has significant commercial expertise, including providing due diligence and freedom to operate advice, and drafting research and development, collaboration, and other intellectual property agreements.

Key Experience

• Novartis v Teva et al. Justin acted for Dr Reddy 's in relation to Novartis 's claims for infringement of its patent application for a 0.5mg daily dose of Fingolimod Hydrochloride for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Justin helped Dr Reddy's avoid an interim injunction, after which Novartis abandoned its UK patent rights.
• Isotropic Systems v Isotropic Networks. Justin acted for the defendant to UK trade mark infringement and passing off proceedings relating to satellite communication services, in the context of parallel EUIPO opposition and US opposition and infringement proceedings, all of which were successfully settled.
• Apotex v AstraZeneca. Justin assisted Actavis in these Australian proceedings for infringement and revocation of several AstraZeneca patents relating to the cholesterol lowering drug Rosuvastatin.
• LIFFE Administration and Management v Pinkava. Justin acted for LIFFE in what was, at the time, a relatively rare patent entitlement and breach of confidence dispute between an employer and former employee. LIFFE obtained interlocutory orders restraining breach of confidence and final orders transferring patent rights to it.
• Pharmacia Italia v Mayne Pharma. Justin acted for Pharmacia in a claim by Mayne Pharma for a declaration that its injectable solution of the anti-tumour drug Epirubicin Hydrochloride did not infringe Pharmacia 's formulation patent. The case was the first “streamlined” patent case heard in the High Court. The trial judge construed the patent against Pharmacia at first instance, but Pharmacia successfully overturned that decision on appeal and obtained injunctions against Mayne Pharma.

Career History

Principal and co-founder, Lambert Hornby Limited (London)
Special Counsel, K&L Gates, Melbourne
Partner, Griffith Hack, Melbourne
Senior Associate, Clifford Chance LLP
University of Queensland, LLB (Hons)
University of Queensland, BSc (chem & maths)