Baker McKenzie has appointed Dean Gerakiteys as a partner in its Intellectual Property practice in Sydney, adding an experienced IP disputes leader and bringing over a small team from Clayton Utz.
Gerakiteys joins after a 14-year tenure at Clayton Utz, where he was a partner in the firm’s national IP litigation team. He is joined by two senior associates, Grace Griffiths and Antonia Wayne Boyle, who also move from Clayton Utz.
The firm said Gerakiteys brings experience across the full spectrum of intellectual property disputes, spanning trademarks, copyright, patents, confidential information, trade secrets, and domain names. His practice has included acting for Australian and multinational clients across all stages of litigation, including matters before the High Court of Australia, with the firm citing successful appearances in several landmark High Court cases.
Beyond litigation, Gerakiteys also advises on advertising and consumer law, as well as regulatory issues tied to the listing, marketing, and supply of therapeutic goods. Baker McKenzie noted his experience working with regulators and managing large IP portfolios for globally recognized brands.
The appointment is positioned as part of Baker McKenzie’s continued investment in its IP offering across Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region, strengthening national IP litigation capacity and aligning with client demand in high stakes disputes and complex commercial matters.
KEY QUOTES
“Dean is an exceptional litigator with a proven record of success in some of Australia’s most significant IP cases. His combination of technical excellence, commercial insight and deep industry knowledge will be of tremendous value to our clients. We are delighted to welcome him to the partnership,”
Anne-Marie Allgrove, Baker McKenzie National Managing Partner
“Dean’s arrival is a significant increase in the bench strength of our national IP litigation capability. He brings not only a formidable track record in high stakes disputes, but also the strategic judgment and client-centered approach that define our practice. Dean has acted in some of the most complex and commercially important IP matters in Australia, and his experience across major global brands aligns perfectly with the work our clients entrust to us. We are delighted to welcome him to our team and look forward to the leadership and insight he will bring to our growing practice.”
Andrew Stewart, Baker McKenzie Head of Intellectual Property Practice
“I am thrilled to be joining Baker McKenzie, a firm globally recognized for its depth and capability in intellectual property law. The opportunity to work alongside such a strong national and international team, and to support clients navigating increasingly complex IP challenges, is incredibly exciting. I look forward to contributing to the Firm’s continued growth in this area.”
Dean Gerakiteys
