Building Legal Foundations for Business Growth

At McBratney Law, we understand that legal certainty is the cornerstone of any successful business. Whether you’re a startup founder laying your first brick or a mature company preparing for expansion or IPO, having a solid legal foundation is not just advisable—it’s essential. That’s where we come in.

We are a corporate and commercial law firm with a specialist focus on Intellectual Property (IP). Our mission is to help businesses navigate complex legal challenges, seize growth opportunities, and establish frameworks that promote long-term success.

Strategic Legal Services for Every Stage of Business

Our philosophy is proactive: act now, build right, grow smoothly. We don’t just resolve problems—we help you prevent them. From structuring your business to managing high-stakes transactions, we guide you every step of the way with a clear, commercially attuned legal strategy.

Corporate Structuring and Restructuring

A business is only as strong as its legal framework. We advise on optimal corporate structures—such as proprietary companies, trusts, and partnerships—and ensure full compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), ASIC regulations, and other statutory requirements. Our approach factors in liability exposure, tax efficiency, and governance best practices.

Startup Formation and Legal Foundations

The early stages of business are critical. We provide comprehensive legal support to startups, including business incorporation, drafting foundational documents (such as shareholders’ agreements, service agreements, IP licences, employment contracts, and privacy policies), and ensuring compliance with all relevant legal requirements.

Capital Raising

We support businesses through all phases of capital raising—seed rounds, Series A, and beyond. Our legal services include the drafting and negotiation of convertible note deeds, share option agreements, and navigating disclosure obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

When you’re buying or selling a business, precision matters. We provide end-to-end legal support for asset acquisitions, share purchases, and business transfers. This includes due diligence, competition law advice, contract drafting, and analysis of liabilities, employee terms, IP ownership, and more.

Commercial Contracts

Strong contracts are the backbone of effective commercial relationships. We draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements—including supply, customer, distribution, and service agreements—with a focus on enforceability and risk mitigation.

Intellectual Property: Protect What Drives Your Business

We believe that intellectual property is not just an asset—it’s a business enabler. We help businesses leverage and protect their IP for strategic growth and competitive advantage.

IP Licensing

We provide tailored advice on IP ownership and licensing structures to ensure your assets are used and protected effectively within your business model.

IP Portfolio Management

Our team offers strategic guidance on acquiring, registering, maintaining, and enforcing IP rights, including trademarks, patents, designs, and copyrights—ensuring your ideas remain yours.

Trade Secret Safeguarding

We help companies protect confidential information through robust legal instruments such as non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality clauses, as well as internal risk protocols.

Trade Mark Registration & Enforcement

From filing applications with IP Australia to handling oppositions, adverse reports, and enforcement actions under the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth), we manage the full trademark lifecycle, including infringement claims and passing off disputes.

IP Disputes & Litigation

Should disputes arise, we represent clients in contentious IP matters through strategic negotiation, dispute resolution, or litigation—whichever course best protects your interests.

At McBratney Law, our commitment is simple: we empower businesses through clarity, strategy, and the law. Whether you’re starting up, scaling fast, or preparing for a major transaction, we’re here to ensure your legal foundation is as ambitious as your vision.