Session 2 of the IPSANZ NSW 'IP Junior Practitioner Series' 2026.
TOPIC IN BRIEF: This session brings together in-house counsel from diverse fields to explore how intellectual property is identified, protected and commercialised from within an organisation. Drawing on their experience advising the Garvan Institute, the Children's Medical Research Institute, and Supercars, the panel will share practical perspectives on managing IP arising from research collaborations, licensing and technology transfer, as well as brand, sponsorship and commercial IP.
The panel will also discuss when and how in-house counsel are brought in on IP matters day to day, and what typically happens when disputes or issues arise and external advisers need to be engaged.
Chaired by barrister Jessie McKenzie, the session will be of interest to junior practitioners seeking a grounded, in-house lens on the commercial realities of IP practice, as well as to more experienced practitioners who work with in-house teams and want insight into how those relationships and instructions play out in practice.
SPEAKER: Samin Raihan, Senior Legal Counsel, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Samin Raihan is Senior Legal Counsel at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, with over a decade of intellectual property experience in private practice, including at Norton Rose Fulbright, Jones Day, Clyde & Co (Dubai) and Griffith Hack. He began his career as a Judge's Associate at the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and was named a winner of the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards (Intellectual Property) in 2016.
SPEAKER: Courtney White, Legal Counsel, Supercars
Courtney White is Legal Counsel at Supercars, Australia's premier motor racing category. Prior to joining Supercars, she was a lawyer at intellectual property firm Davies Collison Cave. She holds a law degree from the University of Newcastle.
SPEAKER: Reg Leones, In-house Counsel, Children’s Medical Research Institute
Reg Leones is In-house Counsel at the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI), practising as an intellectual property lawyer and patent attorney with a focus on life sciences and medical device matters.
CHAIR: Jessie McKenzie, Barrister, Nigel Bowen Chambers
Jessie McKenzie is a Barrister at Nigel Bowen Chambers in Sydney, practising across all areas of commercial litigation, including intellectual property. Before being called to the Bar in 2020, she was Associate to the Hon Justice John Nicholas of the Federal Court of Australia and a solicitor at two commercial litigation firms. Jessie has been recognised as a Leading Intellectual Property Junior Counsel (NSW) in Doyle's Guide 2026.
HOST: This event is kindly hosted by Gilbert + Tobin at their Sydney offices. IPSANZ thanks Gilbert + Tobin for their support of this session.
CPD: 1 CPD Point in Substantive Law
TIMING:
- 5:30pm to 6pm Refreshments and networking
- 6pm to 7pm Presentation
- 7pm to 7:30pm Additional refreshments and networking
RSVP: Please register by 3pm AEST on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
Registration fees for this in-person only event are as follows:
- $50.00 IPSANZ members
- $60.00 non-members