
Cathryn Warburton is a distinguished legal professional who founded Acacia Law in 2003, where she thrives in advocating for clients' intellectual property rights. As a Patent Attorney and Solicitor, Cathryn's expertise spans across intellectual property litigation, trade marks, copyright, and design law. She is deeply passionate about guiding business owners through the complex landscape of IP protection and enforcement. Her commitment to education is evident through her authorship of "Copyright Practice & Precedents." In her extensive career, Cathryn has held pivotal roles, including serving as Special Counsel at Sajen Legal and Intellectual Property Partner at Longton Legal. Her leadership at Acacia Law involved co-heading the litigation department, managing the trade mark department, and mentoring talented legal professionals. She successfully resolved over 250 intricate disputes involving IP infringement, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance. Cathryn's dedication to process improvement was also demonstrated during her time as Process Improvement Manager at Brave & Bountiful Pty Ltd, where she advanced efficiencies in patent and trade mark processes. Her academic contributions include guest lecturing at the Queensland University of Technology and the College of Law, providing practical skills to future lawyers. Cathryn's influence extends beyond legal practice; she serves on the Board for Business Enterprise Centre Ipswich Region and participates in local school committees. Her robust experience and multifaceted approach make her a trusted advisor in intellectual property law.

Special Counsel
Sajen Legal
Apr 2026 - Present • 7 months

Intellectual Property Partner
Longton Legal
Jan 2025 - Apr 2026 • 1 year 3 months

Guest Lecturer
QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
Jan 2019 - Oct 2019 • 9 months
Process Improvement Manager
Brave & Bountiful Pty Ltd
Jun 2017 - Dec 2022 • 5 years 6 months

Inhouse Legal Counsel (1 year contract to cover maternity leave)
NZ Police
Jul 2007 - Jun 2008 • 11 months
Lecturer
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Feb 2006 - Nov 2011 • 5 years 9 months
Inhouse Legal Counsel - Intellectual Property Advisor - 6 month contract
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (formerly Ministry of Science & Technology)
Jan 2005 - Jun 2005 • 5 months

Freelance Writer
Thomson Reuters
Nov 2003 - Present • 23 years
Partner & Director, Head of Trade Mark Department, Co-head of Litigation Department
Acacia Law
Oct 2003 - Jan 2025 • 21 years 3 months

Adjunct Lecturer
College of Law
Aug 2003 - Sep 2014 • 11 years 1 month

Skills Trainer
Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ)
Apr 2000 - Jun 2011 • 11 years 2 months
Senior Associate
Baldwins Intellectual Property
Apr 1996 - Sep 2003 • 7 years 5 months
Trade Mark Attorney
Adams & Adams
Jan 1995 - Mar 1996 • 1 year 2 months
Candidate Attorney
Ian Morrison & Co
Jan 1993 - Dec 1994 • 1 year 11 months

LaTrobe Business Accelerator Programme Certificate
La Trobe University
2019 - 2020

Post Graduate Bachelor of Laws
University of KwaZulu-Natal
1991 - 1992

Bachelor of Arts - BA
University of KwaZulu-Natal
1988 - 1990
Finalist in the 2014 Ipswich Business Awards
Last checked: 12 Sept 2026 • Checked with Queensland Law Society