Kate Ritchie is the esteemed Founder, Director, Lawyer, and Trade Marks Attorney at Ethikate, a boutique law practice dedicated to brand protection and intellectual property strategy for entrepreneurs, startups, and growing businesses. Armed with a background in Psychology, Criminology, and Law, Kate excels in transforming complex legal scenarios into accessible, strategic advice. Her 20-year passion for brand protection has made her a sought-after advisor in high-profile organisations, firms, and government agencies. Kate is renowned for her expertise in trade mark registration, portfolio management, and IP dispute resolution, both domestically and internationally. Her approach is characterised by an innovative yet commercially savvy strategy, aligning with the practical needs of businesses across various scales. Kate's philosophy centres on building enduring, trusted partnerships with her clients, empowering them to make informed decisions that bolster their brand's strength and resilience in competitive markets. Her work is underscored by a commitment to acting ethically and strategically, ensuring that her clients are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of intellectual property law. In addition to her role at Ethikate, Kate has gained valuable experience from top-tier firms like Clayton Utz and significant projects such as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Her skills extend to diverse areas including copyright law, commercial contracts, and competition and consumer law. Kate’s approachable demeanor and integrity foster a cooperative relationship with her clients, who view her as a trusted advisor rather than just a legal practitioner.
Director Lawyer & Trade Marks Attorney, Brand & IP Protection Strategist
Ethikate
Jul 2024 - Present • 2 years 4 months
Principal Trade Marks Attorney, Brand Protection Strategist
Self-employed
Jul 2018 - Present • 8 years 4 months
Principal Lawyer, Trade Marks Attorney, Brand & IP Protection Strategist
Self-employed
Jul 2014 - Present • 12 years 4 months
Lawyer (Secondee)
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation
Nov 2013 - Dec 2013 • 1 month
Corporate Solicitor (Secondee)
Tatts Group
Apr 2013 - Dec 2013 • 8 months
Senior Lawyer and Trade Marks Attorney
Clayton Utz
Nov 2011 - Jul 2014 • 2 years 8 months
Solicitor
Harris Wheeler Lawyers
Jun 2008 - Nov 2011 • 3 years 5 months
Contract Administrator, Commercial Services Officer
Thiess Pty Ltd
Aug 2004 - Dec 2006 • 2 years 4 months
Masters of Intellectual Property (non award courses), Trade Marks Law and Trade Marks Practice
University of Technology Sydney
2012
Bachelor of Laws (Hons, Class I) / DipLegPrac, Law
University of Newcastle
2007 - 2009
LLB(Hons)/DipLegPrac, Law and Dip Legal Practice.
University of Newcastle
2007 - 2009
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Criminology
The University of Queensland
2000 - 2004
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Psychology
The University of Queensland
2000 - 2004
Last checked: 8 May 2026 • Checked with Queensland Law Society
