Duncan Longstaff

Duncan Longstaff is a distinguished intellectual property lawyer, serving as Principal at Spruson & Ferguson, with over 18 years of experience. His expertise lies in IP litigation, particularly in the realm of patent disputes, across various sectors including mining, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, IT, financial services, and consumer goods. His prowess as a litigator is demonstrated through his involvement in major complex IP litigation in both the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia. Notable cases include significant litigation for industry leaders like Dyno Nobel, Otsuka, Lundbeck, Zoetis, Ecolab/Nalco, InfoTrack, and Fuchs. Duncan also excels in conducting patent oppositions within the Australian Patent Office, representing renowned clients such as James Hardie, Zoetis, Johnson & Johnson, Dyno Nobel, Manildra Milling Corporation, and EMD Millipore. Beyond his legal tactics, Duncan is actively engaged with several prestigious organisations, holding memberships with the Law Council of Australia's Intellectual Property Committee and the Energy & Resources Law Association's South Australian Committee. He is also affiliated with the Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand, and attends key industry events by the International Trade Mark Association, the American Intellectual Property Law Association, among others. Recognised consistently by leading legal publications like Chambers & Partners, Best Lawyers, Legal 500, and IAM Patent 1000, Duncan's accolades speak volumes of his contributions to the legal field. He has previously held significant roles at Shelston IP, Finlaysons, and Ashurst, where he honed his focus on patent litigation and intellectual property disputes. Duncan’s educational background includes a Master of Intellectual Property Law from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University, where he graduated with First Class Honours. His academic pursuits are complemented by a solid grounding in biochemistry and molecular biology, further enriching his legal expertise.