Blair Beven

CEO/Founding Partner XVII Degrees

Glebe, NSW

About Blair

Blair Beven, originally from New Zealand, embarked on his legal journey by moving to Australia to embrace the challenges of a thriving legal landscape. With over two decades of experience, Blair has held leadership roles at some of Australia's top-tier law firms, serving as a Partner at three renowned commercial law firms for more than 15 years. In 2014, he ventured into a new chapter by founding the Australian office of a distinguished New Zealand IP boutique. Within three years, Blair cultivated a formidable team of over 15 IP professionals and support staff, successfully safeguarding globally recognisable brands and undertaking high-stakes IP litigation, while securing intellectual property rights for a multitude of businesses. Blair holds the rare distinction of being dual-qualified to practise law in both Australia and New Zealand, earning him a reputation as one of Australasia's foremost intellectual property lawyers. His expertise in global IP systems, strategy, law, and procedural intricacies is exceptional. Among Blair's notable career achievements is his appointment by the Federal Government and the Prime Minister's Office to protect Australia's Nation Brand and logo across 40 countries, involving comprehensive reviews of prior trademarks and providing clearance searches under stringent deadlines. This three-year endeavour stands as a pinnacle in his career, resulting in the successful protection of a critical national trademark, now under his guardianship along with over 4,000 others worldwide. Blair's illustrious career also includes high-level intellectual property litigation and asset management for prestigious global brands and celebrity clients, including one of the world's most renowned supermodels. In 2023, he was honoured by a nomination for the Partner of the Year award by Lawyers Weekly, had the unique opportunity to meet Barack Obama twice, was named a St Vincent’s CEO Sleepout Ambassador, and established 17 Degrees, focused on delivering clear and cost-effective IP advice. His portfolio spans work with high-profile influencers, businesses, emerging companies, and enterprising individuals. A fervent advocate for intellectual property, Blair's dedication is further demonstrated through his pro bono work aimed at protecting Indigenous Cultural Knowledge for First Nations communities. He actively participates in numerous legal societies and associations, including the International Trade Mark Association (INTA), NSW Law Society, and the Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ). Frequently contributing articles, serving as a media spokesperson, and providing insights on recent case law and emerging technologies, Blair continues to be a thought leader in his field.