Susan Gatford

Susan is a commercial law specialist with a proven reputation at the Bar. 

She is often briefed in matters that are complex and involve multiple parties, international clients and sensitive information. Susan’s style is responsive and diligent, with a keen focus on practical and strategic solutions. She is skilled in handling matters with niche factual issues that span a wide array of legal disciplines.

Whilst based in Melbourne, Susan appears nationally. She accepts both advocacy and advisory briefs, appears as counsel, and acts as a mediator in ADR matters. 

Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology

Susan has significant expertise in all areas of intellectual property law, including patents, designs, trademarks, copyright, moral rights and breach of confidence claims. She is very comfortable with matters involving highly specialised technical subject matter, including Information Technology disputes and matters pertaining to AI. 

Susan is routinely briefed by law firms, patent attorneys and trademark attorneys as well as directly by in-house lawyers.

She has been recognised by Doyle's Guide in intellectual property law since 2016 and in technology, media and & telecommunications since 2023. 

Australian Consumer Law and Corporations Act disputes 

Susan is often briefed in complex matters relating to the Australian Consumer Law and the Corporations Act, where multiple issues co-exist and overlap. This has included litigation involving contract disputes, misleading and deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct, breach of director's duties, just and equitable winding up matters, shareholder disputes and issues arising from breaches of employee duties.

Privacy

Susan regularly advises and appears in disputes involving privacy and data protection. She is well placed to assist clients navigating the overlap between privacy obligations, technology, and intellectual property rights.