Design law ensures that the distinctive appearance of your product is protected, preventing others from copying or imitating your original work.
Our design lawyers are experts in identifying, registering, and enforcing design rights. We represent a diverse range of industries and are highly experienced in advising on design strategy, protection, and enforcement. We ensure our clients are fully informed about their rights and options, enabling them to make strategic decisions about their design assets.
At Sanicki Lawyers, we believe that intellectual property law doesn’t have to be stressful. If you have any legal questions or concerns about designs, trade marks, or copyrights, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our friendly and professional team members can arrange a consultation to answer your queries in straightforward language and help you protect and enforce your intellectual property assets. Contact us today to see why we are considered a leading IP law firm in Melbourne.
Mary is a Senior Associate practising in Music Law, Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property, and Business and Commercial Law. She joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2025 and has extensive experience advising clients across the music and entertainment sectors, bringing a rare combination of legal expertise and first-hand industry experience to her practice.Â
Mary began her career in the music industry at Warner Music Australia, working in copyright, royalties, and licensing, before relocating to London to specialise in film, television, and games synchronisation licensing at Universal Music Publishing UK. Upon returning to Australia, she worked at Mushroom Music Publishing before completing a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and entering private practice.
Mary represents artists, songwriters, managers, producers, screen composers, filmmakers and other businesses, and has regularly worked on matters including:
publishing, recording and distribution agreements
music catalogue sale transactions
commercial contract negotiation in the creative industries
Passionate about artist remuneration and the protection of creator’s rights, Mary has published work on the 1% radio cap and, in 2024, appeared before a Senate Committee Hearing advocating for its removal from the Copyright Act. A self-confessed music copyright nerd, she has experience advising on local collection societies such as APRA AMCOS and PPCA, as well as international royalty collection options. She enjoys helping clients understand these frameworks so they can maximise remuneration for their work globally.
Known for her down-to-earth and collaborative approach, Mary combines attention to detail with practical problem-solving and long-term strategic thinking to achieve meaningful outcomes for her clients. Outside of work, she loves bringing her teenage daughter along to gigs and sharing the joy of live music.
Mary is a member of the Arts Law Centre of Australia.
Natasha’s journey with Sanicki Lawyers began in February 2025 as a paralegal intern. She was kept on as a law graduate prior to her admission in May 2025, and now practises as a junior solicitor in Entertainment Law and Commercial Litigation. With a background in film and media, she believes deeply in the power of the arts to shape hearts, minds, and policy – and is driven by a passion for using the law to support the creative industries and spark positive social change.
Natasha holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne, where she double majored in Media & Communications and Screen & Cultural Studies, followed by a Juris Doctor from Melbourne Law School, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from Leo Cussen. Her career journey has woven through corporate boardrooms (Ashurst; Deloitte), creative spaces (Red Bull Aston Martin Racing; impact film company Moonshine Agency), and a plethora of customer service roles; and she couldn’t be more thrilled to now be working with the wonderful Sanicki Lawyers team. Outside of work, Tash is a devoted film buff, live music enthusiast, passionate stress baker, and diehard football (soccer!) fan.
Including protection of the visual appearance of products, such as shape, configuration, pattern, and ornamentation.
The rights of designers in the digital media industry, including: graphic, web and app designers.
Providing legal support in case of design disputes and enforcement actions.
Assisting with the licensing and merchandising of designs.
Protecting and registering industrial designs.
