OUR TEAM
Natasha Burns
PARTNER
Natasha is a practising lawyer in both Australia and the United States. As the managing director at Burns IP, Natasha specialises in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, developing IP & IT strategies, trade mark and copyright litigation, licensing and the protection of intellectual property and data in new technologies. Her advice is sought after for matters in both Australia and international markets.
With more than 20 years of experience, Natasha has represented leading corporations from a variety of industries including sports, food and beverage, big data, oil and energy, automotive and pharmaceuticals. She has managed the IP portfolios of some of the world's largest companies, advised clients in multi-million dollar commercial transactions and acted as lead attorney in prominent litigation matters spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Activities & Affiliations
INTA (International Trade Mark Association)
Bar Admissions
New South Wales, Australia, 1997
New York United States, 1999
Victoria, Australia 2013
Education
Macquarie University
Bachelor of Economics, 1994
Bachelor of Law, 1997
Melbourne University
Master of Intellectual Property Law, 2021
Kate Bogue
TRADE MARK PARALEGAL
Kate Bogue joined Burns IP in 2016 as a Paralegal assisting with the prosecution of trade marks and managing the trade mark renewal docket. She has quickly established herself as a vital part of the team.
Prior to working at Burns IP, Kate has worked in the private business sector in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Kate’s business experience brings a practical, level-headed approach to her role at Burns IP and she is ready to assist you with any questions you might have regarding the status of your trade marks.
Education
Diploma of Legal Services, College of Law, 2019
Tony Pietras
REGISTERED PATENT AGENT
Tony handles the patent prosecution work for Burns IP, including drafting patent specifications, filing patent applications for Australia, New Zealand and the PCT (International) Register, responding to examination actions and advising on patent infringement.
Tony has over 30 years handling patent work and is experienced in prosecuting patents in a wide variety of industries including: mechanical, electric, computer hardware, software, household products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and gaming technology.
As a registered trans-tasman IP attorney, Tony can handle your patent matters for Australia, New Zealand and before the PCT (International) Register.
Education
Tony has a law and science degree from Victoria University of Wellington.
Activities & Affiliations
INTA (International Trade Mark Association)
Registered Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney
Elly Royston
LAWYER
Elly is a commercial lawyer and a registered trade marks attorney with a strong background in business. Her experience includes trade mark prosecution and working closely with clients to effectively manage their IP portfolios. She also has a keen interest in privacy law and enjoys putting together global privacy and website policies.
Elly understands the challenges faced by businesses and teamed with her strong interest in all things tech, she is ready to assist you with your intellectual property and contract matters.
Outside of work, Elly enjoys spending time with her greyhound, Murphy.
Education & Qualifications
Registered Trans-Tasman Trade Marks Attorney, September 2020
Monash University
Juris Doctor, 2018
Bachelor of Business, (Majoring in Business Law and Management), 2014
Bar Admissions
Supreme Court of Victoria, November 2019
Skye Hardie
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
Skye is a chartered accountant with over 17 years’ experience in both Chartered Accounting firms and industry including FMCG and Banking and Finance. Her experience spans management accounting, assurance, business analytics, management reporting, statutory reporting, financial analysis and project management.
Skye is currently a board member of 2 community organisations in a voluntary capacity, serving as Treasurer to both.
Before moving to Burns IP, Skye worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cadbury Schweppes Australia, Cadbury Schweppes UK, Blockbuster UK and the National Australia Bank.
Education and Qualifications:
Bachelor Arts/Commerce Monash University, 2000 (Majoring in Accounting and Japanese)
Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment (KAPLAN) completed in 2008
Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors
Admitted as Chartered Accountant to CA ANZ (Previously ICAA) 2002
