Event: Tips and traps in expert witness conferences and joint reports in patent proceedings

Members of the profession are welcome to attend in person at their local registry or watch the event virtually.

Select your state to view the relevant event details and registration link:

• New South Wales (NSW)
• Western Australia (WA)
• Victoria (VIC)

The first segment of this event will be held at the Sydney registry of the Federal Court from 5:30pm AEDT on Wednesday 25 March 2026, and will be livestreamed to the Perth registry (at 2:30pm AWST).

The second segment will be held at the Melbourne registry of the Federal Court from 5:30pm AEDT on Wednesday 1 April 2026.

Both segments will feature a panel discussion by Registrar facilitators Alison Legge and Susan O’Connor, joined in Sydney by Andrew Fox SC and in Melbourne by Kate Beattie SC.

Justice Jackson will host the livestream in the Perth registry.

Topic in brief:

The event will discuss common issues that arise along the journey from setting up a conference and setting questions, to delivery of the joint report, including tips and traps in preparing for expert conferences, insights into what happens in an expert witness conference, and an opportunity to share lessons learned.

The Court will also be inviting feedback on the Standard Patent Directions for Patents Proceedings which were launched one year ago.

Following each session, attendees are invited to stay for informal discussions over drinks and canapés.

Questions or comments for the panel discussion can be submitted in advance to:

• Registrar O’Connor – Assistant.OConnorR@fedcourt.gov.au (Sydney and Perth events)
• Registrar Legge – Assistant.LeggeR@fedcourt.gov.au (Melbourne event)