WEST Perth law firm Blakiston & Crabb has expanded its technology practice with the acquisition of Silks Technology & Commercial Lawyers.
Silks was put up for sale by its founder David Silk, who has become a shareholder and director of CyberResearch – a specialist consultancy in the field of intellectual property commercialisation.
Blakiston & Crabb partner Michael Blakiston said the acquisition would add to his firm’s growing involvement in the IP and technology fields.
“This is not a whole new area for us,” Mr Blakiston said.
“We have actually shared clients and been on the other side of the table when his clients have dealt with ours.”
Mr Blakiston said companies were more attuned to the commercial importance of IP.
“People have realised there is a lot more to intellectual property than trademarks and patents and suing people who breach them,” he said.
Silks was established eight years ago and has been the only law firm based at Technology Park in Bentley.
Blakiston & Crabb plans to close the Bentley premises and service clients from its West Perth offices.
Mr Silk said Silks’ client base included venture capital firms, technology start-ups and universities.
It has also worked for major corporations on specialist licensing agreements.
At CyberResearch, Mr Silk plans to focus on developing and packaging commercial deals, as well as providing advice on IP asset management.
