Justine Munsie
Partner
"I work closely with my clients, including executives, creative staff and reporters to help them tell important stories in a way that lessens any risk."
Justine is sought out by clients operating in the media, entertainment and advertising industries for her expertise across the legal issues affecting them. Her clients also include brand owners whom she advises on issues relevant to content, branding, reputation and marketing.
On any day she may advise on contractual and strategic issues, including pre-publication clearances, post-publication complaints, brand development and protection. She assists clients with digital media and regulatory issues, such as investigations involving the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) as well as disputes including defamation, copyright and trade marks litigation.
In a fast-moving environment, Justine is known for her grasp of the breaking issues, and being able to respond to urgent deadlines. Clients value her pragmatic and strategic advice based on their risk profile.
Justine is also recognised by clients and peers for her experience and insight into the latest issues affecting the industry. She is often sought out by media for her expertise and commentary.
Clients for whom she acts include the Seven West Media Group, Australian Associated Press, Sky News, The Daily Beast, Thomson Reuters, Bega Cheese, Hungry Jack’s, In Films, Free TV Australia, Merivale, WPP, bet365, Lottoland, Stake Gaming.
Ampol Australia — successfully acted in Federal Court proceedings commenced by Chevron Global Energy against Ampol Australia regarding Ampol’s transition from the CALTEX brand to the AMPOL brand. Chevron’s claims to own the colour red for certain aspects of service stations were rejected, leaving Ampol free to proceed with its transition rollout.
Hungry Jack’s — successfully acted in Federal Court proceedings commenced by McDonald’s against Hungry Jack’s for their use of the BIG JACK trade mark. The Court ruled that BIG JACK does not infringe the well-known BIG MAC trade mark. Aspects of the case relating to Hungry Jack’s claim that its Big Jack burger contained “25% more Aussie beef” are continuing with a claim for damages by McDonald’s.
Media publishers — providing regular advice to a range of media publishers of news, current affairs, documentaries and podcasts, including Seven West Media, Australian Associated Press and Australian News Channel (Sky News) on pre-publication issues involving defamation, contempt, copyright and compliance with various publication Codes of Conduct. Also acting for those media clients in disputes arising from the content published by them.
Seven West Media — acted for Seven West Media in a range of litigation matters affecting the property, intellectual property and reputation of Seven West Media, including its various television interests. This work includes advising on Seven’s leading weekly current affairs program, “Spotlight”, and acting in current Federal Court proceedings involving defamation and copyright claims against Seven.
Stake.com — acting for the Stake Gaming group of companies in Federal Court proceedings commenced by the Stakeshop investment business which seeks to restrain the use of our client’s STAKE trade mark in Australia in relation to its international online gaming business.
Recognition
Best Lawyers® — Entertainment Law “Lawyer of the Year” Award, Sydney — 2023
Best Lawyers® — Defamation and Media Law "Lawyer of the Year" Award, Sydney — 2020
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Defamation and Media Law — 2017 - 2025
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Entertainment Law — 2017 - 2025
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Intellectual Property — 2025
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Litigation — 2024-2025
Chambers Asia-Pacific: Australia — Technology, Media and Telecommunications: Media — 2019 - 2024
Doyle’s Guide — Leading Technology, Media and Telecommunications Lawyer — NSW — 2019 - 2024 (Preeminent)
Doyle’s Guide — Leading Technology, Media and Telecommunications Lawyer - Australia — 2023 (Leading)
Doyle's Guide — Leading Intellectual Property Lawyers – Australia — 2020 (Recommended), 2021–2023 (Leading)
Doyle’s Guide — Leading Contentious Intellectual Property Lawyers — NSW — 2019 - 2024 (Leading)
Doyle’s Guide — Leading Non-Contentious Intellectual Property Lawyers — NSW — 2020 (Recommended), 2022 (Leading), 2023 (Preeminent), 2024 (Leading)
Who’s Who Legal — Australia & New Zealand - Sports & Entertainment — 2023 - 2024
Committees and memberships
Member, Communications and Media Law Association (CAMLA)
Member, Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ)
Member, Copyright Society
Member, Women’s Lawyers’ Association of NSW
Industries
FMCG
Gambling
Media
Social Media
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts/Laws, University of New South Wales
Justine Munsie advises media, entertainment and advertising industry clients on a broad range of contractual, commercial, reputational and regulatory issues. Clients say: “Justine Munsie provides timely, responsive, accurate and strategic advice to meet tight deadlines.” “Justine is brilliant – she is always across the material and has an eye for the issues that matter most.” “Justine is exceptional.”
Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide 2023 – TMT: Media – Australia