Rate My Professor Paula Zito

Dr Paula Zito is a Senior Lecturer in Law in the College of Business and Law at Adelaide University. She earned her PhD from the University of Adelaide in 2018, with a doctorate in intellectual property. She also holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Adelaide, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of South Australia. Admitted as a solicitor and barrister to the Supreme Court of South Australia and the High Court of Australia, Dr Zito practiced in commercial and intellectual property law at leading firms such as Minter Ellison Lawyers (1999-2002), DLA Phillips Fox (2002-2009), and Donaldson Walsh Lawyers (1997-1999). Her academic appointments include Research Fellow (2021-2022), Lecturer in Law (2022-2024), and Senior Lecturer in Law (2025-present) at the University of South Australia, now integrated into Adelaide University.

Dr Zito's research interests encompass Intellectual Property Law, with specialist expertise in trade marks, geographical indications, and brand protection and management; Contract Law; and Clinical Legal Education. She is a member of the Geographical Indications Sub-Committee of the Intellectual Property Committee, Business Law Section, Law Council of Australia, and Chair of the South Australian chapter of ChIPs, as well as Co-Chair Events for the National ChIPs Committee. Dr Zito has advised the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Intellectual Property Australia on developing a new framework for food geographical indications, contributing to Australia-EU free trade agreement discussions. Her key publications include 'Crafting identity: lessons for Australia from the European Union’s geographical indications framework—crafting culture, anchored in place' (Journal of Intellectual Property Law and Practice, 2026); 'Australian geographical indications: protecting the connection between product and place' (Intellectual Property Forum, 2024); 'Current and future protection of Geographical Indications in Australia' (Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice, 2021); 'Protection of Australian Regional Names as Food Geographical Indications - South Australian Case Study: Part 2' (Australian Intellectual Property Journal, 2021); and a chapter in Contemporary Australian Business Law (Cambridge University Press, 2023). She has received the Early Career Academic Teaching Excellence Award and Teaching & Learning Excellence Award from the University of South Australia, along with nominations for the Australian Law Awards Academic of the Year and Com.It.Es Changemaker/Social Justice Award. Dr Zito teaches Business and the Law, Contract Law, Intellectual Property Law, Legal Advice Clinic, and Legal Professional Placement, integrating practical experience into innovative course designs.