I enjoy new technology and the enthusiasm of many inventors – and I seek to add value by working directly with the inventors, ideally as an active part of a team.
As senior patent attorney with many years’ experience, I initially handled the full spectrum of IP, specialising in Australian originating metallurgical and mechanical patent work, but also extending to Australian and overseas design and trade mark work. However, with the increasing tendency for IP work to be handled by separate specialist groups, my focus moved largely to patent work on behalf of Australian research groups involved in research on materials processing, including metals treatments and pyro-metallurgy, corrosion protection, additive manufacturing, automotive engines and vehicle suspensions, road transport equipment, and related plant and machinery.
I enjoy working with a wide range of clients, from private individuals to large organisations, although much of my work has been with research bodies such as CSIRO, CRCs and some Australian companies with ongoing research or activities in product and process diversification.
Inventors, indeed clients in general, have difficulty understanding the seemingly complex patent system and its procedures. I enjoy new technology and the enthusiasm of many inventors and I seek to add value by, where possible, working directly with the inventors, ideally as an active part of a team. This can make it easier for me to adequately comprehend an invention, and to add value by providing guidance on the patenting process in the context of what the inventors seek to achieve. Also, it enables me to reduce the burden on researchers by minimising the need for them to down tools to address patent drafting and examination issues.
Probably what I like most about working at Wrays is the atmosphere generated by the friendly, but confident ‘can-do’ attitude with which the firm is pursuing growth beyond its strong base. It is something I am able to communicate to clients, both locally and overseas, to assure them that their work is in the competent hands of an energetic, active firm.
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Science (Metallurgy)
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Registered Patent Attorney (Australia and New Zealand)
- Registered Trade Marks Attorney (Australia and New Zealand)
Professional Affiliations
- Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys Australia (Fellow)
- Asian Patent Attorneys Association ( Member)
- APAA Australia Group (Member)
- Federation Internationale des Conseils en Propriete Intellectuelle (Member)
- FICPI Australia (Member)