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Providing a fully integrated, global patent practice

Patent and design prosecution

We approach matters with an understanding of both the technology and processes involved in R&D, and the practical issues which can arise when seeking to protect them.  As the only fully integrated patent practice in an Australian law firm, we draft and prosecute patent applications with a view to their commercialisation and enforcement.

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Knowledge and expertise

We work closely with clients across the full scope of their Intellectual Property requirements:

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYCOPYRIGHTIP LITIGATIONIP TRANSACTIONSPATENTSTRADE MARKS

Areas of technical expertise

Our multidisciplinary team includes dual-qualified lawyers with scientific qualifications and patent attorneys.  With specialist capabilities in chemistry, life sciences and biotechnology, engineering and IT, we service a broad range of industries.

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Life sciences

  • Diagnostics
  • Protein chemistry
  • Peptide chemistry
  • Large molecule therapeutics
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Physiology
  • Medical devices
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Physical and chemical sciences

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Small molecule therapeutics
  • Surface science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Minerals processing
  • Materials science and engineering
  • Metallurgy and alloys
  • Polymers
  • Electrochemistry and batteries
  • Thin films
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Engineering and ICT

  • Electromechanical devices
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Building and construction systems
  • Mining technology
  • Environmental technology
  • Medical devices
  • Agricultural technology
  • Automation systems
  • Control systems
  • Photonics

A seamless global resource for our clients

We work with international and Australian corporations – assisting with their patent portfolios. We also assist international firms, acting as their trusted advisors in Australia for global clients.

  • Filing and prosecution of patent applications
  • Filing and prosecution of design applications
  • Patent and design searches, watches, novelty and infringement searches
  • Patent due diligence
  • Patent renewals
  • Patent oppositions
  • Patent strategy counselling – including patentability of inventions, planning, analysis, and development
  • Patent portfolio management
  • Validity, infringement, and freedom-to-operate advice
  • Revocations

Case studies

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Mine technology

Drafting, filing, prosecuting and advising on patents in the mining technology field, including for drilling systems, mineral processing, pipe extrusion equipment, rail car mechanisms, drag line bucket mechanisms, downhole camera systems, coal chute camera systems and conveyor belt systems. Clients include ESCO, Rio Tinto, Hexagon, Global Clean Technology and Anglo American.

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Pharmaceuticals & medical devices

Drafting, filing and/or prosecuting patents for pharmaceutical and medical technology. Clients include Xencor, HEC Pharm Conmed Corporation, Sanofi S.A, United Pacific Industries and Essity.

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Engineering / ICT

Drafting, filing, prosecuting and advising on patents and designs for engineering devices, automated systems and software, including roller blinds, construction materials, electric cars, electromechanical devices, image recognition software, patent analytics software, digital-twin systems implementing artificial intelligence, and financial management systems. Clients include Rollease Acmeda, BYD, HAG, Limacorporate, De Longhi and many start-ups.
Advising Australian Universities in the commercialisation of new technologies.

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Agriculture & food technology

Drafting, filing and/or prosecuting patents in the agriculture / food technology field. Clients include Mars and Select Harvests.


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Higher education

Advising universities, including the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney, delivering Patent Attorney services, patentability options, patent drafting and patent prosecution.


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Patent oppositions

Our specialist opposition practice forms part of our patent litigation practice. It handles a large volume of patent oppositions for applicants and opponents. It also assists IP firms in Australia. Example corporate clients include ESCO, Mars, Capital Brands and Allied Pumps.


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Our thinking and experience

Lead contacts

Gus Lightowlers

Partner, Patent Attorney, MinterEllison Consulting, Melbourne

Shyama Jayaswal

Partner, Lawyer and Patent Attorney, Melbourne

Nigel Lokan

Partner, Patent Attorney, MinterEllison Consulting, Sydney

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