We are pleased to announce that Dr Mary Munroe and Matthew Ford have been appointed as new Principals, effective from 1 July 2020.
POF Board Chair Greg Chambers says “Both Mary and Matt work from our Sydney office. Together they will present a strong leadership team for the growth of Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick in this important market. Both are experienced, talented and committed patent attorneys.”
Dr Mary Munroe – BSc(Hons), PhD, GDipIP|
Mary has been promoted to Principal within our Chemistry and Life Sciences team. Mary has over 15 years’ experience as a European, UK, Irish, Australian & New Zealand patent attorney and has worked with clients on technologies in the chemical, analytical science and instrumentation, material science, nanotechnology, therapeutics including pharmaceuticals, medical science, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, medical devices, electromechanical engineering and food and beverage fields. She is also a qualified Irish and Community trademark and design attorney (EU).
Being multi-jurisdictionally qualified, Mary’s approach is strategically focused, taking a hands-on role in the development and management of Australian and global patent portfolios, giving clients advice where necessary for optimising protection in Australia and internationally, as well as for enforcement and licensing opportunities, particularly in Europe, Ireland and the UK, where Mary has an established network of experienced contacts.
Mary enjoys guiding inventors and business owners through the IP procurement process and developing their understanding of the value of IP. She has strong relationship skills and a hands-on approach. Driving client satisfaction and confidence are strong motivators in her professional career.
Matthew Ford – Bsc (Photonics) (Hons 1) MIP
Matthew has been promoted to Principal within our Electronics, Physics and IT team. Matthew has a first class honours degree in physics, majoring in photonics and has over 10 years of IP experience. Matthew practices primarily in the fields of physics, electrical engineering and computer technologies, specialising in lasers, optical fibres, photovoltaic devices and various optical network devices for the telecommunications industry. Matthew also has a keen interest in the fields of nanotechnology and near-Earth space technology which has exposed Matthew to the importance of computational analysis of complex systems and problems.
Matthew has expertise drafting, prosecuting and defending patent specifications across a broad range of technologies, including optical and electronic telecommunications, control systems, computer vision, driver monitoring technology, consumer electronics, machine learning, augmented reality, neuroscience diagnostic and rehabilitation systems, gaming technologies, HVAC and building management systems and various other computer-implemented technologies.
Congratulations to our new Principals.