Agriculture & AgTech
Our experience spans traditional agricultural technologies through to highly advanced, data-driven solutions.
Health, Pharmaceuticals & MedTech
We provide clear end-to-end IP support to this sector, including patentability and freedom to operate searches, patent drafting and prosecution in Australia and overseas, patent term extension, design registration, product launch support, oppositions and enforcement of rights, and drafting, reviewing and negotiating key commercial agreements.
Stefan Ladd
Stefan is an experienced IP lawyer who advises clients on protecting, managing and commercialising intellectual property.
Plant Breeder’s Rights
Our team combines technical expertise in PBR law with commercial insight into the agricultural, horticultural and research sectors. We assist plant breeders, research organisations and growers with the full lifecycle of PBR protection – from strategy and application through to commercialisation, enforcement and dispute resolution.
Dr Annabella Newton
Dr Annabella Newton is an experienced patent attorney specialising in chemical sciences, pharmaceuticals and agricultural innovation, advising clients from start-ups to multinationals.
Australian Patent Term Extensions Narrowed: Full Federal Court Rules Formulation Claims Ineligible
In Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd v Sun Pharma ANZ Pty Ltd [2025] FCAFC 161[1], the Full Federal Court has confirmed that Australian patent term extensions (PTE) apply only to patents claiming an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) per se. Formulation claims no longer qualify.
Innovations in the Semiconductor Industry: An Australian Perspective
Patent filing trends show that semiconductor-related patent activities in Australia are concentrated in specialist applications, namely, photovoltaics (PV) and quantum technologies.
Energy, Resources & Renewables
We work with organisations across the energy, resources and renewables sector – including mining and mineral processing companies, clean technology developers, research institutions and international energy businesses.
Engineering
Our patent attorneys are qualified engineers, giving them a deep understanding of both the technical elements of engineering developments and the commercial realities of protecting IP in competitive markets.
Being a Sole Director Can be Risk
An innovation patent owned by Southern Cross was found to be invalid in the decision Southern Cross Industrial Group Oty Ltd v Mickala Lighting Towers Pty Ltd and Damien Englebrecht [2025] FCA 1363.