Dr Dan Thompson

Dan joined the intellectual property profession to help creators transform complex ideas into protected assets. Commercially minded and currently undertaking an MBA at Melbourne Business School, he brings a practical focus on innovation and entrepreneurship to his work in the Electronics, Physics, and IT team at Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick.

He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Melbourne, along with dual honours degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and in Science (Physics). His technical expertise spans lasers and photonics, scientific instrumentation, quantum devices, and charged particle beam technologies.

Prior to entering the IP field, Dan spent over seven years supporting leading research institutions across Australia and New Zealand with advanced laser, optical, and microscopy systems. At Coherent Scientific, he delivered complex installations and lifecycle support, built strong client relationships in both physical and life sciences, and improved service outcomes through systematic troubleshooting and collaboration. Clients valued his ability to translate intricate specifications into practical solutions.

Dan’s research has been published in peer-reviewed journals including Physical Review Letters and Review of Scientific Instruments. His doctoral work focused on cold atom electron and ion source development, laser beam shaping, and narrow-linewidth external cavity diode laser design. This foundation gives him a deep understanding of precision instrumentation and data-driven experimentation, enabling clear communication with inventors and R&D leaders.

His MBA studies are tailored towards strategy, finance, operations, and innovation, and he will complete the program on exchange at Columbia Business School in early 2026. Consulting projects have sharpened his business acumen, enhanced his ability to solve problems in ambiguous environments, and strengthened stakeholder alignment. He looks forward to applying these skills to executing effective IP strategies for clients.