Dr Dan Thompson

Dan joined the intellectual property profession to help innovators translate technical breakthroughs into valuable intellectual property. He brings a combination of scientific, engineering, and commercial expertise to his work in the Electronics, Physics, and IT team at Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick. Dan holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Melbourne, along with dual Honours degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Science (Physics). His technical expertise spans lasers and photonic systems, advanced scientific instrumentation, quantum technologies, and interdisciplinary deep-tech innovations.

Before entering the intellectual property profession, Dan spent more than 15 years working with advanced laser, optical, and scientific instrumentation technologies across research and commercial environments. At Coherent Scientific, he supported leading research institutions across Australia and New Zealand through complex system installations, lifecycle support, and enabling world-class research outcomes. He developed strong relationships across both the physical and life sciences sectors and was recognised for his ability to understand client objectives, communicate complex technical concepts clearly, and deliver practical solutions.

Dan’s research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including Physical Review Letters and Review of Scientific Instruments. His doctoral research focused on cold atom electron and ion source development, laser beam shaping, and narrow-linewidth external cavity diode laser design. This experience provided a strong foundation in precision instrumentation, experimental design, and data-driven problem solving, enabling him to engage effectively with inventors, researchers, and R&D teams.

Dan also holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School, where he focused on strategy, finance, operations, and innovation, including an exchange at Columbia Business School in New York. Consulting projects sharpened his business acumen, enhanced his ability to solve problems in ambiguous environments, and strengthened his ability to align diverse stakeholders around strategic objectives. As he works towards registration as a Patent Attorney, Dan is excited to draw on this blend of technical expertise, commercial insight, and strategic thinking to help clients protect and maximise the value of their innovations.