IP Attorneys Sydney

Patent and Trade Marks Attorney | BSc (Computing and Software Systems), GradDipIPLaw, MIP

Melbourne, Australia

M: +61 494 659 335
E: tom.hamiltongilligan@ipguardian.law
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hamilton-gilligan-0408a8199/

Tom works across the full patent lifecycle, from drafting and prosecution through to examination responses, infringement and validity analysis and IP strategy. His background in computing and software systems, combined with broader technical grounding in physics, mathematics and electrical engineering, gives him a strong foundation for working with complex and emerging technologies.

He works with early-stage technology companies through to larger corporate and multinational businesses, with particular experience in Australian patent eligible subject matter for software and computer-implemented inventions. Tom takes a practical, commercially informed approach, helping clients understand their IP position clearly and build patent portfolios that reflect their business objectives.

Work Highlights

• Prosecuted Australian patent applications for a globally recognised Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer across a diverse portfolio of electronic, imaging and computer-implemented technologies.
• Prosecuted Australian patent applications for a leading Japanese multinational in the electronics, industrial automation and automotive sectors, including inventions spanning electrical, control and software-related technologies.
• Coordinated global patent prosecution strategies for a leading animal health and agricultural technology company, supporting the protection of connected agricultural technologies across multiple jurisdictions.
• Advised a multinational manufacturer of industrial material handling equipment on Australian patent protection for mechanical and control system technologies.
• Prosecuted patent applications for a global medical device manufacturer relating to surgical and medical technologies, supporting the client's broader international intellectual property strategy.
• Advised Australian startups and small businesses on patent infringement risks, freedom-to-operate and intellectual property strategy in connection with software platforms, consumer products and emerging technologies.
• Provided litigation support in Federal Court patent infringement proceedings concerning battery charging and power management technologies, contributing to the Australian aspects of a multi-jurisdictional patent dispute.

Areas of Practice
Patents, Trade Marks, Designs

Specialities

• Software and computer-implemented inventions
• ICT systems and telecommunications
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Business software, fintech, and payments technologies
• Cloud computing, SaaS platforms, and data analytics
• Embedded systems and IoT devices
• Electrical and mechanical systems
• Medical devices and digital health technologies
• Australian patent eligible subject matter for software and computer-implemented inventions

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (Computing and Software Systems) - The University of Melbourne
• Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law - The University of Melbourne
• Master of Intellectual Property Law - The University of Melbourne
• Registered Trans‑Tasman Patent Attorney (AU & NZ)
• Registered Trans-Tasman Trade Marks Attorney

Trade Marks Attorney | BSocSci, LLB, LLM (Intellectual Property Law)

Sydney, Australia

M: + 61 492 867 971
E: robin.richardson@ipguardian.law
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinrichardsontrademarks/

Robin brings a genuinely global perspective to trade mark practice, having worked across the UK, Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand in both leading IP firms and senior in-house roles, including as corporate IP counsel for a multinational organisation. That combination of law firm rigour and corporate commercial experience gives him a practical understanding of what brand protection means at an operational level.

He advises businesses from early-stage startups through to major international brands, with a focus on delivering trade mark and brand protection strategies that are commercially grounded and built for the long term. Robin has also led IP education programs for technology incubators and business accelerators across the UK and Africa, reflecting a broader commitment to helping businesses understand and use their IP effectively.

Areas of Practice
Trade Marks

Specialities

• Trade mark prosecution and portfolio management
• Trade mark oppositions and contentious proceedings
• Clearance searches and brand risk assessment
• Co‑existence agreements and IP asset transactions
• Madrid Protocol applications and multi‑jurisdictional filing strategy
• Commercial brand protection for startups, SMEs, and global enterprises
• Strategic advice on brand expansion and international market entry

Qualifications

• Admitted Solicitor in England & Wales, Ireland, and South Africa
• Registered Trans-Tasman Trade Marks Attorney
• South African Trade Mark Attorney
• Extensive cross‑jurisdictional training in brand protection, contentious trade mark matters, and international filing systems including the Madrid Protocol

Principal and Senior Patent & Trade Marks Attorney | BE (Elec) (Hons), Registered Trans-tasman Patent and Trade Marks Attorney

Queensland, Australia

M: +61 431 851 919
E: ali.alanbuky@ipguardian.law
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-al-anbuky-aa9a8359/

Ali has built a practice around a simple idea: that high-quality IP advice should be as accessible to a scaling technology company as it is to a large corporate. Recognised across the New Zealand technology sector for his work with some of the country's most innovative startups, he works closely with high-growth companies, universities, SMEs and venture capital firms across Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

With a background in electrical engineering, Ali brings strong technical capability across electrical, software, and mechanical technologies. He integrates directly into client teams, often functioning as an embedded in-house IP resource, supporting invention capture, IP budgeting and forecasting, investor-ready documentation, and commercialization. His approach is collaborative and commercially minded, focused on building IP positions that support business growth.

Areas of Practice
Patents, Trade Marks

Specialities

• Patent drafting and prosecution across electrical, software, and mechanical technologies
• Audio technology, power distribution systems, industrial automation, AI‑driven systems
• Medical technology, microfluidics, and advanced engineering devices
• Global brand protection and trade mark strategy
• In‑house IP function support: invention capture, IP budgeting, education, pitch decks, funding applications
• Commercialisation‑aligned IP strategy for high‑growth technology companies

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) with Honours
• Registered Trans‑Tasman Patent Attorney (AU & NZ)
• Registered Trans-Tasman Trade Marks Attorney

Principal and Senior Patent & Trade Marks Attorney | B. Tech (Optoelectronics), M.Sc. (Physics)

Auckland, New Zealand

P: + 64 9 363 2723
M: + 64 27 624 1440
E: matthew.howe@ipguardian.law
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-howe-b31b5496/

Matt advises clients on building, asserting and defending global patent portfolios across technically demanding sectors including electronics, software, embedded systems, AI, machine learning, power management, telecommunications, optics and automotive technologies. His clients range from startups to multinational technology companies across New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

What distinguishes Matt is a perspective that goes beyond legal practice. Having founded and successfully exited a technology company, he understands IP from the inside: how it is built, how it is valued and how it performs under commercial pressure. That experience informs everything from how he approaches a patent specification to how he advises on portfolio strategy. His work developing electronic systems for motorsport applications reflects the same hands-on technical curiosity he brings to client matters.

Areas of Practice
Patents, Trade Marks

Specialities

• Patent drafting and prosecution across electronics, software and advanced engineering technologies
• AI, machine learning, embedded systems, telecommunications, optics and automotive technologies
• Strategic IP portfolio development and management
• Enforcement of IP rights and litigation strategy
• Trade mark registration and brand protection
• Commercially focused IP strategy informed by real-world business experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Optoelectronics, University of Auckland
• Master of Science in Physics, University of Auckland
• Registered Trans‑Tasman Patent Attorney (AU & NZ)
• Registered Trans-Tasman Trade Marks Attorney

Principal and Senior Patent Attorney | BSc. Tech (Physics), Grad Dip. IT

Hamilton, New Zealand

P: +64 9 363 2723
M: +64 22 156 0992
E: simon.murphy@IPGuardian.law
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-murphy-82583118/

Simon has been practising in IP since 1996. That kind of tenure represents deep familiarity with how IP offices think, how examiners approach difficult cases and how the landscape has shifted across nearly three decades of technological change. He has represented clients before IP Australia, IPONZ and WIPO, and his experience across both the Australian and New Zealand systems makes him a trusted advisor for clients who need reliable, technically precise guidance.

Simon's practice spans the full patent lifecycle, from novelty assessments and freedom-to-operate investigations through to infringement and validity assessments and contentious matters. His focus is on software, electronics and ICT-related inventions, with a technical background that enables him to work through complex systems and deliver patent protection that is strategically aligned and commercially grounded.

Work Highlights

Watts Water Inc. - Patents, Designs, Portfolio management
Managed the registration prosecution of a long-running patent and design portfolios across Australia, New Zealand and international jurisdictions via PCT. Navigated liaison work across multiple subsidiary business in the Watts group to address examination issues and secured commercially meaningful protection across target markets.

AoFrio - Trade Marks
Representing a multinational client undergoing a brand revitalization and replacement process, successfully registered a portfolio of new marks in critical jurisdiction of interest while providing advice on the maintenance and management of retained legacy marks. The outcome preserved the client's exclusive rights to their existing marks of valve while expanding coverage for new flagship branding.

Areas of Practice
Patents, Trade Marks, Registered Design rights

Specialities

• Patent drafting and prosecution (AU, NZ and international)
• Patent oppositions and contentious matters
• Novelty, FTO, infringement and validity assessments
• Software, electronics and ICT-related inventions
• Pattern-recognition software and biometric systems
• Hall-effect transducers and electric-fencing technologies
• Search-engine optimisation systems and RFID technologies
• Representation before IP Australia, IPONZ and WIPO

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and Technology (Physics & Electronics)
• Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
• Registered Trans‑Tasman Patent Attorney (AU & NZ)
• Registered Trans-Tasman Trade Marks Attorney

Patent Attorney | MSc (Biotechnology), BSc (Chemistry, Biology)

Hamilton, New Zealand

P: +64 9 363 2723
E: sandra.murphy@ipguardian.law

Sandra is an experienced patent attorney with ten years of practice supporting clients across New Zealand, Australia and internationally. Her work spans the full patent lifecycle, from patent drafting and prosecution through to infringement and validity assessments, novelty evaluations and freedom-to-operate investigations.

She works across a broad range of technologies, including general sciences, mechanical technologies, consumer products and advanced biochemical and biotechnological processes. She represents clients before IP Australia, IPONZ and WIPO.

Areas of Practice
Patents

Specialities

• Patent prosecution (AU, NZ and international)
• Biochemical and biotechnological processes
• Mechanical technologies and consumer products
• Biological compounds and livestock parentage determination systems
• Representation before IP Australia, IPONZ and WIPO

Qualifications

• Master of Science with First-Class Honours in Biochemistry
• Bachelor of Science (Biology and Chemistry, Double Major)
• Registered Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney (AU and NZ)

Qualifications

• BSc (Biochemistry & Zoology)
• BSc (Hons) (Biochemistry)
• BJuris (Law subjects, Latin, English, Afrikaans)
• MSc (Biochemistry) – Research in enzymology & proteasome protein chemistry
• LLB (Postgraduate law degree – equivalent to JD)
• Master of Industrial Property (Patent, Trade Mark & Design Law)
• BPhil (Ancient Cultures of the Near East & Mediterranean)
• PhD (Neuroscience) – RMIT University
• Registered Trans‑Tasman Patent Attorney (AU & NZ)
• Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
• Fellow of IPTA
• 25 years’ experience in intellectual property law across top‑tier firms in Australia and South Africa

Experience

Dr Seán Klinkradt is an accomplished intellectual property professional with more than two decades of experience advising clients across Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. As a registered Trans‑Tasman Patent Attorney and Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Seán brings a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, legal training, and cross‑jurisdictional experience.

His academic background spans science, law, and humanities, culminating in a PhD in neuroscience from RMIT University. His doctoral research focused on identifying and characterising a novel excitatory amino acid transporter in rodent brains—work with potential therapeutic applications in neurological, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Seán has practised with leading IP firms in both South Africa and Australia, developing extensive experience across biotechnology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and veterinary sciences. His scientific depth and legal precision make him a trusted advisor for clients navigating complex patent landscapes.

Beyond practice, Seán is an active academic, lecturing in biomedicine, business law, human rights, intellectual property, medical sciences, and property law at multiple universities. His broad intellectual interests include ancient history, philosophy, and classical literature.

Specialities

• Patent drafting and prosecution across biotechnology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and medical technologies
• Neuroscience, biomedicine, and therapeutic innovation
• Veterinary and agricultural biotechnology
• Patentability, infringement, and validity assessments
• Strategic IP portfolio development for research institutions and industry
• Cross‑jurisdictional IP strategy (AU/NZ/South Africa)

Academic and industry training in IP, law, and biomedical sciences

Principal and Patent Attorney | BSc(Mech Eng); LLB

Sydney, Australia

P: +61 (2) 9071 0130
M: +61 474 323 475
E: mike.biagio@ipguardian.law
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebiagiopatentattorney/

Mike brings more than 24 years of patent and design experience to his work, with a track record spanning Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and international markets. Before entering IP practice in 2001, he worked in research and development and project engineering, giving him a grounded understanding of how innovations are conceived, built and commercialised that most attorneys simply do not have.

That engineering background, combined with extensive experience in software patents, means Mike is equally at home with traditional mechanical and industrial technologies as he is with emerging technology sectors. He has drafted and prosecuted patent applications across a wide range of fields and jurisdictions, and his previous work in IP valuation adds a commercial dimension to his practice, helping clients understand not just how to protect their IP but how it adds value to a business, both strategically and financially.

Mike is also committed to education and mentoring, having lectured and mentored at the University of New South Wales, the University of Wollongong and the University of Sydney, and advised numerous startups through incubators and accelerators on IP strategy, ideation and commercialisation.

Work Highlights

Jihany - Patents
Drafted and prosecuted patent applications for a client across Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada, Europe, Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, covering plant for the generation of biochar from organic waste. Mike drew on a background in mechanical engineering to engage directly with the client's technical team and ensure the specification captured the full scope of the invention.

Martinic - Patents
Drafted and prosecuted patent applications for a client across Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada, Europe, Japan, and China, coveringa ransomware mitigation system.

UNSW - Advisory
Advised a cohort of early-stage startups through UNSW10X on IP strategy, invention identification and patent filing priorities. Helped UNSW 10X startup companies that made it into the top 10 develop IP positions capable of supporting investment conversations and commercial partnerships.

Areas of Practice
Patents, Trade Marks

Specialities

• Patent drafting and prosecution across mechanical, software and multidisciplinary technologies
• Packaging, consumer products, mining technologies and industrial processes
• Mechanical devices, robotics and electromechanical mechanisms
• Fintech, medical devices, naval and marine technologies, defence and weapons systems
• Design registrations and global filing strategy
• Software and AI technology
• IP valuation and commercialisation strategy
• Startup advisory: ideation, IP strategy, investor readiness and portfolio development

Qualifications

• Registered Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney (AU and NZ)
• Qualified South African Patent Attorney (not practising)
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town
• Bachelor of Laws, University of South Africa
• Attorney of the High Court of South Africa (not practising)
• IP Valuation Specialist

Founder and Principal | BSc (Electrical Engineering) MBA MIP

Sydney, Australia

M: +61 493 970 897
E: barry.meskin@ipguardian.law
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrymeskin/  

Barry founded IP Guardian with a clear purpose: to give businesses IP advice that is commercially grounded and genuinely accessible. With over 25 years of experience as a patent and trade mark attorney across specialist IP law firms and as in-house counsel in Australia, he brings technical and strategic knowledge that clients at every stage of growth can draw on.

Barry advises startups, SMEs and large corporates on protecting their intellectual property in Australia and overseas, with a particular focus on patents, trade marks and design registrations. He has a longstanding commitment to supporting Australian-designed and manufactured consumer brands, understanding that the work behind a brand carries as much value as the brand itself. Barry takes time to understand each client and their business before offering solutions, helping them make informed decisions about their IP without unnecessary complexity or cost.

Work Highlights
Patents - Advisory
Advised a gaming company on a patent filing strategy covering networked gaming machines across Australia and New Zealand. Worked closely with the founding team to identify protectable innovations early and build a portfolio aligned with their commercialisation roadmap.

Alex Perry - Trade Marks
Secured trade mark registration for an Australian designed consumer brand across 5 classes in Australia. Advised on brand clearance prior to launch and managed the filing strategy to protect the client's market position ahead of a planned retail expansion.

Areas of Practice
Patents, Trade Marks, Design Registrations

Specialities

• Patent, trade mark and design registration (AU, NZ and international)
• Brand protection and trade mark strategy
• IP strategy for startups, SMEs and corporates
• Commercially aligned IP portfolio development
• Protection of Australian-designed and manufactured consumer products

Qualifications

• Registered Australian Patent Attorney
• Registered Trade Mark Attorney
• Registered New Zealand Patent Attorney
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Intellectual Property
• Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice (not practising)
• Member of the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia
• Member of the Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand