In the diverse and evolving field of biotechnology, we specialise in the planning, creation and strategic management of patent portfolios for innovators at all stages of their development.

Spruson & Ferguson has a long-established leading practice in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. A strong knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, and a thorough understanding of the commercial and regulatory environments in which our clients operate, ensures that our advice is always commercially appropriate and aims to maximise your IP strategy.

We work with start-ups, established research and development institutions, universities, co-operative research centres and multinational pharmaceutical companies.

Our patent attorneys speak the technical language of biotechnology. The majority are qualified to PhD level in areas such as genetics, biophysics, molecular biology, microbiology, biomedical engineering, chemistry and biochemistry. We also have scientists trained in a broad range of relevant technologies including cardiovascular, immunoscience, metabolics, neuroscience, oncology and virology. Their expertise includes patent term extensions, data exclusivity, regulatory approval and all other aspects of advice relating to our client’s core commercial products.

In Australia, our patent and trade mark attorneys work alongside highly experienced specialist litigators and commercialisation experts that have acted in a number of Australia’s largest pharmaceutical litigation matters.

These factors allow us to build the right team with appropriate skill sets to match each of our clients’ needs.

Reach out to us any time for an assessment of your needs and services. Our latest articles are below, and you can Follow us any time on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest thinking.

Click here to see our full Biotech and Life Sciences team.

Key Team Members
Sydney, Australia
Dr Simon Potter
Managing Director | Australia
Patents: Chemical & Life Science
+61 2 9393 0100 simon.potter@spruson.com
Simon is an accomplished professional services leader, and commenced as Managing Director of Spruson & Ferguson Australia following key leadership positions as head of the Australian Chemical/Life Sciences team…
Simon is an accomplished professional services leader, and commenced as Managing Director of Spruson & Ferguson Australia following key…
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Singapore, Singapore
Maik Brinkmann
Principal, Life Science Practice Group leader Asia
Patents: Life Science
+65 6333 7200 maik.brinkmann@spruson.com
Maik Brinkmann is the Life Science Practice Group Leader in Asia and his practice primarily involves the drafting and prosecution of patent applications, advice in relation to patent validity…
Maik Brinkmann is the Life Science Practice Group Leader in Asia and his practice primarily involves the drafting and…
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Sydney, Australia
Katrina Crooks
Principal, Head of Spruson & Ferguson Lawyers
Spruson & Ferguson Lawyers: Litigation
+61 2 9393 0300 katrina.crooks@spruson.com
Katrina is counted amongst Australia’s top IP litigation lawyers, with 25 years’ experience of obtaining successful outcomes for clients. Dual qualified as a lawyer and patent attorney, patent litigation is…
Katrina is counted amongst Australia’s top IP litigation lawyers, with 25 years’ experience of obtaining successful outcomes for clients. Dual…
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Sydney, Australia
Dr Mike Zammit
Principal, Chemical & Life Sciences Leader – Australia
Patents | Chemical & Life Science
+61 2 9393 0100 mike.zammit@spruson.com
Mike joined Spruson & Ferguson in October 2020 after 16 years of experience in another leading Australian IP firm. Mike is a registered patent attorney specialising in the chemical sciences….
Mike joined Spruson & Ferguson in October 2020 after 16 years of experience in another leading Australian IP firm. Mike…
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Sydney, Australia
Dr. Elizabeth Barrett
Principal
Patents: Chemical & Life Science
+61 2 9393 0100 elizabeth.barrett@spruson.com
Elizabeth joined Spruson & Ferguson’s Chemical/Life Sciences group in 2008, where she specialises in the field of pharmaceuticals. Elizabeth assists numerous local and international clients, particularly pharmaceutical companies, in various…
Elizabeth joined Spruson & Ferguson’s Chemical/Life Sciences group in 2008, where she specialises in the field of pharmaceuticals. Elizabeth assists…
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Sydney, Australia
Dr. Michael Christie
Principal
Patents: Chemical & Life Science
+61 2 9393 0100 michael.christie@spruson.com
Michael is a leading Australian patent attorney recognized for his legal acumen and his technical expertise in biotechnology, and is a member of our life sciences team. Michael’s patent expertise…
Michael is a leading Australian patent attorney recognized for his legal acumen and his technical expertise in biotechnology, and…
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Singapore, Singapore
Dr. Soo Ee Lin
Principal, Director Malaysia
Patents: Life Science
+65 6333 7200 eelin.soo@spruson.com
Ee Lin holds a Bachelor of Technology degree with First Class Honours in Biotechnology from the University of Auckland, where, during the course of her studies, she was engaged…
Ee Lin holds a Bachelor of Technology degree with First Class Honours in Biotechnology from the University of Auckland,…
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Sydney, Australia
Duncan Longstaff
Principal
Spruson & Ferguson Lawyers: Litigation
+61 2 9393 0300 duncan.longstaff@spruson.com
Duncan is a specialist intellectual property lawyer. He has extensive IP litigation expertise with 18 years’ experience. Duncan’s practice focuses on patent disputes, including in the mining/energy, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical…
Duncan is a specialist intellectual property lawyer. He has extensive IP litigation expertise with 18 years’ experience. Duncan’s practice focuses…
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Sydney, Australia
Andrew Rankine
Principal
Spruson & Ferguson Lawyers: Litigation
+61 2 9393 0300 andrew.rankine@spruson.com
Andrew is a specialist in intellectual property disputes. His practice focuses on the life sciences. Andrew has particular expertise in handling complex patent disputes for global leaders in the pharmaceuticals,…
Andrew is a specialist in intellectual property disputes. His practice focuses on the life sciences. Andrew has particular expertise in…
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Sydney, Australia
Dr. Daniel Sieveking
Principal
Patents: Chemical & Life Science
+61 2 9393 0100 daniel.sieveking@spruson.com
Daniel Sieveking holds a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in medical microbiology and immunology from the University of New South Wales. Daniel’s doctoral studies were undertaken at…
Daniel Sieveking holds a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in medical microbiology and immunology from the University…
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Singapore, Singapore
Dr. Natsuho Yamamoto
Principal
Patents: Chemical & Life Science
+65 6333 7200 natsuho.yamamoto@spruson.com
Prior to joining Spruson & Ferguson (Asia), Natsuho worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, USA where she was involved with a project on cobalt…
Prior to joining Spruson & Ferguson (Asia), Natsuho worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois,…
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Latest News & Insights
Can patient data be used to train AI?
Key takeaways Inventors and Applicants need to ensure that the data used to support their patent applications comply with relevant laws relating to the use of patient data, such as…
Key takeaways Inventors and Applicants need to ensure that the data used to support their patent applications comply with relevant…
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China | Good faith principle for patent applications
The principle of ‘good faith’ plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of patent applications. This principle is particularly emphasised in China’s patent law, where adherence…
The principle of ‘good faith’ plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of patent applications. This…
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Australia | Sanofi v Amgen dispute update
Federal Court dismisses Sanofi’s appeal and orders that Amgen’s Repatha patent applications proceed to grant, offering key lessons for other antibody patents approaching the end of their term. The global…
Federal Court dismisses Sanofi’s appeal and orders that Amgen’s Repatha patent applications proceed to grant, offering key lessons for…
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