Overview
Gareth is a Principal at Spruson & Ferguson Australia. He has more than 19 years’ experience as a Trans-Tasman patent attorney practising across Australia and New Zealand. An acknowledged leader at both firm and industry level, Gareth fronts a rapidly-growing practice group renowned for achieving results with a minimum of fuss.
Gareth specialises in chemical, life sciences and cleantech technologies by way of drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting opposition proceedings and providing validity and infringement advice. He also manages the Australasian patent portfolios of multinational clients and works closely with universities and their spin-out enterprises.
Gareth has a PhD and several peer-reviewed publications in the field of organic chemistry. He also has an undergraduate major in materials science. Gareth’s broad technical experience enables him to practise effectively across a range of inter-related technologies.
Prior to joining an Australian firm in 2003, Gareth became foundation-level qualified as a UK patent attorney. He has a thorough knowledge of the New Zealand patent system and serves on IPTA’s New Zealand practice committee. He is a regular speaker at events and conferences, and a prolific author of industry-relevant articles.
Gareth is passionate about client service. Feedback in this regard has regularly highlighted his responsiveness, objectivity and humility – but most importantly, his ability to get results on time and on budget.
“It was a difficult decision to switch patent attorneys during a critical period, however Gareth transitioned seamlessly and promptly organised our IP portfolio. He has diligently provided plain-English advice and efficient handling of our patents. Gareth and his team were a step change in service quality from what we had been experiencing, at a reduced cost. Gareth’s references and credentials were outstanding, but this level of performance has still been a pleasant surprise”.
CEO, ASX-listed company
“Gareth Dixon has been in charge of our patent portfolio since we spun out of the University. Gareth and his team are very competent and thorough professionals who always have had the best interests of our company in mind. Gareth has superior research and technical expertise as well as an exceptional IP management skill; a combination which I can comfortably claim is very rare, but nonetheless vital for the longevity of any IP-generating business. It is therefore my privilege to wholeheartedly recommend Gareth and his team”.
CEO, Australian SME