Overview
Before joining Spruson & Ferguson in 2019, Ken worked as an Australian Patent Examiner and in-house attorney for an R&D company, within private practice and in several Australian patent firms. His experience spans more than 25 years and provides a unique 360 degree view of patents from conception, to capture and commercialisation.
As a Patent Attorney, Ken drafts and prosecutes patents in a broad range of technologies, including MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical) structures, consumer electronics, anti-counterfeiting systems and medical devices. As an in-house attorney, Ken’s IP capture strategies generated around 200 filings per year for a group of prolific R&D focused companies. Having worked alongside scientists and engineers, Ken establishes an easy rapport with inventors and clients to provide meaningful advice tailored to commercial objectives.
Ken works with local and international clients in prosecuting Australian and New Zealand patent and design applications. Ken is also involved in:
• Monitoring, analysing and reporting the patent activity of competitors
• Assessing the scope and validity of patents/applications
• Freedom to operate analysis and advice
• Onsite liaison with local clients and drafting patent applications
Ken holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Queensland, with a final year thesis on the automation of dynamic powder compaction systems. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Patent and Trademark Attorneys of Australia, and a qualified Australian and New Zealand Patent Attorney.