Intellectual property firm Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick (POF) has announced a number of changes at its Adelaide office.
Its focus and capacity in life sciences has grown in 2015.
In February, the firm welcomed the return of Dr Justin Dibbens, who previously ran his own IP practice. He has over 30 years experience in biotechnology and is well known in the Adelaide biotech community.
More recently, fellow biotechnologist Dr Leigh Guerin qualified as a patent attorney. Leigh has experience with a large range of biomedical technologies and has previously worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at Harvard University.
In July, the company appointed biotechnologist Dr Scott Whitmore as a Partner of the firm. Scott has extensive academic and commercial research experience in the biotechnology field, having majored in biochemistry and pharmacology in his undergraduate degree, and has worked on a range of research projects through his employment at a leading Adelaide hospital.
The firm also confirmed recognition for other members of its Adelaide-based team.
Electrical Engineer Raffaele Calabrese was recently promoted to Senior Associate. Raffaele has an extensive technical background in electrical and electronic engineering and a Master’s degree in Engineering.
Trade Marks Attorney, Michelle Betschart, was recently promoted to Associate. Michelle advises both local and overseas clients on all aspects of trade mark registrability, searching, filing strategies and protection.
According to the Head of POF's Adelaide office, Greg Bartlett, “The development and growth of the professionals here in Adelaide over the last few years has been very pleasing for myself and our Deputy Managing Partner, Karen Spark to watch. We have a great blend of youth and experience with Leigh registering as a patent attorney, Justin returning to the firm, and the increasing expertise of Scott, Michelle and Raffaele. Most importantly, it is our local clients who will see the benefits of the growth at POF Adelaide, as we continue to expand and strengthen our professional capabilities and service offering to clients.”