CMatP Profile: Andrew Gregory

Andrew Gregory is a registered Australian and New Zealand patent attorney and a senior associate in the FB Rice Sydney chemistry team.

His work spans prosecution, coordinating patent portfolios, oppositions, searching and freedomto-operate opinions, drafting, and strategic advisory services. His client base covers universities and global companies in a range of technological areas, including pharmaceuticals, polymers, veterinary sciences, green technology, inorganic materials and nanotechnology.

Andrew’s expertise is backed by technical knowledge gained from his hands on experience from working in laboratories. Over the years he has developed his synthetic and characterisation skills in organic and inorganic chemistry, with a particular focus in the field of polymers. He is able to implement this acquired knowledge in order to assist his clients with both the drafting and the prosecution of his clients’ patents.

Andrew earned a First Class Masters in Chemistry (Hons) from the University of Leicester, graduating top of his year. He went on to receive a PhD in Polymer Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, winning a national scholarship (SOCI Messel Scholar), and graduating in 2008. His thesis focused on the synthesis of various polymer architectures in supercritical carbon dioxide using controlled radical and enzymatic techniques.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Centre of Advanced Macromolecular Design at the University of New South Wales, Andrew oversaw and coordinated a number of projects focussing primarily on the development of new polymer vehicles for delivering platinum based drugs. His work included collaborating with a highly regarded multinational company developing novel materials, based on commercially viable microspheres, for imaging and therapeutic applications in the treatment of liver cancer.

Where do you work and describe your job

I am a registered Australian and New Zealand patent attorney at FB Rice.My practice covers various aspects of chemistry. However, my focus is providing advice relating to inventions directed to the synthesis, manufacture and application of materials.

My day-to-day work changes all the time, and can include: reviewing an examination report issued by a patent office; drafting a new patent application for a client; and advising counsel on experimental evidence for a court proceeding. The work is an interesting (and challenging) application of knowledge obtained from both the legal and scientific fields.

What inspired you to choose a career in materials science and engineering?

I have always had an interest in science and maths. During my PhD days in the United Kingdom, and my post-doctorate experience in Sydney, I found that I enjoyed collating reviewing and trying to understand obtained data, and then translating this into concise reports.

In my current role, I am continuously exposed to new developments in materials science. I have the opportunity to try and understand the innovations, and then act to protect the developments as intellectual property.

Who or what has influenced you most professionally?

I have had the pleasure of working with an array of researchers both in academia and in industry. Many of these not only have a firm grasp on the scientific concepts they work with, but also have creativity in order to keep searching and developing the research in their respective fields of expertise.

When I started as a trainee patent attorney, my supervising partner was a great teacher and mentor, not only ensuring that I was aware of the legal and scientific aspects of my role, but making sure that I could relay any information to our clients.

Which has been the most challenging job or project you’ve worked on to date and why?

Providing scientific support to counsel for litigation proceedings, advising on the chemical aspects of the invention.

There is usually a lot at stake as a result of any proceedings, and a lot of time is spent determining what falls within the scope of one or more patent claims. There can be long debates over the interpretation of a single word, and then how this affects the validity or enforcement of a claim.

What does being a CMatP mean to you?

It’s an acknowledgement, and an appreciated recognition, of the work I have put in over the years to increase my scientific knowledge in the materials field and now utilise it my current role for an array of different tasks.

What gives you the most satisfaction at work?

When, after considering and reviewing multiple documents, I am able to devise a strategy to help a client, such as when preparing a response to an examination report. This is particularly true when supporting start-up companies who have both passion and determination in protecting their new innovations.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Given everything that has happened over the past few years, I have been reminded that sometimes it is important to ‘switch off’ and disconnect from the world. This is not always easy, given various personal and professional responsibilities, but gives me the chance to recharge, even if it is just for a moment.

What are you optimistic about?

Research and innovation in Australia. After attending a number of conferences over the past year (as the country has opened up), we have a lot of talented researchers and professionals working in this country, including many promising students who are both hardworking and inspiring.

What have been your greatest professional and personal achievements?

Being awarded my PhD was a highlight. I was the first member of my family to go to university and I worked hard to then be accepted on the PhD track. My thesis focussed controlled polymerisations in supercritical carbon dioxide and was fraught with a number of ups and downs. I was fortunate to have an understanding partner (now wife), who supported me with the many, many hours focused on the research.

As a patent attorney, my proudest moment to date has been when a patent application I drafted when I started as a trainee, resulted in the first patent for my client. It took a few years (typical for the patent process), and went through a few rounds of examination, but I was smiling when I sent the resulting Letters Patent to the client.

What are the top three things on your “bucket list”?

• On the home front, to travel back to the United Kingdom soon to see my extended family. It has been a long time since I’ve seen them.

• Professionally, to continue developing my knowledge of global intellectual property practices. • Personally, it would be great to finally be able to play the guitar I picked up at the beginning of the pandemic.

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