Tom
Hamilton-Gilligan

Patent and Trade Marks Attorney | BSc (Computing and Software Systems), GradDipIPLaw, MIP
Melbourne, Australia
PatentsTrade MarksDesigns
  • Software and computer-implemented inventions
  • ICT systems and telecommunications
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • Business software, fintech and payments technologies
  • Cloud computing, SaaS platforms and data analytics
  • Embedded systems and IoT devices
  • Electrical and mechanical systems
  • Medical devices and digital health technologies
  • Australian patent eligible subject matter for software and computer-implemented inventions
  • Bachelor of Science (Computing and Software Systems) – The University of Melbourne
  • Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law – The University of Melbourne
  • Master of Intellectual Property Law – The University of Melbourne
  • Registered Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney (AU and NZ)
  • Registered Trans-Tasman Trade Marks Attorney
Get in touch with Tom

Tom works across the full patent lifecycle, from drafting and prosecution through to examination responses, infringement and validity analysis and IP strategy.

His background in computing and software systems, combined with broader technical grounding in physics, mathematics and electrical engineering, gives him a strong foundation for working with complex and emerging technologies.

He works with early-stage technology companies through to larger corporate and multinational businesses, with particular experience in Australian patent eligible subject matter for software and computer-implemented inventions.

Tom takes a practical, commercially informed approach, helping clients understand their IP position clearly and build patent portfolios that reflect their business objectives.

Work highlights

Prosecuted Australian patent applications for a globally recognised Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer across a diverse portfolio of electronic, imaging and computer-implemented technologies.

Prosecuted Australian patent applications for a leading Japanese multinational in the electronics, industrial automation and automotive sectors, including inventions spanning electrical, control and software-related technologies.

Coordinated global patent prosecution strategies for a leading animal health and agricultural technology company, supporting the protection of connected agricultural technologies across multiple jurisdictions.

Advised a multinational manufacturer of industrial material handling equipment on Australian patent protection for mechanical and control system technologies.

Prosecuted patent applications for a global medical device manufacturer relating to surgical and medical technologies, supporting the client’s broader international intellectual property strategy.

Advised Australian startups and small businesses on patent infringement risks, freedom-to-operate and intellectual property strategy in connection with software platforms, consumer products and emerging technologies.

Provided litigation support in Federal Court patent infringement proceedings concerning battery charging and power management technologies, contributing to the Australian aspects of a multi-jurisdictional patent dispute.

Insights & news

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The emotional perception AI decision, and how it may shape the future of software patents in New Zealand
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Aristocrat 2025: The new test for patentability of computer implemented inventions
INN
AI tools and patents: key risks and legal safeguards for Australian inventors and SMEs
PAT
Can artificial intelligence be an inventor? The ongoing debate in Australia’s patent system

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