Patents
Patent attorneys helping you protect your invention.
Our patent services
We provide a full range of patent attorney services in Australia, New Zealand and overseas. Not sure which one you need? We’ll help you find the right fit.
Protecting an invention starts with understanding whether it is actually patentable and how to secure protection that holds up commercially.
IP Guardian provides patent attorney services to inventors, startups and established businesses across Australia. Our registered patent attorneys help you assess patentability, manage risk, and secure protection that supports long term commercial outcomes.
From early stage concepts to market ready technology, we guide you through the patent process with clear, practical advice at every step.
Is a patent the right protection for you?
Want to protect an idea but unsure whether a patent is the right form of intellectual property protection?
Patents protect how an invention works, but they are not always the most appropriate or effective option.
And if you are unsure which type of protection applies, our patent attorneys can assess your idea and recommend the most appropriate path forward.
A patent may be suitable if:
- You have developed a new product, process or technology
- Your invention operates in a new or improved way
- You want to prevent others from making, using or selling the same invention
- Securing commercial protection is important to your business strategy
You may need a different form of protection if:
- You want to protect a brand name, logo, or slogan through a trade mark
- You want to protect the visual appearance of a product through a design registration
- Your idea is still at an early or conceptual stage
- Your primary concern is branding rather than how something functions
What is a patent?
A patent gives you legal control over an invention by protecting the way it functions. It grants you the exclusive right to exploit the invention and to stop others from using it without your consent.
Unlike other forms of intellectual property, patents focus on technical innovation. They cover how something works, how it is made, or how a process is carried out. They do not protect branding elements or the look and feel of a product.
What patents protect
- How an invention works
- Technical features and functionality
- Processes and methods
- New or improved technologies
What patents do not protect
- Brand names or logos
- The visual appearance of a product
- Ideas that do not have a technical aspect
In Australia, patent protection can last for up to 20 years, provided renewal requirements are met. This period of exclusivity can be critical for commercialising new technology, securing investment, and building long term value around an invention.
Because patent law is complex, early assessment is essential. Determining whether an invention meets legal requirements before filing can save significant time and cost. A registered patent attorney can evaluate patentability and help structure protection in a way that supports your commercial objectives.
Why patent protection is more complex than it seems
Many inventors underestimate what is involved in securing a patent. What looks like an administrative process is actually a legal and technical exercise where early decisions can have long lasting consequences.
Patent protection depends on meeting precise legal thresholds, including whether an invention is genuinely new, whether it involves an inventive step, and whether it has been described in enough detail. How an invention is framed in the application directly affects how broad the protection is and whether it can be relied on in practice.
Mistakes made at the outset cannot always be corrected later. Poor drafting, unclear claims, or premature disclosure can weaken or completely undermine a patent.
Working with a registered patent attorney helps avoid these risks. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether an invention is suitable for protection, flag issues before they become problems, and develop a strategy that supports your commercial objectives rather than limiting them.
Why expert advice matters
- Public disclosure before filing can destroy any patent rights you may have been able to secure
- Poorly drafted claims can limit or invalidate protection
- International patent rules vary significantly by country
- Once filed, mistakes are often difficult or impossible to fix
How IP Guardian helps you protect your invention
Our patent attorneys provide clear, practical advice to help you secure strong, commercially valuable patent protection in Australia and internationally.
01
Registered patent attorneys
All patent work is handled by experienced, registered Australian and New Zealand patent attorneys.
02
Strategic, commercial advice
We focus on protecting what matters most to your business, not just filing applications.
03
Australian, New Zealand and international protection
We manage patent applications locally in Australia and New Zealand and through trusted international networks.
04
Clear, personalised guidance
You receive advice tailored to your invention, industry and commercial objectives.
The patent application process
We guide you through every stage of the patent process, from initial assessment to granted protection.
01
Initial consultation and assessment
We review your invention and assess whether it may be suitable for patent protection.
02
Patent Search and Strategy
We conduct searches and recommend the most appropriate protection strategy for your invention and business goals.
03
Drafting the Patent Application
Your patent attorney prepares a detailed patent specification and claims to protect what matters most.
04
Filing and Examination
We file your application and manage the examination process with IP Australia, IPONZ and overseas patent offices where required.
05
Grant and Ongoing Protection
Once granted, we help you maintain and manage your patent rights in Australia, New Zealand and internationally.
Meet our patent attorneys
Our registered patent attorneys have decades of combined experience protecting inventions across a wide range of industries.
Barry Meskin
Ali Al-anbuky
Matthew Howe
Mike Biagio
Simon Murphy
Sandra Murphy
Tom Hamilton-Gilligan
Dr Seán Klinkradt
Robin Richardson
FAQs
What does a patent attorney do?
A patent attorney helps determine whether an invention can be patented, drafts legally robust applications, manages filings and examinations, and advises on enforcement, infringement risk, and how patents support commercial and investment goals.
How long does patent protection last?
In Australia, a standard patent can provide protection for up to 20 years from filing, provided renewal fees are paid. This period allows patent owners to commercialise inventions and exclude competitors for a defined time.
Can I patent an idea?
An idea on its own cannot be patented. To qualify for patent protection, an invention must be technically developed, clearly described, and meet legal requirements for novelty and inventive step under Australian patent law.
Do I need a patent attorney to file a patent?
You can file a patent application yourself, but patent law is technical and unforgiving. Working with a patent attorney reduces the risk of errors that can weaken protection, limit claim scope, or invalidate a patent entirely.
Self-drafted patent applications are very rarely granted and enforceable.
Can you help with international patents?
Yes. We assist clients with protecting inventions in Australia, New Zealand and overseas, advising on international filing strategies and coordinating applications through trusted global patent attorney networks.
Find the right service for you
Explore our suite of smart tools designed to simplify and streamline how you manage and protect your intellectual property.