FPA is a leading patent firm in the HealthTech sector which has been awarded the Australia Firm of the Year – Patent Prosecution by Managing IP in 2019, 2021, and 2024. It handles patent matters and provides advice on a variety of emerging technologies in the HealthTech sector for clients ranging from local, small and medium enterprises to large multinational corporations. Their services range from drafting and prosecuting patent and design applications, opposition and contentious work, freedom to operate investigations, infringement advice as well as global strategic advice and IP asset management.
Here FPA MedTech specialists Tracey Hendy (Principal) and Daniel Jovic (Patent Engineer) share their top tips for novices navigating the IP landscape:
- Seek early advice
Seek advice from an IP professional, especially a Registered Patent Attorney. Early advice will help avoid mistakes that could unravel your whole IP protection and reduce the value of your IP portfolio. IP professionals can help align your IP strategy to your business goals.
- Expand your horizons
Don’t just focus on one type of intellectual property (IP) protection; think more broadly. A strong IP strategy uses different types of protections:
- Patents protect how something works (a new technology, process, or method).
- Registered designs protect how something looks (the shape, configuration, or visual appearance of a product).
- Trade secrets protect confidential know-how that gives a competitive advantage (formulas, processes, algorithms, customer lists).
- Trademarks protect brands - names, logos, or symbols that identify your product.
A professional IP adviser will help develop a suitably comprehensive strategy. Download the FPA Patent Attorneys profile and service overview here.
- Avoid pre-emptive disclosure
Avoid disclosing your invention before you have filed your patent application. This includes social media and academic publications. This mistake could destroy the innovation novelty, making it unpatentable. It also prevents competitors from “scooping” your patent application and strengthens your negotiating position with potential investors or partners in the future.
- Competitor analysis
Know your competitors, their patents and their products. Understanding your competitor’s activity is essential because their patents and developing products could impact your own product launch. Understanding their IP portfolio helps you avoid infringement and identify redesign opportunities or licensing needs before committing resources to development.
- Plan your funding
Commercialisation is expensive - patent costs are a mere slice of the cost pie. Identify sources of funding early and determine how you are going to fund the different elements of your HealthTech commercialisation.
Partnering with AUSCEP
As an AUSCEP delivery partner, FPA will be delivering an IP keynote lecture to participants in October 2025 and offers AUSCEP participants a complimentary consultation to determine their IP position.
To book a consultation, contact Faye Oxley at marketing@fpapatents.com
To find out more about FPA, click the link below.
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