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Paul has more than 20 years’ experience working closely with clients in the creation, exploitation and enforcement of IP rights. For the past 12 years Paul has been a partner in the chemistry/biotech group, specialising in chemical engineering and process technologies, material science and medical devices. He has particular experience in building products and systems, material separation and treatment, food processing, medical equipment and green technology including solar power, water and waste water treatments. How did you get into your current position? I was always interested in technology and inventions, and was one of those kids that pulled their toys apart rather than play with them. I went on to do a chemical engineering degree at the University of Queensland. After 18 months in Canberra I decided greater opportunities existed in private practice so I joined an IP firm in Sydney. I joined Shelston IP (Shelston Waters) in 1996 and became a partner in 1998. What have been your greatest challenges at ShelstonIP? We have, of course, the constant challenge of keeping up to speed with technology. We must also be aware of changes in the legal framework both from a local and global perspective. Raising the awareness of IP generally and getting the name of Shelston IP known in the south-east Queensland region has proved a challenge. What do you enjoy most about the job? The opportunity to help clients recognise the role that IP plays in running and growing their business. Any businesses do not fully appreciate the commercial value of their own creativity and innovation. It is a real pleasure to work with the innovators and entrepreneurs of the world to assist in recognising this innovation and developing strategies to protect it. What has been your most significant achievement in your time at ShelstonIP? I have been involved with a number of clients that started out with a simple innovative idea or product. With the help of the team at Shelston IP we have managed to clearly identify and protect the core IP of the business. The opening of the Brisbane office was also a significant achievement. Are you meeting or exceeding the expectations to this point and what are the projections for the future? We have exceeded our expectations in terms of local work particularly from small to medium enterprises and many of the Universities in the current environment. In Queensland our expectation is to improve the awareness of IP and its usefulness as a business tool for sustaining a competitive advantage. Outside of your working life, what do you do to relax? I enjoy spending time with my family, my wife, two children, overactive
dog and two guinea pigs. I also ride and restore old motorcycles, a passion
I have had since my mid-teens. I recently gained by first Dan black belt
in Tae Kwon Do and am hoping to visit the Kukkiwon (Tae Kwon Do
Headquarters) in South Korea next year prior to my second Dan test. < Return to the Exchange front page More topics:
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