“This is an exciting development for HopgoodGanim. The launch of our patent practice will make HopgoodGanim one of only a handful of Australian full service law firms to offer clients access to both IP lawyers and a patent attorney under one roof,” Mr Delaney said.

“Personally, it’s very fulfilling as a commercial lawyer to be able to work closely with a client from the very early stages of a product idea or invention, through to seeing that idea come to fruition on the open market, and to then be a part of that process to protect their intellectual property.

“Given the current market where a large number of patent attorney firms are consolidating and listing on the ASX, we know that clients are looking for independent firms which are not impacted by perception of conflict that can occur within consolidated groups. Furthermore, being a full service firm, we can provide a more holistic IP strategy and we’re excited by the opportunity to continue the level of client service people expect from a professional services firm with the addition of our patent services division.”

Commenting further on the decision behind the launch, HopgoodGanim managing partner Bruce Humphrys said clients are seeking much more than legal advice and that service diversity is an essential step in remaining relevant as a modern legal practice.

Mr Humphrys said while the launch of the firm’s patent practice is the first non-legal service offering the firm has announced publicly, HopgoodGanim has been working to broaden the suite of business advisory services it offers to clients for some time.

“The launch of our patent practice is all about addressing what our clients want and fits well with the additional non-legal consulting services we already offer. Under the guidance of Hayden Delaney, our intellectual property team has already built a strong reputation for technical excellence and they service a high-quality and exciting group of clients,” he said.

“The addition of patent services will mean our clients can now access comprehensive IP services and commercial law offerings.

“At HopgoodGanim, we have always put the client’s business first and value the relationships we build with them. This is just another example of our core priority to place the business interests of our client uppermost in our service offerings.”

The firm also announced that the launch of the patent practice coincides with the director appointment of a “senior and respected patent attorney” who commenced employment at the firm yesterday, however is unable to be named as of yet, “out of respect to contractual matters”.

“The identity of the new director of the firm’s patent practice cannot be released, although it can be revealed that HopgoodGanim’s new recruit has vast international experience, a background in metallurgical and mechanical engineering, and minerals processing,” a statement from HopgoodGanim said.

“He has a detailed understanding of Australia’s mining, energy and minerals sector. His patent prosecution experience is broad, and he can offer services to clients across a number of sectors.”