This workshop will examine real-world intellectual property and commercial scenarios as they relate to the life sciences.

In the exercises, topics including filing patent applications, addressing authorised and non-authorised disclosures and understanding what constitutes a prior art disclosure, determining inventorship and ownership, in-licensing and out-licensing of patents, and patenting and freedom to operate (FTO) considerations.

The workshop will also aim to arm researchers with a practical guide to patent searching – from both a perspective of novelty/patentability and FTO.

This workshop will conclude with a question-and-answer session, providing researchers with the opportunity to engage in discussion around any additional aspects of IP protection and patents that are of particular interest.

Brittany Ashton is a Senior Associate in FB Rice’s Melbourne chemistry team.

Brittany has experience handling extensive patent portfolios for local clients, multinational pharmaceutical and chemical companies, and universities. She provides a comprehensive range of patent services, including the drafting of patent applications and their prosecution, opposition as both the applicant and opponent, re-examination procedures, pharmaceutical patent term extension, infringement and validity opinions, and freedom to operate analyses.

Prior to joining the intellectual property profession in 2014, Brittany undertook a visiting Postdoctoral Fellow with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. She holds a PhD in medicinal chemistry from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS). Brittany has also undertaken research at the Burnet Institute and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.

Brittany is a member and past Secretary of the RACI Victorian Committee, provides regular IP-related seminars at local universities, and is a regular contributor to Chemistry in Australia and a number of IP blogs, journals and magazines.

Brittany was awarded Best IP Specialist at the Client Choice Awards 2021, acknowledged by MIP IP STARS as a Notable Practitioner in 2020, and an MIP Rising Star in 2019.

FB Rice is a top tier leading Australian Intellectual Property firm. The firm works with a diverse range of domestic and international clients including manufacturers, software companies, universities, hospitals, co-operative research centres and research institutes. FB Rice is the recipient of 15 Australian Client Choice Awards, including being named Best Specialist IP Firm seven years running, Best Client Experience Firm for Specialist IP since 2021, and Most Innovative Specialist IP & Related Services Firm since 2022.

This workshop is for CCeMMP members and affiliates only.
Spots are limited, please ensure that you register your attendance. The exact location will be provided upon registration.
Lunch will be provided.