FB Rice Recognized as Leading Australian Patent Attorney Firm with Expansive Expertise and Client-Centric Approach

FB Rice stands as one of the longest-established and most respected intellectual property firms in Australia, boasting over 70 years of growth and development. The firm now employs one of the largest teams of registered IP attorneys in the country, alongside the nation’s largest in-house searching team. Despite this scale, FB Rice maintains a local touch combined with a global reach, offering a full suite of IP services including patents, trademarks, litigation support, registered designs, copyright, renewals, searching, and research tax consulting.

The firm’s expertise spans multiple technical fields such as biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and information and communication technology. This breadth enables FB Rice to manage both large global portfolios and smaller, complex IP cases effectively.

Key figures within the firm include managing partner Brett Lunn, who specializes in medical technology; Charles Berman, partner focusing on engineering; Marcus Caulfield, partner in life sciences; and Michael Seifried, partner responsible for trademarks.

In 2019, FB Rice experienced continued growth, leading to attorney promotions for Andrew Gregory, Brittany Howard, David Herman, Dae Oh, and Karl Solanthi. The firm’s searching service, Athena IP, also expanded, solidifying its position as the largest in-house searching team in Australia.

FB Rice’s commitment to client service was recognized with the IP Specialist Firm award at the Client Choice Awards 2019 for the second consecutive year. This award is notable for being client-voted, underscoring the firm’s strong client relationships.

Client retention remains a core focus for FB Rice. The firm maintains close associations with prominent Australian institutions such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Bionics Institute, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Benitec Biopharma, and Mesoblast. Internationally, FB Rice serves clients including Laing O’Rourke, Xero, and LG Electronics.

When addressing new recruits and potential clients, FB Rice emphasizes its people as the firm’s defining strength. The firm prioritizes recruiting responsive, thoughtful, and reliable attorneys with relevant technical expertise and strong communication skills to deliver superior client service.

FB Rice also highlights its active engagement with industry at the grassroots level, both locally and globally, as integral to providing seamless service. The firm’s decision to remain privately owned, in contrast to the trend of Australian IP firms going public, supports its culture and identity, fostering an inclusive environment for employees and clients alike.

The firm acknowledges that client demands have evolved amid global economic uncertainties. Many clients face pressures related to deadlines and budgets, prompting FB Rice to adopt more flexible fee structures and service offerings. Providing holistic strategic advice from the outset has become increasingly important to achieving optimal commercial outcomes.

To enhance efficiency and respond to changing client needs, FB Rice has implemented a new workflow system that automates processes, resulting in reduced billable hours and improved operational effectiveness.

The Australian IP legal market has undergone significant changes in recent years, including shifts in company ownership among key competitors. Notably, IPH’s acquisition of Xenith IP Group Ltd has consolidated many competitors under two large listed parent companies. FB Rice continues to distinguish itself amid these market dynamics through its client-focused approach and commitment to excellence.

FB Rice’s leadership team includes managing partner Brett Lunn, partner Madeleine Kelly, and partner Steve Gledhill, who collectively drive the firm’s strategic direction and client service standards.

With its extensive expertise, client loyalty, and adaptive strategies, FB Rice remains a leading patent attorney firm in Australia, well-positioned to navigate the evolving intellectual property landscape.