Sylvan leads the Melbourne Engineering practice of FB Rice and specialises in patents and designs, with an emphasis on drafting and prosecution in a range of electrical, software, medical, bioinformatics and mechanical technologies. He also advises clients on developing patent strategies to suit their commercial objectives, with a specific focus on patent protection in the North American, European and Asian markets.
Sylvan has a reputation as a particularly personable professional who works hard to express complex issues in simple terms while developing a deep understanding of clients' businesses and the way that they operate. His clients regularly comment that he is adept at making complex matters appear simple and that they feel comfortable to call him about anything.
Prior to returning to the Australian profession in 2008, Sylvan worked in Canada for four years as a patent agent representing clients before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and the US Patent and Trade Mark Office. He is a registered United States Patent Agent. During that time, he gained significant experience drafting and prosecuting US, Canadian and European patents for sophisticated technology companies, including a prominent wireless email device company.
With extensive patent experience, Sylvan is often called upon to advise in matters which are both legally and technically complex and those concerning questionably patentable subject matter. Sylvan’s law degree also gives him an understanding of various neighbouring legal concepts that affect intellectual property, which allows him to provide enhanced commercially relevant advice to his clients.
Sylvan is interested to develop his knowledge of the Japanese, French and Spanish languages.
