John Landells supporting the IP community as IPTA President
John Landells was recently appointed President of the Institute of Institute of Patent and Trademark Attorneys (IPTA). Established over a century ago, IPTA is the peak professional body representing Australian patent and trade mark attorneys, dedicated to providing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the IP ecosystem. With a career spanning over two decades in the intellectual property field, and over 10 years on the IPTA Council, John brings a wealth of experience to the role, and a deep commitment to supporting the profession.
Congratulations on your appointment as IPTA President! What does the role entail?
As President, I work closely with the ITPA Secretariat and IPTA Council to support our 1000+ members through initiatives in professional development, education, networking, and advocacy. IPTA represents registered patent and trade mark attorneys, along with other IP professionals, and is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the IP ecosystem. We regularly advocate for improvements in laws relating to patents, trade marks, designs, and plant breeder's rights. The President’s term is two years, and I’m excited and honoured to serve the profession in this capacity.
What inspired you to take on the role of IPTA President at this point in your career?
I’ve been involved with IPTA for over a decade and have always valued its collegiality and the legacy of its leaders. Impressive past presidents like Graham Cowin, Leon Allen, Jeremy Dobbin, and Jennifer McEwan, to name a few, have inspired me through their dedication. I am also inspired by the dedication and efforts of all councillors, particularly the superb group of current councillors. After serving on the Council, and as Vice President, moving into the President’s role was the next step for me in continuing to contribute to, and support the profession.
Can you share a bit about your career journey and background?
I was born and raised in a small rural town called Matamata in New Zealand’s North Island, known for dairy farming, horse racing and the Hobbiton movie set from Lord of the Rings! I studied at the University of Otago in Dunedin and started my career as a trainee patent attorney in Wellington. In 2006 I moved ‘across the ditch’ to Melbourne, working there for 14 years before relocating to Sydney in 2019. I hold a PhD in Chemistry, and am a legal practitioner in both Australia and New Zealand.
How does IPTA support its members?
One of the primary ways we support our members is through education. We offer webinars on various topics such as ethics, practice management, patent practice, and trademark practice. These webinars are tailored to the diverse range of our members, including sole practitioners, in-house corporate attorneys, and those at smaller or larger firms. Social and networking events are also a cornerstone function, these include running an annual Conference and Christmas lunches. Other important functions include lobbying and working with IP Australia and IPONZ to uphold the standards and integrity of the IP ecosystem, with current key issues being an overly strict approach to the patenting of software technology and concerns about unregistered overseas agents and fraudulent activities.
What initiatives does IPTA have in store for professional development?
We have some great programs coming up. In June, we are hosting a Patent Oppositions Masterclass, a two-day workshop aimed at providing advanced understanding for practitioners. We are also planning a patent drafting masterclass in November this year that will cover all technologies with expert presenters from Australia, Europe, and the USA. We plan to continue to diversify our webinars to include more focus on practice management, particularly for small and medium-sized patent and trade mark firms.
What are the biggest challenges facing the IP profession right now?
The biggest challenge is safeguarding the integrity of the IP system. Unregistered agents and fraudulent activities originating overseas pose a significant threat to the profession. These activities include unregistered overseas agents interacting directly with IP Australia, fraudulently changing applicant details and scams that impersonate legitimate patent attorneys. IPTA is committed to addressing these issues through lobbying, raising awareness and advocacy efforts to maintain the integrity of the profession.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m involved in masters surf lifesaving including iron events that involve swimming, board paddling, and ski paddling. It keeps me fit and focused, and there’s nothing like starting the day at the beach!
What excites you most about leading IPTA?
The chance to engage with a wider cross-section of the IP community and support the profession at both a national and international level. IPTA has a long and proud tradition, and it’s a privilege to help carry that forward. I’m passionate about contributing to the ongoing strength and integrity of the IP ecosystem and profession in Australia. I look forward to working with our members and this year’s superb group of councillors to achieve our goals.
