Ian Rourke

Ian has been recognised in Intellectual Asset Management’s World’s Leading Patent Practitioners, this year being noted as the best on offer in biotechnology.

Ian joined FB Rice in 1998, registered as a patent attorney in 2000, and became a partner of the firm in 2006.

Ian has a broad background in the biological sciences. He completed a large proportion of an agricultural degree before an interest in molecular biology and biochemistry ultimately led him to finish a BSc (Hons) at the University of New England. He has a PhD from the Australian National University, arising from his research in the area of molecular neuroendocrinology at CSIRO, Entomology.

Ian conducted three years post-doctoral research at Clinical Biochemistry Department of the National University Hospital, Copenhagen where he focused on gene evolution, transcription and prohormone processing of vertebrate neuropeptides. Upon returning to Australia, he conducted further post-doctoral research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research where he worked on blood cell growth factors and gene regulation of cell survival in activated T lymphocytes.

With a practice that focuses on the drafting and prosecution of patent applications throughout the world, Ian’s extensive scientific background and knowledge enables him to provide commercially relevant advice. When assisting clients, Ian’s adopt a very collaborative style of working which avoids duplication, ensures costs are suitably managed, and the strength of the patent is maximised.

Ian enjoys working on patent strategy for his clients. He is active in the local biotechnology industry including as a board member and an investor.

As a result of his scientific research, Ian has 14 publications in peer reviewed international journals.