Firm overview
Founded over 60 years ago, FB Rice is Australia’s leading independent intellectual property firm. Beginning as a small Sydney practice, we have evolved to become a national firm with offices from the east to west coast of Australia, together with a well-established ASEAN hub which services our clients requiring IP services in South East Asia.
We employ the smartest scientists and engineers to ensure our clients have access to the requisite technology expertise. The breadth of our staff expertise is what sets us apart. Whether it is biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, medical devices, pharmaceuticals or software and communication technology, we make sure we have the right specialisation for our clients’ needs.
We enjoy a significant share of provisional patent filings in Australia and have seen significant growth in national phase filings. We are also one of the biggest filers of Australian patent oppositions for both our domestic and international client base, achieving numerous successful outcomes. Litigation support and due diligence also remains an important part of our service offering where we enjoy working alongside law firms in a range of matters.
Our trade marks team has expertise across numerous industries and includes large portfolios and local businesses – from start-up companies to those wishing to further establish themselves. We also offer a high level of strategic advice to clients requiring protection for their industrial designs.
Our Research and Development (R&D) tax consulting business assists organisations in navigating the Australian government's valuable R&D tax incentive program. This addition to the business demonstrates how we have evolved to address our clients’ needs from the beginning to the end of the IP cycle. Our searching capabilities are also an important part of this complete and full service offering, which we tailor for our clients’ needs.
We work with a broad range of clients; including universities and research institutes, government agencies and research co-operatives. At a corporate level, our client base includes both local and international organisations, maximising their investment in fast moving consumer goods, communications technology and resources. We also have strong relationships with a range of associate legal firms.
Being privately owned, we are focused on providing the best possible intellectual property service, with flexibility in service and pricing arrangements. At every point of protecting our clients' intellectual property we maintain a strategic and holistic approach, reading the commercial environment and making sure we maximise the value of their assets. Our local engagement has been the basis upon which we have built the success of the firm today, and we are committed to keeping this foundation in place whilst also operating across multi-jurisdictional contexts that the global economy demands.
We believe our strong firm culture is an integral part of how we approach our clients’ work. We care about our staff and believe in gender equality as evidenced by our inspiring team of female leaders. We also support marriage equality and diversity, and we strive to create a really terrific work environment for our staff.
Remaining privately owned has meant we are able to maintain our strong client-focussed culture within a competitive market. We support the community through our commitment to providing pro bono services and charitable donations to a range of causes including The Northcott Institute, the Children’s Hospital Westmead, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Hope2Day Ltd and The Smith Family.
Network Memberships: AIPLA, AIPPI, FICPI, INTA, APAA, IPTA, CIPA, IPSANZ, LESANZ, RACI.
