WILLIAM LANCASTER

Education

Bachelor of Science (Honours – Biochemistry) – University of New England
Bachelor of Laws – University of New England
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice - The Australian National University

Experience

William has previously worked as an Examiner of Patents (Biotechnology) with IP Australia - the Australian government agency responsible for the administration of patents, trade marks, designs and plant breeder’s rights. His responsibilities included: examination of Australian patent applications; performing search and examinations on behalf of other international patent offices and organisations (United States Patent & Trademark Office, Singapore Patent Office, World Intellectual Property Organisation). This experience provides William within an inside knowledge of the patent protection system.

William commenced legal practice at a boutique technology and commercial law firm in the Melbourne CBD, where he was responsible for the firm’s trade mark portfolio, providing specialist IP, technology and general commercial advice.

William was seconded to the Molecular Plant Breeding Cooperative Research Centre (MPBCRC), where he served as the IP & Contracts Manager (In-House Counsel). In that position he provided in-house legal support and detailed specialist knowledge in relation to biotechnology, patent and commercial matters. During his secondment to the MPBCRC, William was also Company Secretary for Gramina Pty Ltd – a joint venture biotechnology company between MPBCRC and PGG Wrightson.

William was also Legal Counsel at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) where he provided advice with respect to technology licensing, collaborative research ventures, IP protection and commercialisation of technology.

Specialties

Provision of advice relating to infringement and validity of patents, copyright and the registration and protection of trade marks;

Drafting and reviewing commercial agreements including IP and technology licensing and commercialisation agreements; confidentiality agreements; material transfer agreements; research, consulting and service agreements;

IP due diligence, and IP identification, capture, ownership and protection strategies

Memberships

Tarwirri (Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Association of Victoria)
Law Institute of Victoria