Leading independent intellectual property firm James & Wells has taken its first important step into Melbourne with the appointment of Nick Mountford as a partner in its growing Australian team.

Nick joins the firm from Griffith Hack, where he was a senior partner before becoming a principal following the acquisition of the firm by the listed company IPH. With more than 25 years’ experience as a patent attorney and extensive engineering and ICT expertise, he will enhance James & Wells’ already strong patent practice.

“Nick is a great fit for our team and his appointment is crucial to our plans for Melbourne,” says James & Wells Managing Partner, Tim Walden.

“Nick is a well-respected attorney who shares our values and philosophy about how a patent attorney practice should operate. Together we’ll be building a strong client-focussed Melbourne practice that offers ambitious, talented IP professionals a future with a growing independent firm.”

Nick has represented Australia’s largest filer of patent application for 15 years. He also has considerable IP litigation experience and has worked on one of Australia’s largest pieces of IP litigation which involved over 20 patents.

For several years running, Nick has been recognised as a leading patents practitioner by industry publications including Managing Intellectual Property and IAM Patent 1000.

“I’m excited to lead James & Wells’ expansion into Melbourne and to offer local and international clients the high standard of service and technical expertise the firm is known for,” says Nick.