PATENTS

When technology is a crucial asset for your business

TRADEMARKS

Keeping your branding secure in the marketplace

IP STRATEGY

Ensuring resources devoted towards best commercial outcome

DUE DILIGENCE

Peace of mind for investors and those seeking investment

COMMERCIALISATION

Supporting the legal needs of growing technology companies

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Services for corporates, incubators, accelerators and universities

OUR VISION

Our mission is simple: to deliver the highest quality strategic IP advice, in a manner that is easy for clients to understand, and efficient in terms of resources. 

​

This is only achievable by a specialist who is across the complexities involved in IP strategy and technology commercialisation, but still appreciates that the true value of advice comes from cutting through that complexity to offer powerful and practical client solutions.  Clients should not need to understand the nuanced intricacies of IP laws and systems; they want to know that there is a skilled advisor in their corner who can be trusted to identify the best decisions to support their desired outcomes.

​

In Australia, only a handful of Patent Attorneys attended law school, and even fewer are qualified to practice as lawyers.  This often leads to a disjoint in advice: a patent attorney is a technology specialist with a limited grasp of broader legal issues; and the patent attorney defers to a lawyer who typically has a limited grasp of the technology.  This often jeopardises the commercial relevance and effectiveness of IP advice.  With Forward IP, that issue simply does not arise.

Our advisory skills are supported by a passion for working with growing businesses, and functioning in the modern entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Forward IP is not driven by shareholder interests; our drive is to work with smart companies and find fulfilment in their success. 

OUR FOUNDER

MATT WARD

REGISTERED PATENT ATTORNEY

LEGAL PRACTITIONER

BSc  LLB  MIP

Matt has been practicing as a patent attorney and lawyer in Australia for over 15 years, specialising in delivering innovative intellectual property strategies to growing technology companies. 

​

With over a decade of working in a large firm environment, and undertaking additional studies in the United States, Matt has had the opportunity to work with some of Australia's top practitioners and numerous large multinational technology companies.  However, his passions lie in working with growing businesses, from startups and beyond, where his unique approaches and innovative strategies can make a huge difference to a business' success.   And there is no question that such businesses are better served by a small firm, where interactions remain truly personal, and the ability to adapt to client needs is unconstrained by politics and procedure.  

​

Matt certainly doesn't fit the conventional lawyer stereotype.  Whilst delivering quality IP advice to smart companies is one of his life passions, he's just as comfortable flying drones for media projects in the Andes, or building experience as a heli ski guide in Alaska.  He flourishes in high-intensity environments. 

​

BACK TO TOP