Melbourne – Global law firm K&L Gates has further strengthened its intellectual property practice with the addition of Patrick Sands in Melbourne. Sands, who joins from Herbert Smith Freehills, is a key addition to K&L Gates’ global team of intellectual property lawyers, with K&L Gates being the only integrated law firm to offer IP services on four continents.

One of Australia’s leading intellectual property lawyers, Sands is known for providing commercially focused advice and guidance on major strategic intellectual property disputes. Working at the intersection of science, technology and law, Sands offers clients a unique combination of skills and experience that, together with a science degree, allows Sands to communicate effectively with scientists, management boards and legal counsel on highly technical transactions.

His diverse industry experience includes acting for clients in a broad range of sectors, including pharmaceutical, medical devices, digital mobile radio, consumer, optical communications, mining and automotive. Responsible for leading some of the highest profile cases on patent infringement and validity in recent years, Sands also advises on and conducts proceedings relating to copyright, registered designs, breach of confidential information and Australian Consumer Law claims.

K&L Gates Practice Area Leader and intellectual property partner Jonathan Feder said: “We are thrilled to welcome Patrick to our growing team, where his experience and connections particularly in the pharmaceutical industry will greatly complement our global offering to clients.”

“Bringing my experience managing Australian IP disputes that are part of multi-jurisdiction proceedings onto the integrated K&L Gates global platform was an exciting opportunity for me,” stated Sands. “I look forward to leveraging the experience of the global team when developing strategies for my clients.”

Nick Nichola, K&L Gates’ Managing Partner, Australia, commented: “Our investment in the global intellectual property practice has been a strategic focus for the firm. When combined with initiatives such as the recent launch of the K&L Gates IP Agency in China, Patrick’s appointment sees the firm further bolster our intellectual property offering to clients.”

Sands arrival follows the addition of intellectual property partners in Portland, Orange County and Chicago. The firm’s Australian offices have recently welcomed partners Kelly Davies, Richard Chew, Richard Hayes and celebrated the promotion of Nicole Ward.

The firm has welcomed more than 65 partners and of counsel since the beginning of 2020, including in the firm’s corporate; health care; tax; commercial litigation; energy, infrastructure and resources; environment, land and natural resources; asset management and investment funds; banking and asset finance; labor and employment; IP procurement and portfolio management; IP litigation; technology transactions; real estate; government contracts; and investigations, enforcement and white collar practices.