Spruson & Ferguson names 5-Star IP Lawyer as new Australia managing director

Simon Potter previously led the firm's chemical/life sciences team in the country

Spruson & Ferguson names 5-Star IP Lawyer as new Australia managing director
Simon Potter

Spruson & Ferguson has promoted Dr Simon Potter as its new Australia managing director.

The seasoned patent attorney, who has been with the firm for 16 years and currently operates from Sydney, had served as a director for three years in addition to leading the firm’s chemical/life sciences team in Australia.

“Simon brings a tremendous combination of technical, people and business development leadership skills to the managing director role, and I have every confidence that he will be an outstanding addition to both the IPH Group and Spruson & Ferguson leadership teams,” IPH Limited COO John O’Shea said.

Spruson & Ferguson described Potter as “an accomplished professional services leader” based on his performance across a variety of positions he has held at the firm. Last year, he was named one of Australasian Lawyer’s 5-Star Intellectual Property Lawyers, and has also been recognised in Managing Intellectual Property and the IAM Patent 1000.

In addition to his legal expertise, he holds a PhD in medical research.

“I am excited to take on this role and continuing to work with my exceptional colleagues in this new capacity. We have a great team who will continue to service our clients well, and work hard to grow our business,” Potter said.

Potter succeeds patent and trademark vet David Kennedy in the role. Kennedy first took the reins in September 2021.