Griffith Hack is thrilled to formally announce the elevation of two high-performing team members to the position of Principal (effective as of 1 January, 2020). Lawyer Gavin Adkins and Patent Attorney Robyn Heard have been key contributors in Griffith Hack’s Melbourne and Sydney offices (respectively); Gavin joining Griffith Hack as an Associate in 2015 and Robyn as a trainee in 2003.
Executive General Manager David Madigan said the decision was an important signal for the Griffith Hack’s future.
“Gavin and Robyn’s addition to our leadership group reinforces the firms’ commitment to delivering exceptional client service and top-tier technical expertise. It also demonstrates the genuine opportunities available to those with the skills required to meet our clients’ current and future needs. I congratulate both Gavin and Robyn on this milestone achievement”.
Robyn Heard – Patent Attorney
Robyn has specialist knowledge and experience in the patenting of technologies for Universities, and companies from start-ups and small to medium entities and large corporations in the areas of IT, software and computer system based inventions, telecommunications, electronics, data analytics, e-health and medical devices.
“While working as an engineer I met a patent attorney and thought ‘that sounds like a really interesting job’. A few years later, at a career crossroads, I decided to take a chance and go for that interesting job. I was hired by Griffith Hack as a trainee, and learned just how interesting and challenging being a patent attorney can be – balancing IP law with commercial strategies for various technologies. It is an honour to now step up beside the attorneys who trained and mentored me over the years, to lead our Sydney Electrical & IT patent team”.
Gavin Adkins – Lawyer
Gavin is most passionate about IP litigation and disputes, but also has prior experience as a patent attorney. In previous roles and during his time at Griffith Hack, Gavin has assisted clients with litigation raising issues in patents, designs, trade marks, the Australian Consumer Law, contractual disputes, domain names and copyright infringement. Gavin was recognised in Managing Intellectual Property’s IP Rising Stars list for 2018 and 2019.
“When I finished my law degree I got on a plane to Japan to work at a patent attorney firm. I didn’t even know what a patent was when I accepted the job. 13 and a half years later, I am incredibly humbled to be appointed a Principal of Griffith Hack. It’s a pleasure to work with great colleagues on interesting and challenging IP disputes for our clients”.
