FPA Patent Attorneys is delighted to announce the following promotions, effective from 1 July 2026:
- Dean Bradley to Senior Associate
- Julie Murison to Senior Associate
- Thomas Ware to Senior Associate
- Shaahin Madani to Associate
“Dean, Julie, Thomas and Shaahin have each demonstrated outstanding technical expertise, a strong commitment to their clients, and a genuine enthusiasm for the work they do. These promotions reflect both their individual achievements and the continued growth and depth of talent across our firm,” says FPA’s Managing Principal, John Dower.
Dean holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical Engineering, a Bachelor of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, all from the University of Technology Sydney, as well as a Master of Intellectual Property Law from the University of Technology, Sydney. In addition to his studies, Dean developed hands-on experience in IP commercialisation and technology transfer, and previously worked in high voltage construction — a background that gives him a grounded understanding of the commercial context of IP.
Dean has built a practice covering drafting and prosecution across a wide variety of technologies in the control systems, robotics, electronics, and software spaces. His clients range from small domestic entities to large international corporations, and he has been commended by many for his exemplary client service.
Dean also provides advice to start-up companies on freedom-to-operate and licensing matters, and has developed particular expertise in the patentability of computer-implemented inventions.
Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (First Class Honours) from the University of Queensland, a Doctorate in Chemistry (Magna cum laude) from the University of Göttingen, and a Master of Intellectual Property Law from the University of Melbourne.
Prior to joining FPA, Julie worked in the speciality chemical industry, on product development and formulation projects for a diverse range of industrial applications. Her first-hand experience as a researcher and an inventor underpins her passion for helping inventors navigate patent systems and translate their research into commercially valuable assets.
Julie’s practice spans local and foreign clients in the pharmaceuticals, agrichemistry, cosmetics, materials, industrial and petrochemistry spaces, where she assists with drafting, prosecuting, and strategic advice.
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, a Master of Science (Distinction) in Biomedical and Health Sciences, and a PhD in signal transduction and cancer biology, all from the University of Melbourne, as well as a Master of Intellectual Property Law from the University of Melbourne.
Before joining FPA, Thomas worked as a senior research scientist at a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation gene therapies and medical diagnostics.
Thomas has since built a practice advising clients across a broad range of life sciences technologies, including biologics, gene and cell therapies, nucleic acid therapeutics and diagnostic platforms.
He works closely with clients ranging from universities and university spin-outs to VC-backed companies, ASX-listed companies and multinational life sciences organisations, supporting them across the full IP lifecycle, from drafting and prosecution through to oppositions, freedom-to-operate and global portfolio strategy across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Europe and Asia.
Thomas has been involved in the development of high-value patent portfolios supporting clients as they progress from preclinical development to clinical-stage and towards regulatory approval. He also contributes to the management of commercially significant portfolios protecting products currently on the market.
Thomas is known for his commercially focussed approach, providing strategic advice that aligns IP positioning with clinical development pathways, regulatory considerations, and partnering or investment objectives.
Our client had this to say about Thomas: “It has been a pleasure working with Tom, thanks for your great judgement calls, professionalism, amazing responsiveness, and sound, clear advice throughout. Together we have kicked some serious goals!”
Shaahin holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and a Master of Applied Science (Information Technology) with Distinction, both from RMIT University, where he graduated in the top 2% of all higher education students and was awarded the Australian Postgraduate Award for his doctoral degree, as well as a Master of Intellectual Property Law from the University of Melbourne.
Shaahin has designed and architected software systems across diverse domains including banking, accounting, automated document processing, and graphic design, and spent time as an academic at RMIT University, where he taught information security and programming and represented postgraduate students on the university’s Intellectual Property Committee.
Since joining FPA, Shaahin has worked across a variety of computer-related inventions including AI-driven technologies, health monitoring and diagnostic systems, security systems, automation, and graphical design systems, combining deep technical insight with commercially focussed IP advice to help clients protect innovations in computing, software, and emerging computer-related technologies.
