FPA Patent Attorneys is delighted to announce the following promotions, effective from 1 July 2026:
- Emma van Embden to Principal
- Sarah Hennebry to Principal
- David Kark to Associate Principal
“Emma, Sarah and David each bring exceptional technical depth, strategic acumen, and an unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for their clients. These promotions are a reflection of their individual excellence and the continued strength and diversity of our practice,” says FPA’s Managing Principal, John Dower.
Emma’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts, both from the University of Melbourne, before completing her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Melbourne and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, where she specialised in nanotechnology and biochemistry, developing biocompatible semiconductor nanocrystals for use as bio-labels in cancer detection. She subsequently completed a Master of Intellectual Property Law at the University of Melbourne.
Since joining FPA, Emma has built a broad and distinguished practice spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and medical technology, working with clients ranging from local start-ups and ASX-listed companies to large multinational corporations and research institutes.
She provides a coordinated strategic approach to patent portfolio management across multiple jurisdictions and has demonstrated exceptional ability in all aspects of the patent lifecycle, including drafting and prosecution, opposition proceedings, and freedom-to-operate and validity opinions.
Emma has also been recognised as a Rising Star by IP Stars, Managing Intellectual Property, from 2019 to 2021, and is the author of peer-reviewed articles published in journals including ACS Nano and Small.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts, both from the University of Melbourne, where she also completed her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, elucidating the structure and function of a novel protein associated with bacterial pathogenesis.
She subsequently undertook three years of postdoctoral research at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, investigating biomarkers and molecular pathways associated with sympathetic nervous system activation across neuropsychiatric, renal, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease contexts, before completing a Master of Intellectual Property Law at the University of Melbourne.
Since joining FPA, Sarah has built a highly regarded practice in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, working with a diverse range of clients — including universities, research institutes, and large corporations — across the full patent lifecycle. She is particularly experienced in managing complex patent portfolios across the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America, and routinely advises investors and industry stakeholders on freedom-to-operate and validity opinions as part of due diligence reviews.
Sarah’s technical expertise spans antibodies and therapeutic proteins, in vitro diagnostics, small molecule pharmaceuticals, infectious diseases and vaccines, genome technologies, and agrigenetics, and she has been recognised as a Rising Star by IP Stars, Managing Intellectual Property, in 2020–2022 and again in 2026.
David holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Renewable Energy and a Master of Engineering Science in Energy Systems, both from the University of New South Wales, and a Master of Intellectual Property Law from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Prior to joining FPA, David worked as an engineering consultant on renewable electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution — experience that gives him a practical and commercially grounded understanding of the clean energy sector.
Since joining FPA, David has developed a focussed practice in renewable energy and electrical power systems, working with clients ranging from local inventors and universities to large international corporations. He has broad experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications in Australia and internationally, as well as patent infringement and validity analysis, freedom-to-operate analysis, patent opposition, and litigation support.
David also brings expertise in industrial design and contentious work, including design infringement and freedom-to-operate analysis.
