FPA Patent Attorneys is pleased to announce that Dr Karen Bentley, Stuart Irvine and Desmond Tan have been recognised in the IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2026. The guide recognises a select group of leading intellectual property professionals from around the world for developing and implementing strategies that maximise the value of intellectual property portfolios.
Karen is a Principal at FPA and the firm’s first female Director and Principal for its Singapore office. She specialises in patent matters across the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, agricultural, food technology and life sciences sectors, advising local and international clients on intellectual property strategy throughout Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Southeast Asia. Karen’s recognition in the IAM Strategy 300 reflects her expertise in managing complex patent portfolios and delivering strategic IP advice across the life sciences sector.
“The opportunity to develop and implement IP strategies for clients is the most challenging and rewarding aspect of my role. Whether it is overcoming a particularly complex objection or developing a broader IP strategy that aligns with a client’s commercial objectives, I am driven by the opportunity to create meaningful outcomes. This work draws on the full range of my expertise, and I am privileged to work with clients who value my advice and entrust me with helping shape their success.”
Stuart is a Principal at FPA specialising in designs and utility patents for software, artificial intelligence and information and communications technology inventions. He works closely with innovative Australian and international technology companies to protect their innovations and develop their IP portfolios. The 2026 edition saw Stuart recognised once again in the IAM Strategy 300, further reflecting his standing as a trusted adviser on strategic intellectual property matters within the technology sector.
“I’m immensely proud to be recognised again in the IAM Strategy 300. Like so many awards, though, this can’t be considered an individual achievement; it’s the result of close collaboration with amazing clients and the exceptional team here at FPA. I’m grateful for the trust our clients place in us and for the opportunity to work together to develop IP strategies that help them achieve their goals.”
Desmond is the Principal responsible for managing FPA’s Singapore office and is a registered Singapore patent attorney. His practice spans engineering, manufacturing, medical technologies, diagnostics, electronics and computer-implemented inventions. Desmond has been recognised by IAM on multiple occasions, highlighting his ability to develop commercially focused intellectual property strategies that support innovation and business growth.
“So happy to be recognised over the years for the pragmatic commercially driven guidance that I share with my friends. There is nothing better than getting consensus and buy-in when sharing my guidance, and providing the optimal strategies pursuant to case-by-case circumstances.”
Recognition in the IAM Strategy 300 is based on extensive research and feedback from members of the global intellectual property community. The guide acknowledges professionals who are regarded as leaders in developing and implementing intellectual property strategies that create value for organisations.
FPA congratulates Karen, Stuart and Desmond on this well-deserved recognition.
