Mike Zammit, Principal of the Chemical/Life Sciences Group at Spruson & Ferguson, has a distinguished career in intellectual property law, particularly within the chemical sciences domain. Having joined the firm in October 2020, Mike brought with him 16 years of rich experience from a prominent Australian IP firm. He holds a Bachelor degree in Industrial Chemistry with Honours, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of New South Wales, with a focus on free radical polymerisation kinetics. Mike's professional journey encompasses extensive technical and legal expertise. His background spans roles in the surface coatings industry and research laboratories, where he honed his skills in product development and polymer chemistry. This technical foundation underpins his prowess as a registered patent attorney, where he adeptly handles drafting, prosecution, and oppositions in patent practice across Australia and New Zealand. A seasoned collaborator with universities, start-ups, and research institutes, Mike has navigated patent applications from inception to market readiness across an array of technologies, including polymer composites, medical devices, and mining methods. His research contributions are internationally recognised, with numerous publications and conference presentations to his name. Mike's commitment to the broader legal community is reflected in his active involvement with The Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA), where he has served as a Councillor. He played a pivotal role in the development of the IP Administrator’s Course, guiding educational initiatives and delivering webinars. A Chartered Chemist and Fellow of several esteemed professional bodies, Mike continues to influence the field of intellectual property through his innovative contributions, such as the creation of the Technology Transfer IP Hub at Spruson & Ferguson. This platform exemplifies his forward-thinking approach, providing targeted resources for technology transfer professionals. Throughout his career, Mike has been recognised for his leadership and expertise, contributing significantly to the legal and scientific communities. His work not only advances the protection of intellectual property but also fosters innovation across various industries.
Councillor
The Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA)
May 2021 - Apr 2023 • 1 year 11 months
Chemical/Life Sciences Leader
Spruson & Ferguson
Oct 2020 - Present • 6 years
Principal - Registered Patent Attorney
Shelston IP
Jun 2004 - Oct 2020 • 16 years 4 months
IP Co-ordinator
James Hardie Building Products
Aug 2002 - Jul 2003 • 11 months
Technical Support Manager
James Hardie Building Products
Oct 2001 - Aug 2002 • 10 months
Team Leader
James Hardie Building Products
Sep 1999 - Oct 2001 • 2 years 1 month
Technical Officer
Dulux Australia (Orica)
Jan 1998 - Jun 1999 • 1 year 5 months
PhD Candidate
University of New South Wales
Jan 1994 - Jan 1997 • 3 years
Foundations of Directorship
Australian Institute of Company Directors
2024
Dip. Technical Analysis
Kaplan Australia
2010 - 2012
Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications
Institute of Patent & Trademark Attorneys
2009
Masters
University of Technology Sydney
2004 - 2006
Grad. Cert.
Victoria University of Technology
1998
PhD Chemical Engineering
UNSW
1989 - 1997
B.Sc. (Hons.)
UNSW
1989 - 1993
RACI Treloar Prize
Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Legal Influencer in IP for Australasia
Lexology
Lexology Legal Influencer Q2 2023 for IP – Australasia
Lexology
Lexology Legal Influencer Q3 2018 for IP – Australasia
Lexology
Mondaq Spring 2025 Thought Leadership Awards – Australia
Mondaq
