Profile - Patent examiner (Ross)
Name and qualifications
Ross. Bachelor Science (Hons) Motorsport Technology.
Current position at IP Australia
Examiner of Patents, Mechanical Engineering.
How did you find out about IP Australia?
I went along to the Australian Employment Expo in London where IP Australia was well represented. They were very enthusiastic and friendly and gave a clear picture of what working there would be like.
What made you choose to work at IP Australia? Was there anything specific about the Agency that stood out to you? What interests you most about the area of patent examination?
I chose IP Australia because of the working conditions and opportunities the Agency offered.
The whole drama of moving to a new country was made a lot easier by their real understanding and the assistance you get to relocate.
Now that I'm here I get to look at and examine inventions that are at the cutting edge of their respective fields. I am really enjoying the innovation and creativity I get to witness and be a part of, on a daily basis.
What is the most interesting thing about working at IP Australia?
Coming from an engineering background I would have to say the most interesting thing about being a Patent Examiner, is the broad range of inventions from different technical fields. This may include small items like bearings and fasteners right the way up to boats, cars and aircraft.
How do you find the training and professional development offered by IP Australia?
There is an in house Learning Centre, which I find fairly unique for a small Agency. IP Australia invests a great deal in its staff and the training is focused around the individual developing their career and remaining at the forefront of their respective fields.
How do you find the general culture of the IP Australia workplace?
The first thing that comes to mind is how friendly and helpful everyone is and that has gone a long way to making me feel at home. IP Australia is a diverse and multicultural agency with a friendly and inclusive culture. There is a wealth of knowledge here, and the genuine sense of job satisfaction probably doesn't hurt either.
What would you highlight to potential applicants considering a career with IP Australia?
From personal experience I would suggest doing some initial research into the patent system as a good starting point. Although, the hardest thing for me to understand with patent examination has been that very few things are ever black or white. Having said that, it's often one of the very interesting things about it too!
How do you find living in Canberra?
Personally, Canberra took a while for me to warm to. But once you get to know your way around there are a lot of activities to get into and some of the restaurants and bars are real hidden gems.
I've been here nearly three years now and one thing I've found is that there is always something going on, you just have to look for it.
Last Updated: 06/12/2012
