With first-class credentials in science and intellectual property, Nicola specialises in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in a variety of technology areas. Over time, Nicola has developed a focus on the interface between mechanical and chemical engineering technologies, including the manufacture and supply of building and construction materials, explosives chemicals and mining services, agricultural technologies ranging from fertilizers to agricultural plastics, as well as mining and mineral related technologies.
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Nicola has over 20 years' of experience in intellectual property, with particular skill in patent prosecution, litigation support and IP strategy. Nicola is also a patent analyst, having spent two years with Thomson Reuters, using patent documents as a big data source. She has published in the area of patent citation analytics.
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Nicola started her career in patents with Madderns, Adelaide in 2004. She moved to join Davis Collison Cave in Melbourne and enjoyed excellent training in the Chemistry and Materials team. After her time at Thomson Reuters she relocated to Brisbane to manage the engineering patent team of Griffith Hack, before joining IP Solved as a principal. She joined Foundry IP in 2020. She became a founding partner of Jones Maxwell Smith & Davis in 2025.
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Nicola is is currently studying for an Honours degree in Psychology at the University of Adelaide; her honors thesis centres on compassion research. In her spare time she enjoys indoor climbing (top ropes, because lead climbing is too complicated).
QUALIFICATIONS
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BSc (Hons, Class I) in Chemistry with Law - University of Essex, UK
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Masters in the Management of IP Law at Queen Mary and Westfield College - University of London
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PhD in Applied Science, Chemistry - University of South Australia
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Registered Australian and New Zealand Patent Attorney
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Fellow of the Institute of Patent and Trademark Attorneys
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ASIPI - member
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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
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Fellow of the Institute of Patent and Trademark Attorneys
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Member of ASIPI
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Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute