David Bey
Partner

David is a Partner at Madderns and a registered Patent and Trade Marks Attorney with more than 12 years’ experience in intellectual property practice. With a background in mechanical engineering, David assists Australian engineering businesses and overseas attorneys with patent and design matters in Australia and New Zealand.

David works with Australian businesses to protect their innovations through the drafting and filing of patent and design applications. He helps clients understand how these rights can serve different commercial purposes, from protecting a market position to supporting licensing, investment and negotiation. His advice covers patentability, design registrability and filing strategy, as well as freedom to operate, infringement and patent and design disputes. Through this work, he helps clients build their understanding of intellectual property and make informed decisions about how to use it in their business.

His technical experience spans mechanical and automotive engineering, manufacturing, robotics, medical devices and related technologies. His engineering studies included computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis and advanced materials, complemented by practical projects involving an experimental gas turbine combustor, a welding research rig and Formula SAE racing cars.

David also assists clients with trade mark protection and disputes as part of his broader intellectual property practice, and has appeared before the Australian Trade Marks Office on a number of occasions.

For overseas associates, David handles Australian and New Zealand patent and design filings and prosecution, and assists with advisory and contentious matters. He explains the nuances of local practice and their implications for each matter, providing practical recommendations with clients’ objectives and costs in mind. He places particular importance on responding promptly to enquiries and carrying out instructions efficiently.

David’s approach centres on building lasting relationships. He takes the time to understand each client’s business, puts himself in their position and takes ownership of the matters entrusted to him. Whether working directly with an engineering business or alongside an overseas associate, he is committed to being a trusted adviser who is accessible, responsive and invested in the outcome.

David holds a first class honours degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Adelaide, a Master of Intellectual Property and a Bachelor of Business (Property). Prior to undertaking his engineering studies, he spent four years working in commercial real estate.

Outside work, David keeps busy with family life as a father of three boys. A lifelong Formula 1 fan and Arsenal FC supporter, he also enjoys travelling, exploring new places and seeking out good Asian food—the spicier, the better.