DR NIGEL CHEN-TAN 

BSc (Honours) (Physics) MIP PhD (Applied Physics) PGradDipBus 

Senior Associate
Patent and Trade Mark Attorney

nigel.chen-tan@ghfip.com.au

Nigel has a diverse educational background that equips him to provide customised solutions for clients seeking to protect their intellectual property assets and maintain a competitive edge. Holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Physics, a Master of Industrial Property and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business, Nige possesses a holistic understanding of the intersection of science, law and business.

Nigel’s early career as a mineralogist at a global mining corporation and later as a postdoctoral researcher specialising in material science and non-destructive testing laid the foundation for his transition into patent law. He is a registered patent and trademarks attorney in both Australia and New Zealand. His professional journey also includes tenures at national patent attorney firms as well as an international NewLaw firm.

His expertise extends across a broad spectrum of intellectual property matters, including industrial designs, patents and trademarks. Nigel has successfully guided clients through the various intellectual property processes, encompassing the prosecution of intellectual property rights, conducting freedom-to-operate assessments, and executing audits in the context of capital-raising adventures.

Nigel’s true passions is for genuine innovation. He has assisted startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and global corporations in safeguarding and leveraging their intellectual property assets. His diverse background allows him to navigate the complex landscape of securing, enforcing and strategically leveraging intellectual property rights while considering the broader commercial implications.

Professional Associations

• Western Australia Singapore Business Council (Committee member)
• Member of the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia
• Asian Patent Attorneys Association