Spruson & Ferguson has announced ten promotions across its Australia and Asia businesses, including the appointment of three new Principals, reflecting continued investment in expertise and leadership across two of the firm’s key growth areas – life sciences and technology.
In Australia, the appointments strengthen Spruson & Ferguson’s leadership capability in the life sciences sector, where continued advances in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare innovation are driving demand for sophisticated intellectual property strategies.
In Asia, the promotions reinforce the firm’s capability to support businesses operating across some of the world’s most innovative and rapidly developing technology markets, where organisations are increasingly seeking coordinated intellectual property advice across multiple jurisdictions.
The appointments form part of a broader promotion round across the IPH Group, which has recognised 32 professionals across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Asia, including a record 15 new Principals. The promotions include:
New Principals
- Dr Ken Johnstone, Chemical & Life Sciences | Australia
- Dr David Hvasanov, Chemical & Life Sciences | Australia
- Dr Charles Wang, Engineering & ICT | Asia
Chemical & Life Sciences
- Johnny Wong, Special Counsel | Asia
- Analine Fan, Associate | Asia
- Dr Nicole Khong, Senior Patent Scientist | Asia
Engineering & ICT
- Amanda Zhang, Special Counsel | Asia
- Joanne Quach, Senior Associate | Asia
Spruson & Ferguson Lawyers
- Nadine Martino, Special Counsel | Australia
Trade Marks
- Madeline Connolly, Senior Associate | Australia
Dr Simon Potter, Managing Director, Australia, said the promotions reflected both the calibre of the individuals involved and the growing importance of intellectual property within the life sciences sector.
“The pace of innovation within the life sciences sector continues to accelerate, creating exciting opportunities for organisations developing breakthrough technologies and treatments. At the same time, intellectual property has become increasingly critical to attracting investment, enabling commercialisation and protecting competitive advantage.”
“David and Ken have built outstanding reputations as
trusted advisers to clients across the life sciences ecosystem.
Their appointments as Principals reflect the significant
contributions they have made to our clients and our firm, and
further strengthen our leadership capability in an area of growing
strategic importance.”
Dr Simon Potter, Managing Director,
Australia.
Simon said the broader promotion group demonstrated the firm’s commitment to developing future leaders across the business.
“We are committed to helping our people grow, develop and achieve their professional aspirations. These promotions recognise individuals who have consistently demonstrated excellence and who will play an important role in shaping the future of our firm,” Simon added.
Duarte Lima Managing Director, Asia said the promotions reflected both the growth of the firm’s regional practice and the increasingly sophisticated needs of clients operating across borders.
“Asia continues to be one of the most important regions globally for innovation, investment and technology development. As businesses expand across borders, intellectual property strategies must become increasingly coordinated, commercially focused and internationally aligned.”
“Each of our promoted team members have demonstrated
exceptional expertise and commitment to clients. Charles’
appointment as Principal recognises his leadership, technical
capability and the significant contribution he has made to
supporting innovators operating across multiple
jurisdictions.”
Duarte Lima, Managing Director, Asia
Lima said investing in future leaders remained a strategic priority for the firm.
“Our success is built on the strength of our people. These promotions reflect our commitment to recognising talent, supporting professional development and ensuring we have the expertise and leadership capability to meet the evolving needs of clients throughout Asia,” Duarte said.
Dr Charles Wang, the Head of Patents in Hong Kong and promoted to Principal in Engineering & ICT in Asia, said he was excited to take on the new leadership role.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of working in Asia is the opportunity to support clients operating at the forefront of technological change. Whether they are developing new digital platforms, advanced engineering solutions or emerging technologies, intellectual property plays a central role in enabling growth and protecting competitive advantage.”
“I am honoured to be appointed Principal and look forward to continuing to help clients build effective IP strategies while contributing to the ongoing success of the firm.”
Dr Ken Johnstone has an extensive research & attorney background and has been promoted to Principal in the Australian Chemical & Life Sciences team.
“Having worked as both a scientist and a patent attorney, I understand the challenges innovators face as they move from discovery through to commercialisation. I’m honoured to be appointed Principal and look forward to continuing to work alongside clients developing technologies that can make a meaningful impact.”
Dr David Hvasanov, promoted to Principal in the Chemical & Life Sciences practice group, said he was proud to take on the new role.
“The life sciences sector is driven by people pursuing discoveries that have the potential to improve health outcomes and transform lives. It is incredibly rewarding to work with innovators at every stage of that journey and help them secure the protection needed to bring new technologies to market.
“I am honoured to be appointed Principal and look forward to continuing to support clients while contributing to the growth and development of our life sciences practice.”
The appointments take effect from 1 July 2026.