Timothy is Partner, Intellectual Property/Life Sciences/TMT/Data at Shearn Delamore & Co in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and a registered Patent Agent.
Timothy’s main area of focus is intellectual property, with a focus on patents, life sciences and technology.
He sees the most satisfying aspect of his career as embracing new legal frameworks as technologies evolve.
“Participating in the development of legal frameworks to address the issues posed by emerging technologies is exciting.
“As new technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and biotechnology continue to evolve, they challenge existing legal norms and create novel questions around regulation, liability, intellectual property, privacy, and ethics.”
Education & training
- 1992: Registered Patent Agent, Malaysia
- 1991: Advocate & Solicitor, High Court of Malaya
- 1990: LL.B B.Sc Monash University, Australia
- 1990: Barrister & Solicitor, Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia, (non-practising)
Professional background
- 2003– Present: Began work at Shearn Delamore & Co
- 1991: Completed pupillage and began practice at Skrine & Co.
He speaks fluent English and Malay.
Adding value to clients
Timothy shares that his firm adds value to clients through the team’s IP expertise and the way that they run their IP practice.
“We implement cohesive IP searching and filing strategies that align with our clients’ business objectives.
“For clients who have outsourced the management of worldwide or large-scale IP portfolios to us, we have streamlined operations to reduce costs.”
A recent IP challenge that he particularly enjoyed resolving was litigating a client’s Standard Essential Patents in the telecommunications industry in Malaysia.
“This successful conclusion entailed adducing expert evidence to establish that the defendants had used the patented technology.”
Best practice to share with FICPI members
With one of his areas of professional expertise being technology, you would expect Timothy to have a keen interest in its use within the IP practice too, and his best practice to share with fellow members of the FICPI global community is indeed in this area.
“Using a comprehensive IP management software such as DIAMSiQ can enhance the efficiency and productivity of your IP teams.”
The future for independent IP attorneys
Timothy and his firm are embracing the use of AI and technology and he highlights these developments will be far-reaching.
“The increasing use of AI-powered tools will impact the practice of an IP Attorney in the next few years.”
Value of FICPI membership
Timothy joined FICPI in 2020 and is the Vice-President of FICPI Malaysia and the alternate Country Delegate for Malaysia. He is also an active member of two of FICPI’s Study and Work Groups: CET 5 – Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, and CET 3 – International Patent Matters.
As well as finding taking part in FICPI’s working parties on technical matters invaluable, he also aims to attend FICPI’s headline in-person events.
“Attending FICPI Forums and Congresses in memorable locations such as Cape Town, St Petersburg and Sorrento are an important part of the FICPI membership and FICPI experience!”
Final word – outside of work
Timothy describes himself as an introvert who enjoys exploring the world outside of work and has a fondness for travelling to both well-known and lesser-known destinations.
