Andrew Caska from IP& provides his clients with highly specialised advice and services whilst keeping cost affordable. He operates the business in-line with top-tier knowledge and provides a personalised service to ensure his clients are happy.

We ask the tough questions of Andrew Caska, IP&

You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?

A few days a week I work from home, so on these days I enjoy going to the beach for a surf, or walking the dog. I recently purchased a stand-up paddle board and have been sneaking out for a lunch time or afternoon paddle.

When did you know you wanted to start your own business?

When I was working as a Patent and Trade Mark Attorney in a large Patent Firm in Sydney, I saw the need for affordable Intellectual Property advice to assist start up inventors and small to medium businesses. IP& has less business overheads than larger firms and therefore the cost savings are passed onto our clients. 

What’s the best bit of feedback you’ve ever had?

We recently had a client transfer to us from a larger firm in Sydney. About half way through the first meeting the client started becoming tearful and stated that she wished they had come to IP& in the first place. 

What’s the most obscure business request you’ve ever had?

We get some pretty crazy inventors sometimes. I once had a person who wanted to patent the frequencies of the universe. They presented this enormous canvas (3 metres wide and 5 meters long) covered in numbers and colours. They then simply stepped back and said “See what I’m talking about – and by the way this can power a space-craft”. 

What or who has the most grounding influence on you?

My wife, Claire, has assisted me to set up the business, and helped me to make decisions every step of the way.  She also works at IP& as the IP Manger, and is also a Lawyer.

What’s the cheapest, most effective bit of marketing you’ve ever done?

Cold calling – simple and direct discussions with a Manager or Director of a business.

What’s the biggest challenge you face at work?

Distractions…emails, client enquires seeking free advice, the dog, nice day outside, coffee break..etc. The list goes on. 

What’s the best thing about being a soloist? And the worst thing?

The best things are flexibility, security and diversity of work. The worst thing is work overload and trying to take a holiday. 

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?

No one is going to give it to you. You have to take it. Seems a little harsh but you really do need to get out there and take all opportunities that come along. 

What inspires you most about your work?

I really like new innovation and technology. It never ceases to amaze me just how creative and diverse Australian inventors are. 

What do you love most about running your own business?

I enjoy having the flexibility to spend time with my family.

And now comes the plug for Andrew Caska, IP&!

What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?

We are registered Australian Patent Attorneys. We assist:

• Inventors to patent protect their inventions via patent and design protection in Australia and internationally
• Provide advice in relation to intellectual property including patents, trade marks, designs, copyrights and confidential informations
• We also provide concept engineering & design services as well as product commercialisation assistance.

In a nutshell, our clients receive highly specialised advice and services whilst keeping costs affordable. We operate the business in-line with top-tier knowledge and provide a personalised service to ensure our clients are happy and informed every step of the way.

And where can we find out more about Andrew Caska,IP&?

• Flying Solo Directory: www.flyingsolo.com.au/profile/ip&
• My Website: www.ipand.com.au

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