Intellectual property firm adds James Tocci as executive, corporate services
Specialist firm Pearce IP has announced the appointment of two new executives: Mathew Lucas as executive patent and trademark attorney in Melbourne, as well as James Tocci as executive, corporate services.
Pearce IP comprises intellectual property specialist lawyers and attorneys who focus on the life sciences industries.
In a news release, Naomi Pearce, Pearce IP’s founder and chief executive officer, welcomed Lucas and Tocci to the executive team.
Naomi Pearce said the appointments demonstrated the firm’s investment in senior technical leadership and commitment to working toward the Pearce IP 2027 vision to be the premier life sciences-focused IP practice in Australia and New Zealand.
“I am excited to bring my expertise and practice to Pearce IP, and to work with Naomi and my fellow Executives to realise our 2027 Vision,” Lucas said in the news release.
Lucas has garnered over 25 years of experience as an attorney. His work has focused on pharma/biopharma, chemistry and chemical engineering, material sciences, diagnostics, biochemistry/biotech, ag-tech, food-tech, and med-tech.
“I am looking forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth and supporting the executive team and broader business,” Tocci said in the news release.
Pearce IP shared that Tocci would bring people leadership, operational experience, and commercial acumen to the firm.
The firm’s news release and the new executive team members’ LinkedIn profiles provided additional information regarding their professional experience and educational background.
“Mathew is one of Australia’s leading patent attorneys, who combines authentic leadership with technical depth and strategic insight,” Naomi Pearce said in the news release.
Lucas has experience in complex patent prosecution, strategic IP advice, freedom-to-operate clearances, contentious disputes, and commercialisation.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he worked as a patent partner and principal at Davies Collison Cave in Singapore and Melbourne from March 2001 to July 2025.
Lucas has postdoctoral placements focusing on organic synthesis and drug design, as well as homolytic and heterolytic organic mechanisms.
From the University of Melbourne, he earned a master’s degree in intellectual property law in 2004 and a PhD in chemistry in 1997. He also obtained a BS in chemistry (honours) from La Trobe University in 1993.
“James is a seasoned legal operations leader with a strong business background and commercial acumen,” Naomi Pearce said in the firm’s news release.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Tocci served as practice manager at Catherine Henry Lawyers in Newcastle, New South Wales, from August 2024 to January 2026.
In that role, he had broad general manager responsibilities relating to a team of legal professionals and support staff. He sought to improve customer experience and the professional development journeys of staff members.
Tocci is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds a master’s degree in business and technology (engineering) and a bachelor’s degree in business.
