Peter Vogel, Technology Consultant
Peter Vogel is one of Australia's leading technologists. Peter advises on the technology-related aspects of legal problems, such as the viability of developing workarounds and alternative solutions to avoid legal disputes or address key issues in commercial agreements. Central to the approach of Mallam Lawyers is a focus on all dimensions of a legal issue, to ensure that the most cost-effective and appropriate solution is developed. Peter works closely with us as part of this approach.
Peter's ability to develop elegant, left-field solutions to complex issues has earned him world-wide recognition and respect. His 30 years of experience encompass analogue and digital electronic design, software coding and systems engineering, project management, business development, technology marketing and identification and protection of intellectual property. He is the named inventor of dozens of patents, his first being granted at the age of 16.
Peter’s first major contribution to technology and the arts was the invention of the Fairlight Computer Musical Instrument in the 1980s. The Fairlight was the world's first commercial sound sampling electronic musical instrument, which UNESCO says “transformed the music, post-production and broadcast industries, and helped position them on a course through the next century.”
In addition to his special interest in media and entertainment technology, Peter has designed a wide range of consumer and industrial devices. For example, the product “Vitalcall”, a personal medical emergency alarm, developed by Peter in the late 1980s, remains the market leader and has saved many lives.
Over the last 15 years, Peter developed intellectual property in New Media which led to IceTV, Australia's first electronic program guide (EPG), which enabled remotely activated recording of television content using mobile phones and internet browsers. The EPG production methodology he developed was upheld by the High Court of Australia in one of Australia's leading copyright decisions.
In addition to his consulting work for Mallam Lawyers, Peter is also on the advisory board of Living PlanIT (living-planit.com), where he applies his passion for socially beneficial technology and environmental sustainability, and to several “green” startups, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.