In December 2019, after much anticipation, IP Australia released a draft of proposed amendments to the costs that may be awarded in relation to trade marks proceedings heard before IP Australia. IP Australia comments that these changes should ensure awards
It’s NUT yours, it’s mine: Kraft Foods v Bega Cheese and the importance of intellectual property due diligence
It’s the peanut butter packaging debate that has recently captured the hearts and minds of the Australian public. Whether you were confused or not, the Court’s decision (found here) highlights the need for thorough IP due diligence whether you
Are you kicking goals when it comes to social media activity, or heading to the sin bin?
They say that a picture tells a thousand words. But as became apparent in Australia recently, posting a picture on social media can result in a thousand (derogatory and sexist) words.
A photograph posted on Twitter by Seven AFL (taken
Ok Google, Hey Siri, Hi Alexa – have you renewed my trade mark yet?
With the ever increasing ubiquity of technologies improving everyday tasks in personal life, it is little wonder that such technologies are also offering efficiencies and advantages in the work context. Phrases such as process automation, data mining, machine learning and
Catching up with nationals: Proposal to allow divisional applications for International registrations designating Australia
In January 2019, IP Australia released a draft of proposed amendments to the Trade Marks Regulations 1995 for public consultation.
Consultation time: New Zealand, Europe and geographical indications
The EU wants New Zealand to recognize and protect a list of names for wine, spirits and other products currently protected in the EU as geographical indications.
Good to know: The US trademark office has a ‘proof of use’ audit program for trademark registrations
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) requires trademark owners to support their trademark registrations by providing one specimen of use per class, at both 6 years and 10 years after the trademark registration date. So, for instance, if you have a registration covering ‘clothing, footwear and headgear’ in class 25, providing the US trademark office with an example of the mark being used on a baseball cap will be sufficient to support the registration in respect of all goods covered by the registration, despite the fact a specimen of use had only been provided in respect of one item of headgear.
Social media influencers – to “like” or not to “like?”
Today, social media influencers are a key resource used by businesses to engage with consumers. Influencers include celebrities, bloggers or simply popular social media users in speciality areas like beauty or travel. Social media influencers’ posts can attract thousands, and
Changes proposed regarding parallel imports – An exhausting concept for Australian trade mark owners?
In this article, we consider;
- the changes to the Trade Marks Act proposed in respect of parallel imports which the Draft Explanatory Memorandum states are aimed at ensuring that the law “better meet[s] the objective of facilitating the parallel
Cybersquatters – How to protect your brand from unwanted ‘guests’ online
The internet is now the normal conduit for everyday personal, commercial and social transactions. It is more important than ever to ensure that your consumers know where to find your business online, and that no third parties are seeking to