Expanding overseas? Make sure your brand is protected

From mid 2016, amendments to Canadian trade mark laws will make it more difficult for foreign trade mark owners to register to protect their brand. 

Malcolm McBratney, Alexia Marinos

Registered trade marks are the most important tool that a business can have to protect its brand in Australia and worldwide. They give you the exclusive monopoly to use the brand in connection with your business’ goods and services and give you the right to prevent others from using similar or identical brands for similar or closely related goods and services. Trade marks can be registered in perpetuity provided they remain in use in the countries in which they are registered and if renewal fees are paid every ten years.

But first, let me take a selfie…No, check your patent first

Malcolm McBratney, Stephanie Parkin

Taking a selfie has never been so simple – thanks to the selfie stick.  With an estimated 100,000 sold worldwide during Christmas, the selfie stick has become a household essential and earned itself a spot on the Time’s 25 Best Inventions of 2014.  In reality, the alleged original inventor of this newfound gadget launched the product in 2006 after years of investment and prototypes and long before the selfie was recognised as a word or became a phenomenon.

Taylor Swift to shake off trade mark controversy

Alex Hutchens, Malcolm McBratney, Alexia Marinos

Pop singer Taylor Swift may have very well accepted that haters gonna hate, however she probably did not expect several of her US trade mark applications to spark an online revolt.

Clarity on crowdfunding in Australia expected soon

Malcolm McBratney, Reece Walker

During stakeholder consultation on crowdfunding, Federal Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson has reportedly indicated crowdfunding legislation will be tabled during the spring session of Parliament.

It's time to review your brands and trade marks!

Malcolm McBratney, Alexia Marinos

When was the last time you reviewed your brand and trade mark portfolio in Australia and overseas? Are all of the brands used by your business protected by registered marks? Has your business expanded the goods and services it provides since your trade marks were registered? Have you tweaked your logo?

Now is the time to review your brand and trade mark portfolios. We have prepared a checklist to assist you to make sure your business is where it should be in respect of its brand and trade mark protection.

Sour Apple after Federal Court of Australia denies 'App Store' trade mark

Alex Hutchens, Malcolm McBratney, Alexia Marinos

The Federal Court of Australia has upheld the Australian Trade Marks Office’s decision (TMO) to refuse to register Apple’s trade mark application for ‘APP STORE’.

Disney issues warning over counterfeit bracelets

Alex Hutchens, Malcolm McBratney, Stephanie Parkin

A number of recent cases indicate that Disney is dealing with a new type of Lyin’ King in the form of counterfeiters.