If you have developed a unique fitness regime, you might begin to think about protecting your intellectual property. However, you should note that a registered trade mark cannot protect a new method of working out or the order of movements in a specific fitness regime. Instead, a registered trade mark can protect the features of […]
Many small business owners use registered trade marks to protect their intellectual property. Registered trade marks can protect the features of your brand that make it distinguishable. This is because a registered trade mark gives you the exclusive right to use, license and sell your trade mark concerning your business’ goods and services. To cut […]
A trade mark is any sign you use to distinguish your business’ goods and services from others. In this sense, a sign could be your business name, logo, colour, shape and sometimes a combination of these things. If you use a trade mark in the day-to-day operation of your business, you might consider registering your […]
When it comes to protecting your trade marks, using the appropriate trade mark symbol is important. By using the appropriate trade mark symbol, you are essentially notifying others that you are claiming your unique sign as a trade mark. However, many business owners are unaware of the potential issues that can arise if they misuse […]
Whether you own a registered trade mark or use a trade mark under a licensing agreement, there are a few ways you can breach trade mark law. Notably, the Trade Marks Act grants the owners of registered trade marks the exclusive right to use and authorise the use of their trade mark. If you infringe […]
Your trade mark application can lapse for several reasons. Namely, you may have failed to respond to an adverse report or pay the appropriate fees on time. In any event, a lapsed application means that your application is not valid. Therefore, IP Australia has not registered your application and entered it on the Trade Mark […]
When it comes to protecting Indigenous culture and traditional knowledge, Australian intellectual property law is far from perfect. Whilst registered trade marks can protect the brand features of Indigenous-owned businesses, several questions regarding ownership and consent to using sacred knowledge are bound to arise. Nevertheless, this article outlines: what Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (‘ICIP’) […]
Sounds can become an essential part of a business’ brand identity. Think of the iconic sound of trumpets, accompanied by the sound of children singing, “We’re happy little Vegemites as bright as bright can be.” This catchy tune became part-and-parcel with the widely renowned food spread. Like other parts of a brand identity, it is […]
When you hear the slogan ‘I’m lovin’ it’, you might instantly recall the look of a Big Mac or the shape of the golden arches. For many businesses, their slogans are integral to their brand identity. Where your business’ slogan can set your business apart from others in the market, you should consider registering your […]
After coming up with a business idea, your first instinct might be to protect that idea. However, a registered trade mark cannot protect an original idea alone. Rather, it can only protect how you express your idea through your branding. This might include the: name you eventually call your business; unique logo you use to […]