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 […]
Trade marks are an essential part of building and maintaining your brand, providing you with exclusive rights to the use and commercialisation of your brand assets. You should consider registering a trade mark for your business’ most important intangible assets. However, you may decide that you no longer need your trade marks anymore at some […]
A trade mark is one form of intellectual property (IP) protection that protects your brand assets, including your business name, logo, song, colours or even a specific shape of your packaging. Essentially, a trade mark allows you to protect and enforce your rights to your brand and distinguish it from your competitors. This serves as […]
If your trade mark application has been refused, you are probably concerned about the next step to take. You should consider a range of factors when deciding the best option for you, particularly why your application was refused. This article will take you through the common reasons for trade mark refusals and three potential pathways […]
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 […]
Although it is not a legal requirement, you can use the TM symbol to identify your unregistered trade marks. A trade mark is a form of intellectual property that can distinguish your goods and services from those offered by your competitors. Whilst business owners typically associate trade marks with their logos, trade marks can also […]
In your day-to-day activity, it is highly likely that you will come across at least one registered trade mark. A trade mark is a form of intellectual property that distinguishes your business’ brand from others in the market. In the instance where you successfully register a trade mark with IP Australia, you gain the exclusive […]
