Articles and Updates

You’ve probably seen them both: the little ™ hovering after a brand name, and the ® that signals something more official. But which one should your business be using and what happens if you use the wrong one? For Australian business owners and founders, understanding the difference between these two symbols is more than a typography question. It’s a legal

You’ve found a talented freelancer. You’ve agreed on a rate and a deadline. You’ve got a project brief ready. But do you have a properly written agreement outlining the use and ownership of your valuable IP. This is a common and expensive mistakes many Australian founders make. While you may pay a contractor to build you a website, a mobile

Contrary to what many business owners believe, registering a business or company name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) does not provide exclusive ownership of that name. So, what is the difference?: A business/company name registration simply allows a company to operate under that name. It does not prevent other businesses from using a similar name. Trade mark

Artificial intelligence tools are being used by founders, marketers, and startups more frequently to generate brand names quickly. Platforms like name generators and AI writing assistants can produce several potential names in minutes. But one important legal question often gets overlooked: Can you trade mark a brand name that was generated using AI? The short answer is yes. In most

Launching a new brand without conducting a proper trade mark clearance search is one of the most common and costly mistakes we see as intellectual property lawyers in Australia. A name might look available at first glance, but unless it is legally cleared, you risk objections, oppositions, or even infringement proceedings. This comprehensive guide explains how to conduct a legally

In today’s competitive market, your most valuable business asset may not be your brand name or logo. It may be the confidential formula, pricing strategy, customer database, supplier terms, manufacturing process, or proprietary software code that gives you a commercial edge. Unlike patents or trade marks, trade secrets are not registered with IP Australia. There is no official government registration