General

Effective 1 October 2024, IP Australia will introduce significant changes to its fee structure, as outlined in its Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS). These changes impact the costs associated with patents, trade marks, designs, and plant breeder’s rights. While some filing fees remain unchanged or have decreased, such as for trade marks and designs, many […]

In addition to traditional trade marks such as words and logos, businesses and designers alike often ask whether it is possible to protect the design of their product by way of registration. In Australia, two key mechanisms for safeguarding visual aspects of products are registered designs and 3D trade marks. Though they may appear similar

In the United States, registering a trade mark involves several important considerations, one of which is selecting the appropriate filing basis. The filing basis determines the legal foundation upon which the application is submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Each basis reflects a different stage in the trade mark’s use and

Are you considering expanding your brand internationally? If so, establishing a robust global trade mark strategy is essential for protecting your brand across various markets and jurisdictions. A well-crafted strategy ensures consistency, recognition, and legal protection for your trade marks worldwide.  Here’s a concise guide on how to prepare an effective global trade mark strategy:

In today’s globalized economy, protecting intellectual property rights, particularly trademarks, is paramount for businesses seeking to establish and expand their brands internationally. Trademark registration can be pursued through two main avenues: the Madrid Protocol and national filings. Each method offers distinct advantages, catering to different strategic and operational needs of businesses. The Madrid Protocol: Streamlined

In the realm of intellectual property, copyright and trademarks are two distinct legal concepts that serve different purposes and offer unique protections to creators and businesses. In this article, we explore the differences between the two. Copyright: Protecting Creative Works Copyright law primarily pertains to creative works such as literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic creations.

In the dynamic landscape of global commerce, trade marks serve as invaluable assets, distinguishing products and services while safeguarding brand identities. However, amidst the benefits of trade mark protection lies a significant challenge known as “trade mark squatting”. Trade mark squatting occurs when individuals or entities register trade marks that rightfully belong to others, often

On 24 May 2024, member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) unanimously approved a groundbreaking new treaty concerning intellectual property (IP), genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge. This landmark achievement concludes decades of negotiations and marks a significant milestone in international law. Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, the President of the Diplomatic Conference

On 1 January 2024, a new version of the 12th Edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification) will come into effect. The 45 classes of goods and services have been updated (the updated version can be found on the World Intellectual Property Organisation

This article explores the responsibilities tied to member countries of the Madrid Protocol concerning trademark maintenance. Although the majority of the member countries typically require international registrations to be renewed every 10 years from the initial filing date, some member countries impose additional maintenance criteria. In recent years, the popularity of the Madrid Protocol has