All publications relating to ‘IP & Technology’
A Global Meeting of the Brands
In Brief Last month, I represented Swaab Attorneys at the 138th Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA) in Orlando, Florida – the home of famous theme parks including Disneyworld and Universal Studios – businesses who clearly value a well-developed and well-protected brand. Over the course of the conference it became…
Attacking IP infringers — look before you leap
Intellectual property may be the most valuable asset your business possesses. It is therefore wise to be on guard against infringers who seek to dilute or steal that intellectual property. However, before firing a shot at infringers, it is important to put your own ducks precisely in a row.Identifying ownership Before issuing a letter…
Gearing and Protecting Intellectual Property for the World Market
In brief Trade has been a big focus for the Australian Government in recent months. Newly minted bi-lateral and multi-lateral international trade agreements are in place, which are sure to open up greater export and investment opportunities for Australian companies. However, if you want to participate, can you be sure your…
Building your business around innovation
In brief Innovation is the soil from which all successful businesses grow – not only as start-ups, but even in the mature stage of their life cycles. Unfortunately, however, businesses often fail to identify, value, protect and exploit this innovation at the expense of surging profit and revenue growth. Swaab…
Are your brands at risk?
In brief The value of your brands Sometimes, the truth hurts. Never is that more true than with a company’s brand – despite being loyal to it for years, you might come home one day and find your brand in bed with another firm, and soon realise it was never yours to…
Budget proposals offer start-ups an opportunity to get their legal house in order from the start
In Brief The Federal Government announced new measures in its budget this week that will no doubt be welcome to new ‘start-up’ businesses. New businesses will be able to deduct start-up costs such as professional, legal and accounting services from the 2015/2016 income year. This will replace the current situation…
Will illegal downloaders be forced to pay their dues and join the Club?
In Brief On 7 April 2015, the Federal Court of Australia handed down a landmark ruling involving piracy and privacy, and internet account holders with the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) involved may be feeling nervous. Dallas Buyers Club LLC v iiNet Limited [2015] FCA 317 Dallas Buyers Club LLC, the entity claiming ownership of the…
Cellarmaster Wines must swallow a $110,000 penalty from ACMA
In Brief ACMA’s most recently publicised enforcement action, against Cellarmaster Wines Pty Ltd (part of the Woolworths group) acts as a timely reminder that every business must take sufficient care in managing its responsibilities under the Spam Act 2003 (Act). Swaab has observed that ACMA has ramped up enforcement action in…
ACCC takes first enforcement action under “unfair contract” laws in the Australian Consumer Law
In Brief- Don’t be caught in the ACCC’s crosshairs The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has started to take enforcement action against standard form consumer contract terms that it considers to be unfair and unenforceable. National laws proscribing unfair contract terms, included in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), came…
3D printing — Top 10 IP challenges
In brief 3D scanning and printing technology has the potential to revolutionise manufacturing, like the rise of the personal computer challenged the orthodoxy of the traditional world of computing. As the availability and ease of use 3D printing technology increases, and the price drops, the technology will gain wider use…