As more countries set “net zero” carbon emissions targets, research and investment focused on greatly reducing negative ecological effects will likely impact global growth in patent filings. An Australian based company who also happens to be the country’s first certified carbon neutral producer of urea fertiliser...
Aussie medtech company ResApp Health (ResApp) recently announced news of its sale to Pfizer Australia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global biopharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. The proposed acquisition will mean that Pfizer will acquire 100% of the shares in ResApp (by way of a Scheme of Arrangement) for A$0.115...
Indigenous people and communities have unique needs in relation to intellectual property, which can be sensitive given their social, historical, political, and cultural complexities. IP Australia uses Indigenous Knowledge (IK) as a term to cover a range of knowledge held and continually developed by Australia’s First...
The future of our planet weighs heavily on all our minds, but especially on those of younger generations like Gen Z and Centennials. Pollution and environmental issues are of major concern and according to a December 2019 major survey of more than 10,000 young people...
In light of recent events, the Russian Federation issued a decree for a new methodology for compensating for patent infringement where a patentee originates from an unfriendly country.[1] While the decree does not preclude a patentee from seeking relief, it reduces the maximum relief available...
Earlier this week I came across an article making a bold claim that IP Australia had leaked the images of an upcoming Lotus SUV. As is often the case with many Intellectual Property (IP) matters reported by the media, the facts quoted in the article...
Under Australian practice, amendments can be submitted at any time throughout the life of a patent. However, there are some restrictions as to the type of amendments and there are also costs associated with amendments at different times. Pre-prosecution An amendment to the claims and/or specification prior...
Hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements on Earth and is a very versatile source of energy with potential applications for automobile, transportation and large-scale industrial applications such as steel and ammonia production. When compared with other traditional fossil fuels, byproducts from burning hydrogen...
In just a few weeks’ time anyone with a verified connection to Australia will be able to apply for a shorter domain name, commonly referred to as a “second level name” or the “.au namespace”. From 24 March 2022, applications can be made: to licence new...
The patentable subject matter battle being waged between the Commissioner of Patents and patent applications for the last decade may be taken to the High Court this year. Following unfavourable opinions in the Full Federal Court of Australia, Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd and Repipe Pty...
It has been a very good start to the year for key manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, Tritium. For those who missed it, Australian-based innovators Tritium became a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq exchange in January 2022 (under the ticker symbol “DCFC). On top of this major...
In some exciting news for trade mark applicants, on 27 March 2022, Jamaica will become the 110th member of the Madrid System and the 126th country able to be designated for trade mark protection under the Madrid Protocol. For those of you who are not already...
Here's an update on the status of the FTA negotiations between Australia and the UK and how it may impact intellectual property owners and in particular, trade marks owners. On 17 December 2021, the Australian and UK governments virtually signed their highly anticipated Free Trade...
The question of ownership is an important one that should be considered before promoting a trade mark or applying for registration of a trade mark. In Australia, the Courts have held that there are two general mechanisms by which ownership is acquired. These are through use and/or through authorship. Ownership Through First...
Advanced Aquarium Technologies® (AAT) is a world leader in the design, construction, and operation of landmark public aquariums. The company has delivered major projects in 25 countries, including Den Blå Planet (the national aquarium of Denmark), the Oman Aquarium, the Cube Oceanarium in Chengdu, China,...
As the holiday season sets in and the new year approaches, many take the time off to reflect on the year that has been and look ahead to what is in store. It’s important that you also reflect on the state of your intellectual property...
As patent attorneys, we meet inventors who are at different stages in the development of their invention. As a result, we get some inventors who contact us ‘a bit too early’ and some inventors who contact us ‘a bit too late’. Regardless, the important part...
Obtaining valid patent protection includes satisfying certain requirements. The requirements often differ in many jurisdictions. One well-known, universal requirement is that an invention must be ‘new’ or ‘novel’ in light of what has been done before. In many jurisdictions, another requirement is that an invention...
Scams Awareness Week takes place on 8 to 12 November 2021. The theme for the week is ‘Let’s talk scams’, encouraging everyone to talk to their family and friends about scams to build awareness. Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels across Australia....
This month Australian Good Design Awards announced award winners for 2021. The Awards are one of the longest-running international design awards, promoting excellence in design and innovation since 1958. It’s great for us to see designs by our clients being recognised and reinforcing the message that...