The words ‘The Label’ have become a popular inclusion in a number of Australian fashion brand names, but does this phrase add anything of value from a trade mark perspective? The key to answering this question lies in the fundamentals of trade mark registration and understanding which elements can and can’t be registered. My own […]

If a company-owned trade mark or other Intellectual Property (IP) asset is not dealt with appropriately when that company is deregistered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the consequences can be serious.    Note that ASIC has the power to deregister a company even if the owners haven’t directly applied for deregistration. This […]

Can I register my personal name as a trade mark? The issue of personal trade marks is becoming increasingly relevant as a result of the burgeoning world of social media influencing where individual identity is paramount.  However, registering a personal name as a trade mark isn’t limited to the digital landscape – it’s an important […]

Choosing a company name or business name is often the starting point for a new venture.  But what’s in a name? There’s much more to the choice – and use – of a company name in Australia than many people realise. a company name is a legal identity a business name identifies the entity’s trading […]

Government has acknowledged that red tape is hindering the country’s productivity and economic growth and has committed to simplifying and streamlining some compliance requirements to enable businesses to use their time and resources more constructively. The trade mark process has been earmarked for potential technical and administrative reforms. Could Australia’s trade mark system be simpler? […]