Recently, the European Union requested the New Zealand government register several Geographical Indications as part of a free trade deal. A Geographical Indication (GI) is a name or logo used to identify the origin of goods (usually food or alcohol), as a country or specific region...
At MBIP our attorneys have been working closely with IP Australia for a decade (some even longer) and so we know the ins-and-outs of how the Trade Marks Office works. We appreciate the time Examiners have taken to discuss applications and objections, and we understand that...
You’ve turned a great idea into a product or service and have an amazing logo and business name. Now you’re considering registering a trade mark – wonderful idea! With a trade mark registration, you’ll gain: Protection over your reputation As the owner of a registered trade mark,...
These days, there are plenty of cut-price options available to people who wish to file a DIY trade mark. Trade Marks Offices offer assisted filing services, and more online filing portals are popping up every day. While the question of cost is high on any...
Do I need a trade mark? I already have a domain/business name/company name! People tend to have a pretty good feel for what a trade mark is – that part of a brand you can say or describe, for example a name (Nike®) or a logo...
Preliminary checks Before committing to a new brand for your services or products, it is important to carry out some due diligence. You may have put together a shortlist of potential marks (as per our "Choosing a Trade Mark - Part 1" blog). In addition to making...
The USPTO has recently issued a warning about unauthorised changes to United States trade mark applications and registrations. Third parties wishing to fraudulently enrol in Amazon's Brand Registry appear to be behind the changes. How is this happening? As part of its Brand Registry enrolment process, Amazon...
Trade mark legislation in both Australia and New Zealand allows for the removal of a registration if the subject trade mark has not been used within a continuous period of three years. This article serves as a reminder to periodically review use of Australian and New...
Applicants should seek registration of their trade mark at the earliest opportunity, particularly as the timeframe for examination increases. At the time of writing, IP Australia is taking an average of six months to examine trade mark applications which are filed in the normal course. This...
Maybe Not. Here is a case study based on the experience of a foreign trade mark applicant who approached one of our Trade Mark Attorneys for assistance. Kellie Jukkola was recently approached by an overseas Associate representing a foreign applicant to review objections against an International...