Why searching for your trademark can be key to your business success You’ve spent hours dreaming about and planning your business. From a new product or service to a rebranded logo. The time, money and effort invested into this have been considerable. But before you go ahead and launch, there’s one more thing you must… Read more »

Trademark protection for Australian businesses in New Zealand Australia and New Zealand have had close ties and economic relationships for years. For many Australian companies wanting to expand, the close geographic proximity and similar cultures make New Zealand an attractive proposition. For the most part, trademark registration is specific to each country, so your trademark… Read more »

Can you use someone’s trademark in a Google AdWords campaign? Many businesses now use Google to market and promote their goods and services. From giving attention to organic search results via Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to paying for AdWords campaigns. Have you ever typed your trademark name into Google and your website address is displayed… Read more »

How to overcome a lack of distinctiveness trademark objection Have you have received a lack of distinctiveness trademark objection from IP Australia? This will occur if your trademark is not capable of distinguishing the nominated goods or services from another trader’s similar goods or services. After receiving this sort of objection your trademark will only… Read more »

Using a trademark. If you don’t use it you may lose it Did you know that if you stop using your trademark it could be vulnerable to removal for non-use? Registering your trademark to identify your unique service or product is only the first step. While it is common business practice to register a trademark… Read more »

As Australia’s largest trading partner and with a population of 1.4 billion people, China offers immense opportunities for Australian businesses. While China offers many benefits for business and manufacturing, there is also the unfortunate reality that infringement of trademark and intellectual property can happen. Before you expand your business into China, it is a good… Read more »

As a business owner you know how important it is to protect your brand. But what happens after you have submitted a trademark registration application to IP Australia and you receive a letter stating there are problems with your application? If your trademark application has been deemed unfit for registration, an IP Australia examiner will… Read more »

If you are a business owner and suspect an IP breach, it can feel like your entire world is closing in on you. Your first instincts to make matters right are likely to be fuelled by emotion – anger, hurt and frustration. Before you engage in behaviour that may damage your good reputation and long-term… Read more »

Hashtags are used on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as a method to categorise messages. They include brands, taglines, slogans, television shows and social cause movements. A hashtag search gives users the ability to search and view content in real time. The increased use of hashtags in social media marketing to attract… Read more »

If you have your trademark registered in Australia, it may be vulnerable if it is not registered internationally. Prior to the Internet, it was not such a crucial business mistake if you did not register your trademark internationally. Today’s online market place means businesses often have a global presence. Someone using your trademark in an overseas… Read more »