Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property (IP) is the cornerstone of a business and can reflect the substantial goodwill and reputation of that business. Securing, protecting, maintaining, commercialising and enforcing your IP rights is the foundation of business success.
We are highly experienced specialists in respect of:
IP Strategy
- Identifying IP assets, developing a suitable IP strategy and advising on protection options in respect of your valuable IP
Trade marks/brands
- Trade mark and brand selection and clearance advice
- Trade mark registration/protection services including filing and prosecuting applications and registering marks directly in Australia and New Zealand as well as international trade mark applications (via the Madrid Protocol) or by way of our extensive network of foreign associate law firms across the globe
- Conducting IP investigations in respect of the use/non-use of trade marks
- Conducting trade mark oppositions before IP Australia and the Intellectual Properties Office of New Zealand
- Enforcement actions including advising on infringement, drafting cease and desists letters and dealing with disputes, mediation and settlement negotiations including drafting co-existence/settlement agreements
- Advising on and conducting trade mark litigation (with the assistance of specialist litigators and counsel)
Industrial designs
- Clearance, registration/protection, management and enforcement of industrial designs (aka design patents)
- Conducting design proceedings before IP Australia
Domain names
- Advising on domain name strategy
- Securing domain name registrations
- Dealing with any domain name ownership disputes
Patents and other forms of protection
- Patent strategy and alternatives to seeking patent protection (we work closely with suitably qualified patent attorneys to secure registered protection of your invention, if required)
- Advising in respect of trade secrets/confidential information
Commercialisation of IP
- Licensing and commercialisation of IP including IP/trade mark licensing, research and development agreements and collaborations with third parties, IP assignments and IP structuring
- Confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements
IP management
- Managing and maintaining your IP portfolio including renewal services, reporting services and watching services