BURNS IP NEWS

 The latest updates from the world of trade marks, patents, and intellectual property law.

Featured Posts

  • Choosing a Trademark

    How do you choose a great trademark for your business? What is best practice for using it? We’ve put together our top tips in this free Trademark Guide

  • Protect Your Work

    Do you know what your competitors are up to? Find out now with a Trademark Watch.

  • Get Expert Insight

    Take advantage of our team of experienced IP law experts. Register for our free monthly newsletter.


Natasha Burns Natasha Burns

Foreign trademark applicants must use US-qualified lawyers in the United States

To combat fraudulent submissions, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has passed a new rule: in all trademark matters before the USPTO, foreign-domiciled trademark applicants are required to use an attorney who is licensed to practise law in the United States (U.S.). This rule comes into effect on 3 August 2019.

Read More
Natasha Burns Natasha Burns

Legal update: Canada joins the international trademark system

The addition of Canada to the International Trademark Registration system (commonly referred to as the Madrid System, named after the city where the initial treaties were adopted) is a significant expansion of the scope of the Madrid System for both existing and new International Trademark owners.

Read More
Natasha Burns Natasha Burns

US giant Kraft loses to Australian food brand Bega

On 1 May 2019, Federal Court of Australia Judge, O’Callaghan J, handed down his decision in the Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC v Bega Cheese Limited (No. 8)[2019] FCA 593 case.

The case centred around who owned the “peanut butter trade dress” between two rival food companies, Kraft and Bega…

Read More
Natasha Burns Natasha Burns

*Breaking News* - Major Brexit Update

MAJOR BREXIT UPDATE FOR TRADEMARK OWNERS

Over two years ago, a majority of British voters supported the United Kingdom (UK) leaving the European Union (EU). That day of Brexit, Friday 29 March 2019, is now almost upon us.

How will BREXIT impact your European Community trade marks?

Read More
Natasha Burns Natasha Burns

Official fees for IP Australia to change

IP Australia has advised that it will implement fee changes that will affect trademark, patent, and design registrations in Australia. These fee changes will take effect at 12 a.m. (AEDT), on 10 October 2016.

Read More
Natasha Burns Natasha Burns

Know your options for international trademark protection

For Australian businesses, China is identified as the number one export target market, followed closely by the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Japan.

Have you taken steps to protect your trademarks in your future export markets?

Read More
Natasha Burns Natasha Burns

Social media & your legal responsibility

The Internet is inherently trans-border in nature and is unconstrained by the boundaries usually associated with other broadcast media such as radio and TV. While some companies lament the loss of control of their message and branding through social media, for many it is recognised as a powerful tool in forming a company’s reputation.

This shift has created many new legal challenges in defamation, privacy, intellectual property and consumer laws. What do you need to know to protect your business and social media sites?

Read More
Natasha Burns Natasha Burns

Why it’s important to protect your IP in China

Before you enter into a contract or business relationship with a Chinese entity, make sure you have first filed a trademark application with the China Trademark Office (Industrial Property Office SAIC) to protect your brand.

Read More