News

8th Mar 2023

Celebrating International Women’s Day: An Interview with a Trailblazing Scientist

As we approach International Women's Day, we are reminded of the incredible women who have broken barriers, challenged the status quo, and pushed boundaries in their fields. We recently...

As we approach International Women's Day, we are reminded of the incredible women who have broken barriers, challenged the...

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22nd Feb 2023

Spruson & Ferguson recognised in WTR 1000 2023

Spruson & Ferguson are pleased to once again be included in the WTR 1000 2023, with five jurisdiction listings and 10 recommended individuals featured. Spruson & Ferguson has been ranked...

Spruson & Ferguson are pleased to once again be included in the WTR 1000 2023, with five jurisdiction listings...

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27th Sep 2022

Trade Marks in the Metaverse

The lines between physical and virtual reality are getting set for an overhaul as the Metaverse continues its gradual entry into our everyday lives. Whilst the Metaverse is still...

The lines between physical and virtual reality are getting set for an overhaul as the Metaverse continues its gradual...

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28th Oct 2021

Insta, the power of a prefix – Instagram successfully opposes registration of INSTADATE

(Businesses should avoid adopting trade marks that contain elements that indicate well-known trade marks) Instagram LLC v Instagoods Pty Ltd ATMO 53 (16 June 2021) Instagram is often referred to...

(Businesses should avoid adopting trade marks that contain elements that indicate well-known trade marks) Instagram LLC v Instagoods Pty Ltd...

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14th Sep 2021

Updates to the IPONZ hearing guidelines

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has recently implemented some changes to their procedures in trade mark proceedings. These updates are summarised below: Trial period for new hearing...

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has recently implemented some changes to their procedures in trade mark...

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12th Aug 2021

Australian trade mark decision a ‘bugbear’ for New Zealand honey producers

Battle lines have been drawn again between New Zealand and Australia in a recent trade mark decision from the Australian Trade Marks Office of Manuka Honey Appellation Society Incorporated v...

Battle lines have been drawn again between New Zealand and Australia in a recent trade mark decision from the...

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17th Jun 2021

All in the name of… Barton: the difficulty of registering surnames and place names in Australia

The recent decision of NATOWatchbands.com LLC ATMO 31 illustrates the difficulty in registering surnames and place names as trade marks in Australia. Background NatoWatchBands.com, LLC (Nato) sought to register an...

The recent decision of NATOWatchbands.com LLC ATMO 31 illustrates the difficulty in registering surnames and place names as...

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4th Jun 2020

Urban Alley Brewery Pty Ltd v La Sirène Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 82

The Federal Court case of Urban Alley Brewery Pty Ltd v La Sirène Pty Ltd FCA 82 illustrates the difficulties that can arise from using descriptive words in...

The Federal Court case of Urban Alley Brewery Pty Ltd v La Sirène Pty Ltd FCA 82 illustrates...

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20th Dec 2016

Australia Update: Carriage service providers ordered to block illegal torrent and streaming websites

Yesterday (Thursday 15 December) the Federal Court of Australia handed down its decision in proceedings brought by Roadshow and Foxtel against various carriage service providers including Telstra, Optus, iinet...

Yesterday (Thursday 15 December) the Federal Court of Australia handed down its decision in proceedings brought by Roadshow and...

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12th Feb 2015

Crouching Trade Mark, Hidden Reform

Significant amendments recently made to trade mark laws in China have streamlined the filing process and improved the position of brand owners. If your organisation has not yet sought...

Significant amendments recently made to trade mark laws in China have streamlined the filing process and improved the position...

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4th Jun 2012

Full Federal Court overturns decision concerning Optus’ TV Now service and finds in favour of the NRL and AFL

As reported earlier in the year, Rares J of the Federal Court found in favour of Optus in a landmark copyright decision on the basis that subscribers to the...

As reported earlier in the year, Rares J of the Federal Court found in favour of Optus in a...

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13th Apr 2012

ACCC succeeds in Full Federal Court decision against Google

In a recent decision handed down by the Full Federal Court of Australia, Google Inc. ("Google") was found to have engaged in conduct that was misleading or deceptive, or...

In a recent decision handed down by the Full Federal Court of Australia, Google Inc. ("Google") was found to...

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7th Feb 2012

Optus succeeds in landmark copyright decision: Singtel Optus Pty Ltd v National Rugby League Investments Pty Ltd (No 2)

Last week, the Federal Court (Justice Rares) handed down its decision in a landmark case involving the broadcast of free to air television of football and rugby league matches...

Last week, the Federal Court (Justice Rares) handed down its decision in a landmark case involving the broadcast of...

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1st Apr 2010

Arbitron v Telecontrol Aktiengesellschaft [2010] FCA 302

Justice Emmett has recently handed down judgment in the above Federal Court proceeding concerning the validity and alleged infringement of a patent relating to the automatic recognition of widely...

Justice Emmett has recently handed down judgment in the above Federal Court proceeding concerning the validity and alleged infringement...

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