We are pleased to welcome Dr Mary Turonek to our Perth Chemistry, Resources and Oil & Gas Teams. With a PhD in physical and inorganic chemistry, Mary specialises in the oil and gas sector as well as mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, mining processes and equipment, electrochemistry and battery technology, water treatment, waste management technologies and general engineering. With such impressive credentials, …
Eligibility for Pharmaceutical Patent Term Extensions
The Australian Patent Office makes clear that products with two physically separated parts are not eligible for pharmaceutical patent term extension. This note provides a brief summary on the recent decision of a Delegate of the Commissioner of Patents reported as Pharma Mar S.A. [2020] APO 8. Wrays acted for the applicant. Background Pharmaceutical patent term extensions (PTE) are available …
Coronavirus and Patent Offices Around the World
Due to the threat of COVID-19, many Patent Offices around the world have implemented the suspension of, or extensions in the time limits, to complete certain actions. Although some deadlines to complete an action have been extended, in general, the payment deadlines of annuity/renewal fees remain unchanged. We have provided the following information on a selection of Patent Offices in …
Staying Connected During COVID-19
As we all continue to navigate this time of change brought about by COVID-19, we wanted to share with you the additional measures that Wrays is taking to ensure the well-being of our employees, clients and our community. Whilst this is clearly a disruptive time, what won’t change is our commitment to our delivery of high-quality intellectual property advice to …
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – A notice to our visitors
As the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rise, we feel it’s important to update you on the measures we are taking to ensure the well-being of our employees, clients, guests and the community at large. We are closely monitoring recommendations from WHO, Australian Government Department of Health and other health organizations, and are taking proactive steps to …
What You Need to Know About the Modern Slavery Statement
It has been a year since the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Act) has come into force and the first mandatory modern slavery statements (Statement) are due by as soon as the end of June this year, depending on the applicable accounting period of the reporting entity. Accordingly, this is an opportune time for all companies based or operating in Australia …
Celebrating 100 Years of Innovative Minds
This year marks the 100 year anniversary of Wrays. With our origins dating back to 1920, our centenary year is an important and exciting milestone in the evolution and journey of our firm. Australia boasts a long and rich culture of innovation that has created change around the world. We are proud to be part of that with our people …
Changes to ACL in Relation to Supply of Gift Cards
New Commonwealth laws regarding gift cards came into effect on 1 November 2019 by way of amendments to the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The relevant provisions provide that: gift cards must have a minimum three year expiry period; information about the expiry of the gift card must be displayed prominently on the card itself; and terms cannot allow certain post-supply …
Greater Choice and Control for Consumer Data
Following the recent introduction of the Consumer Data Right regime (CDR Regime) into the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA), the Office of Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) published draft Privacy Safeguard Guidelines in October 2019. The draft guidelines set out the OAIC’s understanding and interpretation of the privacy safeguards and the relevant Consumer Data Rules. Background The CDR Regime is …
First in Best Dressed?
What happens when two people apply for exactly the same trade mark in relation to the same goods and services only one day apart? Three sets of opposition proceedings and more than 2 years later the answer is clear (it always was): the first person to use the mark in Australia is the “true owner” and it’s that person who …