The Franchising Code of Conduct (Code) is a mandatory industry code across Australia that regulates the conduct of franchisors and franchisees towards each other. The Code regulates many aspects of the franchising relationship, including pre-contractual and ongoing disclosure requirements, resolution of disputes, and procedures for ending a franchise agreement. The Code also requires current and prospective franchisees and franchisors to …
New Zealand IP Filing Trends
The following article provides an update on IP filing trends in New Zealand over the last 4 calendar years, from CY2016 to CY2020. Interestingly, total patent applications filed by both foreign and local NZ residents have remained largely steady while patent applications filed by only local NZ residents have actually decreased. New Zealand-based appliance company, Fisher & Paykel and Californian-based …
Trade Marks – An Amplifier or a Shock Absorber for Exporters?
A recent report from IP Australia’s Office of the Chief Economist has considered the role of trade marks on the export behaviour of 9,000 Australian manufacturers spanning the period 2005 to 2017, when faced with sudden changes to market conditions. Three export behaviours including entry to an export market, export revenue and the diversification of products offered to the export …
An Update on Australia’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy
The following article provides an update on the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy and how the funding initiatives can aid businesses in this modern manufacturing sector. What is it? The Modern Manufacturing Strategy (the Strategy) is the Australian Government’s action plan for Australia to be recognised as a reliable, high-quality and sustainable manufacturing nation. The Strategy is aimed to not …
IP Spotlight 28 July 2021
We are pleased to continue delivering your weekly roundup of news and developments across the intellectual property landscape in Australia and New Zealand. In this edition of IP Spotlight, we share an important update from the Australian Treasury as consultation on the design of a patent box system for eligible corporate income associated with new patents in the medical and …
Wrays bolsters teams across Australia
As the legal profession continues to experience turmoil amongst COVID lockdowns, the team at Wrays is celebrating the appointment of three new senior hires in the Melbourne, Sydney and Perth offices. Andrew Goatcher joins the Melbourne dispute resolution team as a Principal bringing with him over 30 years’ experience advising and acting in complex IP and commercial litigation matters. Having …
Hydrogen For Transportation in Australia – The Current State of Play
On 26 March, Australia’s first public hydrogen refuelling station, operated by ActewAGL, opened in Canberra. This will allow fuel cell electric vehicles, as well as battery-operated electric vehicles, to easily operate around the Canberra region. This development urges a question on the current state of play in hydrogen-fuelled innovation to meet transportation needs. The decarbonisation incentive for hydrogen is well …
Wrays’ Principals appointed to IPTA Council
We are proud to announce the appointment of two of Wrays’ Principals to The Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorney’s of Australia (IPTA) Council. Jennifer McEwan, who heads up Wrays’ Trade Mark and Brand Protection Group, has been elected as a Vice President of the institute. She has been an active member of IPTA’s Council since 2012, notably contributing …
Federal Court Finds Google Misled Users About Collection and Use of Location Data
In a decision handed down on 16 April 2021, the Federal Court of Australia found that Google LLC and Google Australia Pty Ltd (Google) misled some users of Android devices about the collection of their personal location data over a two year period. What Happened? The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) commenced proceedings against Google in 2019, alleging that …
Becoming a Magnetic Employer & Creating a Sticky Culture
The Wolf of Wall Street, a movie that portrays the real-life astronomic rise and downfall of stock-broker Jordan Belford, shows the incredible power of financial motivators. Indeed, the equation is clear and simple for Jordan’s money-hungry, oversized-suit wearing employees to understand: work your butt off, crush your KPIs and you get to live the high life. In short, the story …