What’s New at Wrays Wrays Appoints Natalie Shoolman as Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution Wrays is delighted to announce the appointment of Principal Natalie Shoolman to the role of Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution, effective 1 October 2024. Natalie, who joined Wrays’ Sydney IP Litigation practice in August 2022, brings more than 20 years’ experience to the role. …
Around Australia in a Minute
The Australian Intellectual Property profession is experiencing significant developments with many of the changes aimed at enhancing the IP system’s efficiency and alignment with international standards. 1. Introduction of New Patent Proceedings Directions – Federal Court of Australia. In early 2025, the Federal Court of Australia initiated a pilot program for new Standard Directions in patent proceedings. These directions aim …
Bindhu Holavanahalli Named Among Australasian Lawyer’s Future Legal Leaders
Wrays is proud to announce that Senior Associate Bindhu Holavanahalli has been recognised by Australasian Lawyer as a Future Legal Leader. These prestigious awards celebrate Australia’s Best Young Lawyers, recognising outstanding emerging talent who are not only excelling in their areas of expertise but also demonstrating the leadership, innovation, and vision needed to shape the future of the legal profession. …
The 2025-2026 Australian Federal Budget
The Implications for Innovation and Intellectual Property The Australian Federal Budget (Budget) announced on 25 March 2025, contains several measures that are poised to impact the intellectual property (IP) sector. While the Budget primarily emphasises personal income tax cuts and cost-of-living relief, certain provisions have direct and indirect implications for IP, innovation, and technology industries. 1. Future Made in Australia …
A Night of Insight at D’Lan Contemporary
Celebrating Protecting Indigenous Art by Colin Golvan AM KC On Thursday 20th March 2025 Wrays hosted an event in celebration of the publication of Protecting Indigenous Art, a groundbreaking work by IP and Trade Practices Barrister., Colin Golvan AM KC. Held at Melbourne’s prestigious Indigenous art gallery D’Lan Contemporary, the event brought together art enthusiasts, legal professionals, cultural leaders, and …
Australia’s R&D System
Have Your Say on the Government’s Strategic Examination Key points The Australian Government has commissioned a strategic examination of Australia’s R&D system. The purpose of the examination is to determine how Australia can increase the value and impact of investments in Australian R&D. A discussion paper has been published, and feedback is open until April 11, 2025. Insights into the …
Empowering First Nations
Australia’s Move to Protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property It has long been acknowledged that current intellectual property systems are not sufficiently adapted to protect indigenous cultural and intellectual property (ICIP). ICIP includes a broad range of practices, expressions, and knowledge systems, including dance, languages, designs, and art as well as traditional medicines, foods, and biological/ecological knowledge. The Australian Government, …
Important Update: Scam Emails Targeting Trade Mark Holders
Dear Valued Clients & Colleagues Last month we contacted our Australian trade mark clients regarding fraudulent emails currently circulating, which are specifically targeting trade mark rights holders. These scam emails appear to be sent by registered patent and/or trade mark attorneys and typically claim to offer assistance in protecting your intellectual property rights from a purported third-party attempt to infringe …
As Ever, Trade Marks can be Complex
The Duchess of Sussex and the Journey to a Registrable Brand Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex has been the subject of enormous scrutiny since her marriage to Prince Harry, fifth in the line of succession to the British throne. This attention has only intensified since the couple stepped down as working members of the royal family, relocated to the United …
How to be a Happy Little Vegemite in the Trade Marks Space
Protecting Brand for Longevity With a history spanning over 100 years (only a few years short of our own firm, Wrays, which turns 105 this year) this little jar of goodness has been a staple in Australian households and is not only rich in B Vitamins – but also rich in IP history. In this article, we explore how Vegemite …