Trade Marks

Trademark law in Australia is a legal framework that provides protection for distinctive signs, names, logos, and symbols used to identify and distinguish goods and services in the marketplace. This protection is granted to trademark owners, allowing them exclusive rights to use their trademarks in connection with their products or services. Australian trademark law is governed by the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth). Here's an explanation of key aspects of Australian trademark law:

1. Eligible Trademarks: Trademarks in Australia can consist of words, names, logos, phrases, sounds, scents, and even shapes, provided they are capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one trader from those of another.
2. Registration: While it is not mandatory to register a trademark to gain some level of protection, registration provides stronger legal protection and exclusive rights to use the trademark nationwide.
3. Exclusive Rights: Registered trademark owners have exclusive rights to use their trademark in connection with the specific goods or services for which it is registered. This prevents others from using similar trademarks in a way that may cause confusion among consumers.
4. Duration: Trademark registration in Australia initially lasts for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the trademark continues to be used in connection with the registered goods or services.
5. Use Requirement: To maintain a registered trademark, it must be used in commerce. Failure to use a trademark for a continuous period of three years may result in the removal of the trademark from the register.
6. Infringement: Trademark owners have the right to take legal action against those who infringe their trademark rights. Remedies may include seeking damages, injunctions, and the removal of infringing goods or services from the market.
7. International Protection: Australian trademark owners can extend their protection to other countries through international trademark registration systems, such as the Madrid Protocol.
8. Non-Traditional Marks: Australian trademark law recognizes non-traditional marks, including sound marks, scent marks, and color marks, provided they meet the distinctiveness requirements.
9. Distinctiveness: For a trademark to be registrable in Australia, it must be distinctive and not descriptive of the goods or services it represents. Generic terms cannot be registered as trademarks.
10. Opposition: After an application is filed with IP Australia, there is a period during which interested parties can oppose the registration if they believe the trademark would infringe their rights or is otherwise not registrable.

Understanding and protecting trademark rights is essential for businesses operating in Australia. Trademarks serve to protect brands and their reputation in the marketplace, and registering a trademark helps prevent others from using similar marks that may cause confusion among consumers. Contact us for advice in relation to registering and enforcing their trademark rights in Australia.

Back to Intellectual Property