IP Australia has announced a new Smart Trade Mark system. Currently being trialled, the new system will change the way trade marks are used online by allowing trade mark owners to digitally link their products, services and brands back to the official government record. Using Blockchain technology and APIs, Smart Trade Mark will link details of a Read More...
When fast food chain Hungry Jack’s released its Big Jack burger back in July, one thing stood out. Aside from its remarkable similarity to the flagship burger of the chain’s major competitor, McDonald’s, the Big Jack promotional material came emblazoned with the ‘Registered Trade Mark’ symbol. It appears we have a hamburgler on our hands. Read More...
If starting an online business is on your radar for 2020, now might be a great time to get stuck in. Given the current global situation, many are finding themselves with a little extra time on their hands – a rare situation that lends itself to finally getting around to that idea you’ve had. Pod Read More...
In nearly all industries, marketing arbours the conventional. Imaginative, striking and memorable branding not only helps your product stand out from your competitors, but these qualities are increasingly attractive to consumers. Edgy – even controversial – brand names and trade marks have the potential to elevate your business or product. But how edgy is too Read More...
Trade marks provide a very important branding function. They combine to distinguish – and hopefully elevate – your brand from your competitors. The sum of your trade marks combine to create a familiar picture that consumers will recognise, before anything else. Whether they be loyal customers or potential future customers. It makes sense, then, that Read More...
Imagine: You have just finalised a fantastic name or logo for your new business or product. It’s catchy, stylish and you can hardly contain the excitement to start sharing it with the world, and rolling it out on all your signs, brochures, websites and business cards. There’s just one problem: You haven’t conducted any searches Read More...
When you believe someone has infringed your copyright or trade mark, it’s a natural first response to be angry. “Who do they think they are?” or “How dare they?”. It’s a small step from there to confronting the person you believe is responsible. Some business owners are quick to pull the trigger and threaten legal Read More...
It’s no great revelation that copyright infringement is widespread. And we often read about the type of conduct that will amount to copyright infringement. A recent example is the accusations of copyright infringement against multiple organisations, such as the NRL and AFL, for their use of the Aboriginal Flag. So, what is copyright infringement? Put Read More...
The musical meme generator that is TikTok, has swept the social media generation into a new ‘Vine-like’ era of lip-syncing comedy. From its humble meme beginning, the Multi-billion dollar platform is now used by a diverse range of creative videographers, from bakers and DIY-ers, to dancers and athletes. But social media influencers beware – do Read More...
Key information Potential grant available: matched funding up to $5,000 Eligibility criteria: small businesses with Queensland HQ Deadline for applications: 30 August 2019 Link to apply. The Queensland Government is offering a new grant to help young businesses get off the ground. Provided by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT), the Small Read More...
If your business sells products online, you’re probably going to want your products listed on the Amazon platform. But, unfortunately, the website’s massive reach makes it a popular place for imitation branding, from third parties. Opportunists from across the Internet are adept at promoting imitation products to your would-be customers, potentially undermining your online presence, Read More...
These days, everybody thinks their pet is the cutest in the world and are shamelessly showing them off, via social media. But some people are actually making an income out of their ‘influencer pets’. Pet Instagram accounts are gaining in popularity and now famous animals are coming out with their own merchandise. The latest celebrity Read More...