Intellectual property
Brand, creative work, ownership and intellectual-property disputes. The first step is to understand the facts, the relevant documents and the stage your matter has reached.
Matters within this area
- Brand and ownership questions
- Licensing and commercial use
- Infringement-related disputes
What to bring
Bring the complete papers, including attachments and previous responses. Useful starting documents can include the following.
- Registration or application details
- Evidence of creation and use
- Relevant licences and correspondence
Questions before we speak
How do I arrange a conversation?
Call or email the office with your preferred time and a brief description of the subject. Arrange the discussion before sending sensitive documents.
Can you assess the likely result from a short message?
A meaningful assessment depends on the facts, complete documents, applicable law and procedural stage. A short message is a starting point for arranging that review.
Guides for this area
Browse all 15 guidesTrademark searches before adopting a brand
Search before investing in a name, logo or launch. A vacant domain or company-name approval does not by itself establish freedom to use a trademark.
BusinessCompany names, domains and trademarks
These are different legal and administrative systems. Approval or purchase in one does not automatically confer all rights in the others.
BusinessPreparing a trademark application
Identify the applicant, mark, goods or services and truthful basis of use before filing. Inaccurate ownership or use information can create later problems.
BusinessTrademark opposition notices and publication dates
Read the actual publication or opposition record and seek advice promptly. An examination response and an opposition are different procedural stages.
BusinessTrademark renewal and ownership records
Maintain a calendar based on the actual registration and current rules. Continued business use should not be assumed to complete registry renewal.
BusinessTrademark infringement and passing off
Identify whether the claim relies on a registered mark, earlier goodwill or both. Infringement and passing off have different legal foundations.