By Dr Vicky Longshaw and Joe Seisdedos Patents have been getting a lot of media attention lately, with the recent gene patent debate and the Apple-versus-Samsung patent war polarising public opinion. There are those who think inventions should not be owned by anyone and the Australian public should be entitled to use them. Then there are those who believe patents …
Innovation stymied by ignorance rights – Pg 10 – The West Business – 7 November 2012
By Joe Seisdedos By relying on the Federal Government to fix a historical shortfall in the innovation needed to lift our manufacturing industry’s game, manufacturers and technology businesses are making it crystal clear they are floundering. It is a myth that Australia is weak in its innovation performance. The problem with Australian business is an inability, or unwillingness, to leverage …
Sector missing out due to poor IP management – Pg 10 Gold Mining Journal – OctDec
Intellectual property assets represent a significant proportion of the capital value of a company. So, the poor IP practices of many companies are exposing them to considerable risk. It is also negatively impacting on their profits, as commercial opportunities are not being realised. Sector_missing_out_due_to_poor_IP_management-pg_10-Gold_Mining_Journal-OctDec.pdf
Review of extension terms for pharmaceutical patents
The Australian Federal Government has commissioned an expert panel to review current extension arrangements for pharmaceutical patents. Currently, pharmaceutical patents may be extended for up to 5 years beyond the statutory 20 year term only under certain circumstances. The review of the current arrangements will have regard to various aspects including: the availability of competitively priced pharmaceuticals in the Australian …
Patenting Smartphone Apps: a smart investment?
Christopher Juhasz, Senior Associate Wrays Perth The market for software applications (Apps) for smartphones and other mobile devices is growing exponentially. Apple’s iTunes Store sells thousands of Apps and has monthly sales of over $200 million. Patent applications for new Apps are on the increase. Is obtaining patent protection for a new App a worthwhile investment? WHEN TO PATENT YOUR …
IP Australia Consultation Paper – Innovation Patents – Raising the step
IP Australia has recently issued a consultation paper outlining a proposal to replace the present “innovative step” test for innovation patents with the new “inventive step” test that will apply to standard patents following implementation of the Raising the Bar Act.
Stalled Research ‘needs a boost’ – Article from The Australian, October 3 2012
The Australian Wednesday, October 3, 2012 Stalled Research ‘needs a boost’ – The Australian October 3 2012.pdf
Australia Reforms Its Patent Act 1990
Craig Humphris, Senior Associate, Wrays Adelaide David McCarthy, Associate, Wrays Perth Australia is attempting to raise its patentability threshold and specification requirements. Significant amendments have been made to Australia’s patent laws through enactment of the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Act 2012. Most provisions will take effect from 15 April 2013.
Where Is US Patent Law Going In The Life Sciences?
Dr Penelope Farbey, Associate Wrays Perth The Australian biotech sector has made headlines throughout 2012 with several mergers and acquisitions, regulatory approvals, and multimillion dollar deals recently announced. However, there have been storms on the horizon. In particular, legal developments in the US this year have made several global market-minded Australian biotechs think twice about the patentability of their inventions. …
Google Adwords – Proceed with Caution
Nico de Jong, Lawyer Wrays Perth The Internet has become a major arena for advertising. With more than 2 billion users and approximately one third of the world’s population using the internet, the amount of information it holds is increasing exponentially. To stand out amongst the crowd, vendors have developed new and devious ways to attract consumers to their products …