Domain name disputes increase during the pandemic
WIPO reports that there has been an increase in domain name cases filed this year, including pandemic-themed names, showing that brand owners need to be ever vigilant regarding cybersquatting.
ACCC discussion paper on agricultural machinery after market
An ACCC discussion paper on the after-market for agricultural equipment raises competition concerns around access to, and control of, data, for example interoperability with other equipment and ownership issues. There seems to be an expanding trend for the ACCC to be interested in data issues, rather than intellectual property law.
Aboriginal flag copyright decision
The Australian Aboriginal flag is not only an important national symbol, but its copyright is privately owned. This has seen some recent controversy. A recent Federal Court decision granted a preliminary discovery order to identify a potential infringer.
Australia’s national branding
A new golden wattle logo to replace the familiar triangle “Australian Made” kangaroo logo? No, it’s not hopping off into the sunset yet. Let’s look at how Australia brands itself, and what a new Nation Brand might mean for businesses which use the Australian Made logo, and consumers who look out for it to help guide their purchasing decisions. And we’ll look at some arcane heraldry on the way.
ACMA takes action against significant spam infringement
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued an infringement notice with a $1 million penalty to a major retailer in respect of commercial electronic messages sent without the recipients’ consent. Let’s look at spam compliance.
Moving past Dallas Buyers Club – software owner obtains order to identify potential infringers
Applying the lessons from the Dallas Buyers Club case, last week a software copyright owner obtained an order from the Federal Court requiring an Internet service provider to disclose documents relating to the identities of 20 of its customers who are suspected of using unauthorised copies of some expensive and sophisticated CAD software.
Digital platform mandatory code of conduct update
Moving toward a non-IP approach for management of online news, content & data? Update on concepts underpinning forthcoming ACCC mandatory code of conduct for digital platforms; Google takes first step to remunerate some publishers in new program
David Wilson
Principal
David is an experienced intellectual property lawyer, but also with significant general legal experience accumulated over 20 years’ experience at international law firms. Based in Perth, Western Australia, he founded Stratocumulus Legal in May 2020.