Social responsibility in action: A recap of 2018

As we near the end of 2018, now is a good time to reflect on the year that has been and look at our contributions that go beyond the scope of IP. We are proud to have played a role in numerous fundraising and volunteer efforts across 2018, and to have supported many great causes …
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Reporting burdens imposed by Section 76A have been repealed

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Recent legislative changes have removed a reporting burden from patentees applying for pharmaceutical extensions of term. Section 76A of the Australian Patents Act (the Act) was introduced alongside the pharmaceutical extension of term scheme in order to collect data regarding each granted extension. It was intended to assist in evaluating whether pharmaceutical extensions of term …
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How’s that? Worth an appeal

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Red Energy Pty Limited v Registrar of Trade Marks [2018] FCA 1449 A recent decision of Justice Beach in the Federal Court may have breathed new life into appeals from Trade Marks Office decisions during prosecution. Background Energy retailer Red Energy filed Australian Trade Mark Application No. 1746950 for the mark EVENPAY for various goods …
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The Federal Circuit Court – an alternative to the Federal Court for IP matters

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On 20 August 2018, the Federal Circuit Court issued a Practice Direction for the streamlined management of intellectual property matters. Most intellectual property matters are filed in the Federal Court. However, the Federal Circuit Court can provide an alternative avenue for pursuing some intellectual property cases. Like the Federal Court, it has jurisdiction to hear …
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A great day at IPBC Australasia!

We had a great day yesterday at IPBC Australasia – an event that brings together IP firms, leading corporates, research institutions and governmental agencies to discuss core themes of IP value creation and strategic corporate IP best practice. POF’s Managing Partner, Ross McFarlane, moderated the session ‘IP in the Round’ and discussed the full circle …
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Loud Shirt Day at POF!

Friday 19 October is Loud Shirt Day! As part of the POF Group’s approach to diversity and inclusion, we have gotten loud for deaf kids! Loud Shirt Day is a great way to educate the community and understand hearing issues, spreading the message that deaf children can learn to listen and speak through early intervention. …
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What a Crocker…Groundless threats result in permanent injunction

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It’s risky business bringing proceedings for IP infringement without proper legal advice. A self-represented Debra Crocker learnt this the hard way over a series of court proceedings, which saw her sentenced to time in prison for contempt of Court and prohibited from instituting proceedings in the Federal Court with limited exception. Following these recent proceedings,[1] …
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