IP Australia recently released for consultation an exposure draft of the proposed Trade Marks Amendment (International Registrations, Hearings and Oppositions) Regulations 2025.  In this article Elena Szentiványi outlines the proposed changes and notes a couple of proposals may have significant implications.  

When filing an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), applicants can choose where the search and examination steps are conducted. In this article Charlene Lo outlines these choices, and factors which may be relevant when choosing a search or examination authority.

 IP Australia have been promoting their 2025 report on intellectual property filings, but what insights does it offer someone working in the field? Read our Henry Hughes IP article about trade mark filings in Australia.

 Henry Hughes IP is proud to announce its recognition as a 5-Star Employer of Choice for 2025 by Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer. This prestigious accolade celebrates law firms across Australia and New Zealand that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture, employee engagement, and organisational leadership - and adds to their reputation as a top specialist IP firm.

Australia is one of the few jurisdictions (along with New Zealand) to still require that a patent specification disclose the "best method" of performing the invention known to the applicant.  The retention of the provision itself remains controversial.  

However, a recent case seems to confirm that the date at which the best method is calculated is the date of filing of the earliest complete specification, i.e. the date from which the patent term is calculated. 

Henry Hughes IP represented Actron Industries Inc. (“Actron”) in its successful defence in both Australia and New Zealand of their "Whippit" trade marks opposed by United Brands Products Design, Development and Marketing, Inc. (“United Brands”).

This article compares the two parallel oppositions to the "Whippit" trade mark. One was decided by the Commissioner of Trade Marks in New Zealand, the other by a Delegate of the Registrar in Australia.

Karen Walker Limited successfully opposed the registration of the trade mark Runaway in Australia.  In this article, Elena Szentiványi explains why this case is a timely reminder of the risks of adopting trade marks without proper due diligence, and underscores the importance of conducting thorough clearance searches and seeking legal advice before adopting a brand.

IP Australia implemented a new fee schedule in October 2024. A key change was that, for any applications on which examination was requested after 1 October 2024, excess claims fees are now due one month after the issue of the first examination report. Charlene explains why patent applicants should be careful not to allow a lapse of this nature to occur in order to avoid the possibility of their rights being compromised by opportunistic third parties.