Intellectual property distinguishes a strong business and gives it an advantage in a competitive environment. Protecting our clients’ intellectual property is as important to us as it is to them.

We are frequently approached by innovative individuals and businesses who have developed a concept and need to know how best to protect it. Our role is to secure our client’s intellectual property to ensure they are the ones who rightly benefit from their innovation – now and in the future.

We are experienced in implementing strategies that protect intellectual property rights. Sometimes we do so by conventional means such as patents, trade marks and licence agreements, as well as deeds of confidentiality and non disclosure agreements. At other times we have to be more innovative.

As we frequently make trade mark applications, our lawyers are well equipped to quickly facilitate the registration of trademarks in order to protect disputed intellectual property rights. This involves undertaking searches of the public trademark records to determine whether there are any similar registered or pending trade marks; drafting trademark applications; liaising with IP Australia in relation to trademark applications; and if necessary, defending applications that are rejected by IP Australia.

When there are objections, either by the trade mark examiners or third parties, we manage the progress of the application, including the preparation and submission of supporting evidence.

We advise clients on the selection, modification and registration of company names, business names, domain names and trade marks. If a proposed name is similar to a competitor or an already used business name, we advise on the risks and consequences of passing off and misleading and deceptive conduct under the Trade Practices Act.

Where intellectual property has been established, we advise clients on how they can further exploit it through licensing third parties or sometimes more simply having a related party conduct the business.

We have prepared a range of documents and provided advice for clients who have licensed Australian and international third parties to utilise their intellectual property.

Harwood Andrews Lawyers also has experience in addressing the myriad issues arising from competitors copying intellectual property, the protection of client lists and processes, confidentiality agreements and misrepresentations.

In the online world, we have successfully acted for clients in challenging domain name registrations by international cyber squatters and others.

Schedule of Fees - Intellectual Property: Trade Marks