Can a competitor lawfully copy your product design if your IP rights have expired? The recent Federal Court decision in Bodum AG v H.A.G. Import Corpn (Australia) Pty Ltd [2026] FCA 238 analysed this question – here’s what you need to know.
On 11 March 2026, the High Court of Australia handed down its highly anticipated decision in Taylor v Killer Queen LLC [2026] HCA 5, allowing the appeal of Australian fashion designer Katie Jane Taylor and preserving her registered trade mark "KATIE PERRY" for clothing following an application to cancel the mark by world-famous pop superstar Katy Perry.
This article will looks back on some of the key developments that occurred in the franchising sector in 2024, offering a reminder of changes and developments that occurred and foreshadowing what franchise businesses can expect in this coming year.
Scam emails from senders purporting to be Trade Mark Attorneys from “Trademark Registry Hub” or “Patents Registry Hub” are currently circulating with a number of our client’s reportedly receiving the same communication. These emails can be concerning and convincing. Here’s what to do.
It is reported that Rachael Gunn (better known as ‘Raygun’) who represented Australia in Break Dancing at this year’s Olympics in Paris has sent a letter of demand to Steph Broadbridge alleging potential infringements of her unregistered trade marks and copyright should Ms Broadbridge perform her musical ‘Raygun: The Musical’. The musical was set to be performed on Saturday, but was pulled following Raygun’s letter of demand.
“This case is an unfortunate one in the sense that two enterprising women in different countries each adopted their name as a trade mark at a time that each was unaware of the existence of the other.”
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