News

AUSTRALASIA

18 July 2018

New Zealand’s proposed second-tier “Advancement” patent yet to advance

As seasoned patent scribes, who have between us covered almost everything of significance coming out of New Zealand over the past 15 years, the manner in which a recent...

As seasoned patent scribes, who have between us covered almost everything of significance coming out of New Zealand over...

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AUSTRALASIA

17 May 2018

ARENA funding for Australian Cleantech start-ups: How patents can assist

Australian start-ups are often cash-poor – and IP costs money. We get that. To that end, Spruson & Ferguson’s “Cleantech” team is constantly on the lookout for ways in...

Australian start-ups are often cash-poor – and IP costs money. We get that. To that end, Spruson & Ferguson’s...

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AUSTRALASIA

3 May 2018

Government review of Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 highlights relevance to local inventors

The Australian Government has announced an independent review of the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012. Local inventors (and indeed, patent attorneys) may think “so what? Unless I’m looking to...

The Australian Government has announced an independent review of the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012. Local inventors (and indeed,...

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AUSTRALASIA

18 April 2018

Is IP Australia intent on restricting patentable subject matter in Australia?

Between August and November 2017, IP Australia sought public comment on several Government-supported IP policies, including: - the introduction of an objects clause into the Patents Act; and - amending the...

Between August and November 2017, IP Australia sought public comment on several Government-supported IP policies, including: - the introduction of...

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AUSTRALASIA

11 April 2018

New Zealand patent applications – time for a re-think?

New Zealand, with its remote geographical location and relatively small population, can sometimes be overlooked by patentees. However, there are compelling drivers for considering, and indeed pursuing patent protection...

New Zealand, with its remote geographical location and relatively small population, can sometimes be overlooked by patentees. However, there...

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AUSTRALASIA

10 April 2018

Innovation: A tale of two jurisdictions

In the past, New Zealand has trumped Australia in relation to a range of important policy issues including: votes for women; native title rights for indigenous people; environmental laws...

In the past, New Zealand has trumped Australia in relation to a range of important policy issues including: votes...

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AUSTRALASIA

9 April 2018

Making use of expedited examination for “cleantech”

In recent years, IP “buzzwords” have included superconductors, gene patents, business methods and computer software. Society’s ever-increasing environmental awareness now dictates that “cleantech” is the latest vogue. The Australian...

In recent years, IP “buzzwords” have included superconductors, gene patents, business methods and computer software. Society’s ever-increasing environmental awareness...

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AUSTRALASIA

6 April 2018

Private Member’s Bill proposes second-tier New Zealand “advancement patent”

A New Zealand “innovation (or advancement) patent”? Now distinctly possible. Australia’s second-tier innovation patent regime has been all over the news recently – literally overnight, it went from death...

A New Zealand “innovation (or advancement) patent”? Now distinctly possible. Australia’s second-tier innovation patent regime has been all over...

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AUSTRALASIA

29 March 2018

An Easter resurrection for Australia’s innovation patent system!

For the last year, one of the most discussed topics in Australian IP circles has been the proposed abolition of the innovation patent system – Australia’s second tier patent...

For the last year, one of the most discussed topics in Australian IP circles has been the proposed abolition...

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28 March 2018

Broad antibody claims under attack – USPTO issues memorandum raising written description requirements

Upon discovery of a novel biological target, an applicant may attempt to patent antibodies directed to the target, as such antibodies may have diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications. In the...

Upon discovery of a novel biological target, an applicant may attempt to patent antibodies directed to the target, as...

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AUSTRALASIA

21 March 2018

The proposed long, slow death of Australia’s innovation patent

Attempts to kill off Australia’s second-tier “innovation patent” system have been ongoing for a number of years. In the most recent challenge, the Productivity Commission has been the lead...

Attempts to kill off Australia’s second-tier “innovation patent” system have been ongoing for a number of years. In the...

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AUSTRALASIA

11 March 2018

New Zealand – Amendments to the Patents Regulations 2014 clear up a few uncertainties

New Zealand’s new Patents Act 2013 commenced on 13 September 2014, and was given effect by the accompanying Patents Regulations 2014.  Over the ensuing 3½ years, a few “uncertainties” (unintended consequences/drafting errors)...

New Zealand’s new Patents Act 2013 commenced on 13 September 2014, and was given effect by the accompanying Patents Regulations 2014.  Over...

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