According to a document entitled “Legislation proposed for introduction in 2011 Autumn Sittings” accessible at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website, reformation of the intellectual property regime in Australia is clearly on the Gillard government’s short-term agenda.
Under the heading ‘Innovation, Industry, Science and Research’ reference is made to an ‘Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill’ to:
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“ raise patent standards and increase certainty in the validity of granted patents
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give researchers the freedom to innovate without the threat of litigation
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speed up the processes for determining patent and trade mark applications
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improve the operations of the intellectual property profession
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improve mechanisms for trade mark and copyright enforcement in Australia
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modernise aspects of Australia’s intellectual property system”
Although the text of the bill has yet to be released for public scrutiny, the stated reason for the legislation is “to implement a range of intellectual property reforms, including raising Australian patent thresholds to international standards”.
We will report again as more information emerges about how the proposed reforms are likely to affect owners of intellectual property in Australia.
Scott Sloan | Partner
T +612 8233 9554
Stuart Green | Associate
T +612 8233 9586
