FemTech is rapidly expanding in Australia, with innovations emerging across diagnostics, materials science, digital health and technologies designed to address long‑neglected women’s health needs. As this sector grows and becomes more competitive, building a strong and recognisable brand is increasingly important. Trade marks play a key role in protecting that brand and securing a stronger …
>> Read more
On 12 March 2026, the High Court of Australia granted special leave to appeal in Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd & Ors v Sun Pharma ANZ Pty Ltd. The appeal will consider the Full Federal Court’s ruling that pharmaceutical formulations do not qualify as a “pharmaceutical substance per se” under the Patents Act 1990 and therefore …
>> Read more
By a three to two majority (with four separate judgments), the High Court has today allowed Australian fashion designer Katie Jane Taylor (born Katie Jane Perry)’s appeal from the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia in relation to her trade mark registration KATIE PERRY. The designer was the registered owner of the trade …
>> Read more
The patentee has filed a special leave application to the High Court of Australia seeking to appeal the Full Court’s decision in Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd v Sun Pharma ANZ Pty Ltd [1]. In response, IP Australia has indicated that it has resumed processing pharmaceutical patent term extension (PTE) applications and related matters that it …
>> Read more
Two recent decisions of the Federal Court, AstraZeneca AB v Pharmacor Pty Ltd [2026] FCA 88 and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV v Juno Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 1538 suggest the tide may be turning back to originators seeking preliminary injunctions (PIs) to restrain generic market entry. Previously, PIs were routinely granted to pharmaceutical patentees …
>> Read more
2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year for women’s health innovation, not because of any single technological breakthrough, but because the broader environment is changing. Awareness of long-underrepresented aspects of women’s health has reached a point where it is now influencing funding priorities, research agendas and healthcare delivery models. For innovators, this marks a …
>> Read more
Today, the High Court of Australia has dismissed an application for special leave to appeal from Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Patents [2025] FCAFC 131 (“Aristocrat ’25”). Now that special leave has been refused, the test relating to the patentability of computer‑implemented inventions is largely settled by the judgment in Aristocrat ’25. …
>> Read more
An innovation patent owned by Southern Cross was found to be invalid in the decision Southern Cross Industrial Group Oty Ltd v Mickala Lighting Towers Pty Ltd and Damien Englebrecht [2025] FCA 1363. Whilst it was not necessary to do so in light of that finding, Justice Downes then went on to decide whether Mr …
>> Read more
Patent filing trends show that semiconductor-related patent activities in Australia are concentrated in specialist applications, namely, photovoltaics (PV) and quantum technologies. Both areas are supported by strong local research expertise and significant public investment. In each case, strategic patent filings can help attract partners and funding, and translate research into a competitive market position. Global …
>> Read more
Bed Bath ‘N’ Table Pty Ltd v Global Retail Brands Australia Pty Ltd [2025] HCA 50 Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick Lawyers has successfully represented long-standing client, Bed Bath ‘N’ Table Pty Ltd (BBNT) in its appeal to the High Court of Australia as part of its long running dispute with Global Retail Brands Australia …
>> Read more
