Australian budget provides good news for innovators
The Australian government presented it budget to parliament on Tuesday evening. It is a big-spending budget intended to cushion the impact of the global recession and to stimulate the economy.
Public submissions sought on Patents Bill
The New Zealand Patents Bill received its first reading in Parliamant on 5 May. The Bill has been referred to the Commerce Committee, which has invited public submissions, by 2 July.
IPONZ adds 2 new PCT status descriptions
The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has introduced two new status descriptions for Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Applications entering the New Zealand National phase. The new statuses are: Waiting for examination date and Ready for examination.
Restructure of federal courts announced
The Attorney-General has announced the proposed abolition of the Federal Magistrates Court, with Magistrates being integrated into the Federal and Family Courts.
Gene patents under the microscope
Last night, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s 7.30 Report screened a story on gene patents, which included the views of advocates and opponents of the patentability of genes. The story transcript (and a link to the video) is here.
Green IP growing
Patent and trade marks applications relating to green energy have grown in recent years according to a press release from Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
IP Australia opens new patent examination centre
IP Australia opened a new patent examination centre in Melbourne today that will be responsible for examining patent applications in the fields of chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry and electronics. The Melbourne Patent Examination Centre represents a decentralisation of the patent examination function and will create 41 new jobs.
Comments sought on reforms to Australia’s IP system
The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has called for written submissions on proposed reforms to Australia’s intellectual property (IP) system. The proposed reforms aim to: reduce barriers in the innovation landscape for researchers and inventors; improve certainty about the validity of granted patents; and allow patent claims to be resolved faster. Information on the …
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IP Australia delays fee changes
IP Australia’s Cost Recovery and Fee Review, commenced in 2008, has been extended as a result of economic conditions. Any fee changes as a result of the review will now be scheduled for July 2010.
Crown Use provisions explained
IP Australia released a new information sheet on ‘Crown Use’ provisions for patents, designs and copyright. The information sheet explains what ‘Crown Use’ is, how the provisions may be applied and your rights.