Australia: Sector-Specific Trends and Legal Challenges Highlight Importance of Forward-Looking IP Strategy

Australia’s life sciences ecosystem is experiencing sustained growth, driven by advances in biotechnology, digital health, precision medicine, agricultural innovation and materials science. While pharmaceuticals continue to dominate in terms of patent filings and regulatory complexity, the broader life sciences sector – encompassing agtech, medtech and next-generation materials such as semiconductors and battery technologies – is …
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Vale David Tadgell

It is with great sadness that we advise that former Principal of POF, David Tadgell, passed away a few days ago. David joined Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick in 1983 and became a partner in 1993.  David was a key member of the Chemistry & Life Sciences group at POF and served on our management committee and …
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Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick Celebrates 30 Years in Sydney

This year, Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick (POF) proudly marks our 30th anniversary in the Sydney office. This milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on POF’s growth and to recognise where we are today. “Our Sydney office opened in Chatswood in 1994 following ever-increasing demand from our Sydney and NSW-based clients.  We are very pleased that our …
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Escaping the provisions of artistic craftsmanship

The Full Court has unanimously dismissed the appeal in State of Escape Accessories v Schwartz, rejecting the claims against Stefanie Schwartz and Chuchka Pty Ltd for copyright infringement in respect of State of Escape’s well-known perforated neoprene tote bag (the Escape Bag) on the basis that it was not a “work of artistic craftsmanship” under …
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Don’t try to hide the truth in a case of ‘bad faith’

The Federal Court has allowed an appeal in Enagic v Horizons on grounds including s 62A of the Trade Marks Act that the application subject to the opposition was filed in ‘bad faith’. The determination of this ground heavily turned not only on the evidence that was submitted, but also evidence that was not submitted …
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