WIPO Report Shows Growing Demand for IP Changes Face of Innovation

The “World Intellectual Property Report 2011 - The Changing Face of Innovation” – a new WIPO publication – describes how ownership of intellectual property (IP) rights has become central to the strategies of innovating firms worldwide. With global demand for patents rising from 800,000 applications in the early 1980s to 1.8 million in 2009, the Report concludes that growing investments in innovation and the globalisation of economic activities are key drivers of this trend. [more]

No Cut and Dri case: Kiwi takes on Apple

A Kiwi entrepreneur is preparing to take on global giant Apple. The Apple Corporation has told Hayden Crowther it may object to his use of the word driPhone to market a waterproof and shockproof phone case for Apple's iPhones and Google's Android smartphones. [more]

Fast Tracking Patents for Green Technology

IP Australia is helping green innovators find a fast track to the marketplace by offering priority to environmentally friendly technologies in the patent application system. This initiative offers environmentally-beneficial inventions a way to reach consumers quickly. Climate change and its global impact is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century and we know that technology and innovation play a key role in our ability to manage it effectively. [more]

Record Year for Trade Marks

With all the international doom and gloom lately, it's nice to hear some promising local news. Trade mark applications are up - to pre GFC levels in fact. Last financial year saw trade mark applications from Australian businesses in a record 69,003 classes. [more]

Business Method Patents in Australia - Davies Collison Cave

The Australian Full Federal Court has recently clarified the extent to which business methods can be patented in Australia. A business method will be patentable provided it involves a physical effect in the sense of a concrete effect or phenomenon or manifestation... [more]

WIPO Launches New Database to Profile IP Case Studies

WIPO has launched IP Advantage, a new database which profiles the intellectual property (IP) experiences of inventors, creators, entrepreneurs, and researchers. [more]