A recent decision of the Federal Court of Australia highlights the importance of choosing trade marks that are ‘distinctive’ and not ‘descriptive’. The case serves as a timely reminder to businesses to ensure that your trade mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, if you wish to secure valuable common law and exclusive rights afforded by its use and registration of a trade mark.
Read moreAustralia’s competition and consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (‘ACCC’), has issued its 2024/25 Compliance and Enforcement Policy and Priorities. The ACCC’s 2024-25 priorities and focus reflect that cost of living issues and the digital economy are key challenges facing Australia’s economy and community.
Read moreThe Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Australia’s company and financial services market regulator, released its latest Corporate Plan 2023-27. ASIC’s four year plan provides companies and organisations with useful insight into the regulator’s strategic priorities in respect of compliance and enforcement. This update provides an overview of ASIC’s plan.
Read moreOn 18 March, 2024, the ACCC released an issues paper seeking submissions from consumers, businesses and industry participants about their experience and developments in general search services in Australia. The ACCC issues paper is focussing on the impact of regulatory and industry developments; trends in search quality and the emergence of generative AI.
Read moreASIC’s latest Enforcement and Regulatory Update Report (for the period October to December 2023) reveals ASIC’s focus on protecting consumers and Australians generally by targeting digitally enabled misconduct – including stopping online investment scams at the source and taking down scam websites. This is in addition to ASIC’s continuing focus on strengthening financial market integrity, insurance institution failures, greenwashing and improving regulatory and legal compliance
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