The NRMA’s bid to restrain the maritime union’s campaign over the safety and employment standards of Sydney’s fast ferry services on the grounds that it violates IP and consumer laws is set to be fast tracked after a judge noted the “significant” case could raise freedom of speech issues.
Streetwear brand Globe International has alleged department store chain Kmart was reasonably aware it was infringing copyright, after internal emails revealed Kmart clothing designers shared links to Globe’s workwear designs before proposing to trial “this more youthful workwear… ASAP”.
British child safety product manufacturer Britax has lost its opposition to an Australian competitor’s patent for a lightweight child booster seat, after contradicting inventiveness claims made in its own application for a similar product.
Sherwood Chemicals wants to exterminate claims alleging it infringed two patents held by US chemical giant BASF for an underground termite control system, saying the patents were invalid and that any infringement, if it occurred, was innocent.
Printer giant Seiko Epson has won its cross-appeal against cartridge reseller Calidad in a Full Federal Court decision that further clarifies the extent to which patentees can prevent those acquiring a patent’s title from repurposing or manipulating the original product.
Casino and mobile game giant Aristocrat Technologies has sued rival Ainsworth Game Technology for alleged copyright infringement and breaches of Australian consumer law following the suspected theft of trade secrets by an employee.
Sydney’s Down N’ Out Burgers has rejected claims that it appropriated the trade mark of US burger chain In-N-Out, telling a court at the close of trial that the founders were inspired by the success of the American company but wanted to evoke the idea of Sin City, not speedy service.
Novartis has applied to amend its proposed patent for an oral form of multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya, as it appeals an invalidity ruling by IP Australia for lack of inventive step.
A court has found Ariosa Diagnostics infringed a patent held by Sequenom for a noninvasive prenatal genetic test, and ruled one claim of the patent invalid for lack of fair basis.
The A2 Milk Company is appealing a ruling that granted rival Lion Dairy’s opposition to its application to trade mark the phrase ‘True A2″ for its milk products, as it combats efforts by other milk companies to block it from using marks that allegedly imply its products have unique characteristics.