News

In today’s competitive retail landscape, packaging is much more than just a container—it’s a brand’s silent salesperson, shaping consumer perception and driving purchasing decisions. With thousands of products vying for attention on store shelves, businesses invest heavily in distinctive packaging to stand out. However, this also makes them vulnerable to imitation, leading to legal battles over intellectual property rights.

China has taken significant steps to strengthen its intellectual property (IP) protection system, introducing specialised courts in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. With China leading the world in patent filings, foreign businesses operating in this competitive market must understand how IP disputes are handled and whether they can effectively enforce their rights.

Big news for Australian exporters—Australia and the European Union have officially concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (A-EU FTA).

Design rights protect the visual features of products—shape, configuration and more. Learn why launch timing matters and when to file in Australia.

The World Intellectual Property Report 2026 has a simple message: technology is spreading faster than ever — and the advantage now goes to the businesses that can adopt, adapt, and protect faster than their competitors.

Southeast Asia’s food and beverage market is growing fast — and so is the competition. A Clarivate IP landscape report (commissioned by WIPO) looking at Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand shows a clear trend: brands are protecting their trade marks at speed, while patent activity is more uneven.

The Federal Court has granted AstraZeneca an interlocutory injunction restraining Pharmacor Pty Ltd from launching generic versions of the diabetes medication dapagliflozin. Justice Downes delivered judgment on 16 February 2026, finding in favour of AstraZeneca despite Pharmacor's challenges to the patent's validity and the broader public interest in lower-cost generic medications. 

In late 2025, a branding decision between two gift card businesses — Prezzee and Epay Australia — escalated into an urgent Federal Court injunction. The takeaway for Australian businesses is blunt: even minor brand references can carry major IP risk.

You don’t need to copy a brand to lose a naming battle. Sometimes, sharing one powerful word is enough. That’s what happened when Williams Corporation tried to register AirHome — and Airbnb stepped in.