Australian Technology and IP Business

Social media explained (for Australian organisations)

Trevor Cook has published a second edition of his free introductory guide to social media (co-written with another Australian blogger, Lee Hopkins).

It's targeted at corporate communicators and organisations.

It explains, blogs,second life, wikis, twitter, facebook and more.

Web 2.0 in Australia (video)

Ross Dawson has posted a link to the video of the recent Web 2.0 in Australia event.

His graphic representation of the Web 2.0 framework with definitions and examples is a useful way of encouraging discussion of the impact of this development for enterprise.

High Court refuses BP appeal for colour green

In BP plc v Woolworths Limited [2007] HCATrans 249 (25 May 2007), the High Court of Australia has refused BP's application for special leave to appeal against the Full Court of the Federal Court's decision that BP's application for a trade mark over its colour green be refused.

Notwithstanding BP's successful registration of the colour green (more specifically  pantone 348C) in Benelux, France, New Zealand, Andorra, Azerbaijan, community trade mark in France, Germany, Guernsey, Indonesia, Jersey, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, the UK, Hong Kong, Fiji, Malaysia, Mozambique, Philippines, Ukraine and the United States of America, the High Court was concerned about its use of green in conjunction with yellow.

BP's counsel's argued that "we are not claiming all use of the colour green.  We are only claiming that use of the colour green which is used as a trademark...It is not contended that their (Woolworth's) use of green would constitute an infringement of the mark", but the Court was more interested in a possible hearing of Cadbury's case in respect of purple.

UQ Enterprize competition

UQ's Enterprize competition closes on 23 July 2007.

It is basically involves preparing and pitching a business plan for a new venture. The only condition is that a UQ student must be in your team.

UQ Business School will provide the winning team with a $100,000 prize for the purpose of commercialising their new venture.  i.lab will provide one years occupancy and access to i.lab member services to one finalist team. One team may be eligible to win both the $100,000 prize and the i.lab prize.

The Top 60 Web 2.0 Applications in Australia

Ross Dawson lists his The Top 60 Web 2.0 Applications in Australia based on Web 2.0 characteristics, Coolness/ Innovation, Maturity, and Commercial success/ number of users.