IP rights reforms

IP Australia has released three further consultation papers which discuss proposals for improving opposition proceedings and divisional application processes. The objective of the proposals is to reduce the period of uncertainty during which the public and third parties do not know where they have freedom to operate.

IP Australia invites any interested parties to make a written submission. Submissions should be made by 17 August 2009.

The three papers are:

Resolving Divisional Applications Faster

Resolving Patent Opposition Proceedings Faster

Resolving Trade Marks Opposition Proceedings