If used and managed properly, social media platforms can significantly contribute to brand growth. If not used and managed properly though, they can impede growth. Here are a few recommendations on how to get it right. Read more

Gus Hazel always thought he would go into the sciences or the medical field. However, a holiday job at a hospital when he was a teenager reoriented his path. Outraged by the outcome of a case he heard about that was driven by a judge’s inability to understand science, he proceeded to study science and law on graduating from high school—a road that eventually led him to IP law.Read more

Intellectual property specialists James & Wells have announced the promotion of both David Macaskill and Andrew Clarke to partner. David is a patents and IP strategy specialist working from the firm’s Hamilton and Tauranga offices, and Andrew is a life sciences patent specialist based in the firm’s Brisbane office.Read more

This dispute, concerning an invention for controlling parasites in animals, is a reminder that patent applications can get caught up in years-long oppositions, and that proving lack of novelty was a high bar to clear before the Raising the Bar Amendments to the Australian Patent Act.Read more

The successful grant of patent rights in Australia requires the claimed invention to be novel and to comprise an inventive step over what is known from the prior art base. However, a recent decision handed down by the Australian Federal Court may have substantial implications for biotechnology and pharma patent applicants entering Australia.Read more

The use of social media influencers to promote products is on the rise. As digital advertising practices continue to evolve, the legal risks become more pertinent and must be proactively managed. Read more

Applicants file patent applications to protect important inventions.  What happens however, if minor improvements or modifications are made to an invention after an application has been filed?Read more

Hideaway Bins by Kitchen King has reinvented waste and laundry storage solutions. With unique and valuable ideas to protect, James & Wells has been an integral partner for the business, enabling them to expand their product lines safely and strategically build a sustainable competitive advantage.Read more

The effects of the global pandemic on New Zealand businesses vary widely. If your business is undergoing change right now, then intellectual property rights are likely to be an important consideration for you. We share some key points to be aware of as you negotiate these turbulent waters.Read more

Australia has a unique ‘second tier’ patent called the innovation patent.  An innovation patent has a lower threshold for patentability compared to a standard patent and therefore provides a strong form of patent protection that can be relatively easy to obtain and difficult to invalidate. ...Read more

What happens to unclaimed IP when a company is removed from the Companies Register? In this article, we explore recent UK case law on the subject and advise companies with IP assets what to do in the event of removal.Read more

A recent High Court decision emphasizes the importance of undertaking thorough due diligence when purchasing a business. Read more