14 May 2026 · Elise Steegstra

High Court Clarifies “Honest Concurrent Use” in Landmark ZIP Trade Mark Decision

The High Court of Australia issued a key decision in Zip Co Limited v Firstmac Limited HCA 16, clarifying the scope of the “honest concurrent use” defence under the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth). This...

18 March 2026 · Elise Steegstra

The Katy Perry Trade Mark Case: What the High Court Just Clarified About Reputation and Timing

When trade mark disputes involve celebrities, they tend to attract attention well beyond the legal world. The High Court of Australia’s decision in Taylor v Killer Queen LLC HCA 5 — often referred to...

4 March 2026 · Elise Steegstra

How Packaging and Colours Become Trade Marks in Australia

Most business owners think of trade marks as names and logos. But in the right circumstances, your packaging shape, container, or even a colour can become a registered trade mark. That can be commercially...

12 February 2026 · Elise Steegstra

How to Choose a Strong Trade Mark

Choosing a business name is one of the most important brand decisions you will make. But from a legal perspective, not all trade marks are created equal. If you want your trade mark to be registrable,...

21 January 2026 · Elise Steegstra

Getty Images v Stability AI: A Landmark AI Decision — and What It Means for Australia

In November 2025, the UK High Court handed down its long-awaited decision in Getty Images v Stability AI, the first major judgment anywhere in the world to meaningfully address how copyright and trade...

14 January 2026 · Elise Steegstra

Aldi, Dupes and IP Law: When “Inspired By” Becomes Infringement

Lookalike products — often called dupes — are everywhere. They promise consumers a familiar experience at a lower price, and for retailers, they are a powerful commercial strategy. But from an intellectual...