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ARTICLE · 03 FEBRUARY 2018

Tech start-ups: Let us end the irrational fear of software patents

Spruson & Ferguson Lawyers
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For local technology start-ups, patent protection and a robust patent system are crucial for success in the market.

AustraliaIntellectual Property
Jack Redfern
Jack Redfern
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Spruson & Ferguson has in recent years been fairly critical of IP Australia's ever-tightening policies for examining (and rejecting) patent applications in the computer technology space. To a greater extent, our frustrations tend to arise from our work with local technology start-ups, for whom the availability of patent protection and the presence of a robust patent system are crucial for success in the market.

In this commentary we're going to address some unfounded and irrational fears of software patents that still circulate in the start-up community. We'll follow-up separately with a more detailed look into why a robust software patent protection regime is crucial to foster innovation and investment in tech sector start-ups.

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