Intellectual property news in Australia and Internationally

The central role of technology in most modern companies – from desktop and laptop computers, to server farms, data centres and proliferating mobile devices – means that IT departments are among the largest consumers of energy in the corporate landscape.

The Federal Court has found in favour of Ziliani Holdings Pty Ltd in its dispute with Polo/Lauren Company over an alleged infringement of Polo's copyright in its polo player logo.

This Legal Update provides an overview of the Australian tax issues for non-residents in respect of the sale of Australian real property interests following Australia's capital gains tax (CGT) reforms contained in Taxation Laws Amendment (2006 Measures No.4) Act 2006 (the CGT Reforms). The CGT Reforms will apply to gains made on or after 12 December 2006.

In a move to increase share supply to help deflate the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock-exchange bubble, China's securities regulator, CSRC, has finalised provisional rules for Hong Kong-listed red chip enterprises to return home and list on the A-share market.

The Patent Amendment Regulations 2007 (No. 1) came into effect on 22 October 2007, substantially removing the requirement for applicants and patentees to inform the Commissioner of the results of documentary searches conducted by, or on behalf of, foreign patent offices.

On 29 February 2008, ASIC released a consultation paper in relation to new insurance requirements for registered liquidators.

In this newsletter: Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (Vic); Home Building Amendment (Fees) Regulation 2007 (NSW); Home Building Amendment (Authorities) Regulation 2007 (NSW); Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 (SA); Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld); Building and Construction Industry Improvement (Accreditation Scheme) Amendment Regulations 2007 (No.1) (Cth).

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) issued a Statement on 29 April 2008, laying down a proposed timeline for the AIRC's award modernisation process.

The Federal Court of Australia has handed down an important decision on the practice of 'Was/Now' pricing.

This article summarises three recent cases that were considered by the Privacy Commissioner.

UK and US synchronise patent prosecution process.

The Federal Court has found that Carlisle Homes Pty Ltd infringed the copyright of Barrett Property Group Pty Ltd by reproducing a substantial part of Barrett's home designs, namely the 'al fresco quadrant' of the home design.

On 6 February 2008, APRA released its reporting requirements for authorised deposit-taking institutions under the Basel II Framework.

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is seeking feedback from businesses on greenhouse abatement incentives, that are intended to be introduced, prior to the commencement of the Australian Government's proposed emissions trading scheme in 2011.

On 23 April 2008, ASIC released Investing in debentures? Independent guide for investors reading a prospectus for unlisted debentures, to help investors considering investment in unlisted debenture products.

When you place a bet on a horse in a horse race, you know that you might lose your money. When your horse finishes nowhere, you might be disappointed, but you go into it with your eyes open and accept that there was always a risk that this might happen.

In Australia, class actions (or representative proceedings as they are formally known) can be commenced by a representative applicant in circumstances where seven or more people have claims which arise out of the same or related circumstances that give rise to a substantial issue of fact or law.

Quality student accommodation is an important factor in attracting and retaining both local and international students at tertiary institutions in Australia.

Corporations Law