Mallesons IP Whiteboard - Latest news in copyright, trade mark and patents law from Australia and around the world

Kozinski CJ of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has won IP Whiteboard’s inaugural “Judgment of the Year” for a fantastic dissertation on the ongoing wars between Mattel and MGA Entertainment over ownership of the "bratty-doll idea".  read more »

Following on from the Chinese State Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission's decision to release guidance on what constitutes a "commercial secret", the National People’s Congress has amended the PRC Law on State Secrets, a much more significant piece of legislation. The amendments narrow considerably the definition of state secrets.  Mallesons' Nicholas Groffman examines the changes and their implications for anyone exchanging information with Chinese entities here.

In the wake of the Stern Hu/Rio Tinto case, the Chinese State Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission has released guidance on what constitutes a "commercial secret".  Mallesons' Nicholas Groffman examines the implications of this guidance for Australians investing in China here.

Last month, reports from as far as the Himalayan Times to Caribbean Business reported on a default judgment entered against PepsiCo for US $1.28 billion for apparently 'stealing' an idea to sell purified water from two men. The story so far is a telling reminder to check your mail.  read more »

When the iiNet copyright case resumes before Justice Cowdroy in the Federal Court on 2 November 2009, twitterers can follow coverage of the case via 140-character "tweets" on Twitter.  read more »

On Wednesday, the Government announced its First Stage Response to the Privacy Reforms proposed by the ALRC in August 2008. It has accepted the majority of the recommendations proposed by the ALRC.  Read our Alert here.  

Spain's magicians are reportedly outraged by the exposure of their tricks and illusions on the "Masked Magician" television show.  Recent news reports indicate they are seeking legal advice on how best to protect their "IP", to avoid their craft from being undermined.  read more »

Confidentiality has seldom before been more challenged than it is at present, by the emergence of the internet phenomenon Wikileaks (http://wikileaks.org). Many people may access, share and retain the information because they can, and without a particular agenda that bears any resemblance to those traditionally associated with the misappropriation and misuse of confidential information.  In light of this, what steps can an organisation take to keep its secrets secret?  read more »

Taking steps to protect your invention could seem like a hassle when you’re buzzing with excitement and want to tell the whole world about your great new idea.  But it’s worth taking a moment to stop and consider how to best protect your invention, as this cautionary tale demonstrates.