All publications relating to ‘James Skelton’
OpenAI’s screenless future on pause amidst trade mark dispute
BackgroundIn early May, OpenAI surprised the tech world with news of an estimated $6.4 billion partnership and acquisition involving “io”, a new venture led by renowned designer Sir Jony Ive. Ive is best known for creating iconic Apple products like the iPhone and Apple Watch. The collaboration aims to develop a groundbreaking…
Meta’s AI lawsuit in the USA & what it could mean for the future of AI & copyright
Recently, Meta appeared in a US federal court to defend one of the most closely watched copyright challenges of the AI era. The lawsuit is being brought by a group of prominent US authors including Ta-Nehisi Coates and Richard Kadrey. The plaintiffs allege that Meta unlawfully used millions of copyrighted books, downloaded…
Using the Olympics in marketing can be legally risky
Three years (rather than the usual four) having elapsed since the COVID-deferred 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Olympic fever has again struck in Australia as our talented athletes compete in the 2024 Paris Games.A major public marketing campaign is out in force on Australian streets and screens. Run by the Australian…
Meritas — An Introduction to Temporary Changes Affecting Businesses in Australia and New Zealand
Looking for business and legal guidance regarding COVID-19 updates and programs in Australia & New Zealand? This document has coverage across the region with member firms who are here to assist. Please visit any of the COVID-19 resource materials for more comprehensive updates. View here…
Halo, it’s Rumi and Sir Carter — Beyonce’s babies set to run the world
What more could a famous celebrity with an impressive fortune want – a trade mark registration for their newborn children! Welcome to the world US Trade Mark Application Numbers 87506186 and 87506188 (that’s Rumi and Sir Carter to you and me). On 26 June, fans reportedly uncovered the names of Beyonce’s baby twins…
Trade mark quality control sorts the geese from the turkeys
In Brief The recent decision of the Full Federal Court in Lodestar Anstalt v Campari America LLC [2016] FCAFC 92 means that it is now not enough to simply have the existence of quality control provisions in a trade mark licence. The licensor has an additional obligation to actively monitor the performance…
A Messi Patchwork of Image Rights
In Brief In the wake of international football star Lionel Messi’s recent fine and jail sentence associated with the earnings from his image rights, some may be curious as to whether image rights exist in Australia. In simple terms, image rights as they apply in Europe or the USA do…
A Global Meeting of the Brands
In Brief Last month, I represented Swaab Attorneys at the 138th Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA) in Orlando, Florida – the home of famous theme parks including Disneyworld and Universal Studios – businesses who clearly value a well-developed and well-protected brand. Over the course of the conference it became…
Budget proposals offer start-ups an opportunity to get their legal house in order from the start
In Brief The Federal Government announced new measures in its budget this week that will no doubt be welcome to new ‘start-up’ businesses. New businesses will be able to deduct start-up costs such as professional, legal and accounting services from the 2015/2016 income year. This will replace the current situation…
Will illegal downloaders be forced to pay their dues and join the Club?
In Brief On 7 April 2015, the Federal Court of Australia handed down a landmark ruling involving piracy and privacy, and internet account holders with the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) involved may be feeling nervous. Dallas Buyers Club LLC v iiNet Limited [2015] FCA 317 Dallas Buyers Club LLC, the entity claiming ownership of the…