Leader: Mr Ian Horak

Offered

City (Melbourne) Summer semester A 2008 (On-campus block of classes)

Synopsis

This unit is designed to meet the requirements of the
Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys in relation to trade mark practice and the professional conduct of trade marks attorneys. The unit content details the process by which trade mark
applications are made, registration maintained and how registered trade marks are exploited via assignment, licensing and their use as security in financial transactions. It also deals with conflicts of interest and the need to maintain appropriate monitoring systems. Emphasis is also placed on practices and procedures of the Trade Marks
Office.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. Meet the requirements of the Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys in relation to Trade Mark Practice (topic group D) and Professional Conduct (topic group B);
2. Acquire an understanding of the rights, privileges and responsibilities of trade marks attorneys;
3. Be able to advise clients in relation to the prosecution of trade marks applications, the maintenance of registration and the means of exploiting those trade marks;
4. Be able to undertake the tasks of filing and prosecuting applications for trade mark registration;
5. Be able to advise clients on the desirability of seeking trade marks protection and alternative protection regimes in Australia and other countries

Assessment

Assignment (3,750 words): 50% Examination (1.5 hours) or Take home examination (3,750 words): 50% or Examination (3 hours): 100%