Trade Marks Act 1995 Act No. 119 of 1995 as amended
This compilation was prepared on 3 June 2012 taking into account amendments up to Act No. 35 of 2012
The text of any of those amendments not in force on that date is appended in the Notes section
The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may be affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes section
Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing, Attorney-General’s Department, Canberra
Trade Marks Act 1995 1
READER’S GUIDE This guide aims to give you a general idea of the purpose of this Act and some information about its structure. It also explains briefly how the operation and interpretation of this Act is affected by other Acts.
Purpose of this Act
This Act provides for the registration of trade marks, collective trade marks, certification trade marks and defensive trade marks (for a definition of these terms, see sections 17, 162, 169 and 185 respectively) and sets out and protects the rights deriving from registration. It is a rewrite of the legislation relating to trade marks, certification trade marks and defensive trade marks. The previous Act did not deal with collective trade marks. In rewriting the legislation, some changes have been made to reflect international trends towards greater uniformity in that field of law. In particular, this Act conforms with the minimum standards and principles prescribed for trade marks in the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. An attempt has also been made to simplify the language as much as possible to make it easier for readers to understand the law. For that reason, a number of terms used in the old legislation have been replaced by simpler ones. For example, the word “owner” has been used where the previous Act referred to the proprietor of a trade mark. No difference in meaning is intended when simpler terms have thus been used.
Summary of this Act
Part 1: Deals with formal matters such as the commencement of this Act and its general application.
Part 2: Contains definitions and terms that are used frequently throughout this Act.
Part 3: Explains what is a trade mark and sets out the rights given by this Act to the registered owner and any authorised user of a registered trade mark.
Parts 4 and 5: Deal with the steps that you have to take to have a trade mark registered.
2 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 6: Sets out how and why an application for registration and other documents may be amended.
Parts 7, 8 and 9: Deal with the registration of trade marks and how and why particulars of the registration of a trade mark may be amended, cancelled or removed from the Register.
Parts 10 and 11: Deal with the assignment of trade marks, the registration of assignments of registered trade marks and the recording of the rights and interests that persons (other than registered owners) may have in registered trade marks or trade marks whose registration is being sought.
Parts 12, 13 and 14: Deal with the protection of trade marks. Part 12 sets out what constitutes an infringement of a trade mark and how to obtain redress and relief in cases of infringement. Part 13 provides for a special regime to deal with any importation of goods that would infringe a registered trade mark. Part 14 makes certain types of conduct offences against this Act.
Parts 15, 16 and 17: Explain what are collective trade marks, certification trade marks and defensive trade marks and apply to them, with necessary alterations, the provisions of this Act relating to trade marks.
Part 17A: Enables the making of regulations to enable the performance of the obligations of Australia, or to obtain for Australia any advantage or benefit, under the Madrid Protocol. Those regulations prevail over this Act to the extent of any inconsistency.
Part 18: Deals with the jurisdiction of the courts to hear and determine matters arising under this Act.
Parts 19 and 20: Deal with the Trade Marks Office, the officials responsible for its administration and the keeping of the Register of Trade Marks.
Trade Marks Act 1995 3
Part 21: Deals with miscellaneous matters such as the payment of fees, the service of documents and the making of regulations.
Part 22: Repeals the Trade Marks Act 1955 and explains how matters that were being dealt with under that Act at the time of its repeal are to be dealt with when this Act is in force.
How to use this Act
Definitions: Section 6 contains definitions of terms that have special meanings and are used frequently in this Act. A list of terms defined in section 6 appears after the Table of Provisions. Notes: Notes are to be found throughout the text. They are designed to help you find your way through the Act. They may tell you that certain words or terms are defined and where to find the definition; they may alert you to other provisions in this Act and in other legislation that are relevant to the text you are reading; or they may draw your attention to information that may help you to understand the contents or legal consequences of certain provisions or how to comply with them. Chart: The appendix to this Guide contains a chart showing the main steps involved in obtaining the registration of a trade mark. The chart is intended to be used only as an illustration and is not intended to have any other effect. If there is any inconsistency between any matter contained in the chart and a provision of this Act or the regulations, the provision prevails.
Related legislation
The following Acts are directly relevant to the operation or interpretation of this Act.
Acts Interpretation Act 1901 That Act contains general rules about the meaning or effect of many terms and provisions that are commonly used in Commonwealth Acts. Some of the notes used in this Act draw your attention to some of them, but it is not possible to refer to all of them.
Crimes Act 1914 In Parts 13 and 14, you will find that a penalty, expressed as imprisonment for a particular period or a number of penalty units, is set out at the foot of some sections or subsections. Section 4D of
4 Trade Marks Act 1995
the Crimes Act 1914 provides that this indicates that any contravention of the section or subsection is an offence against this Act punishable upon conviction by a penalty not exceeding the penalty set out. If only a term of imprisonment is provided as the penalty for an offence, subsections 4B(2) and 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 allow a court to impose an appropriate fine instead of, or in addition to, the term of imprisonment. Section 4AA of the Crimes Act 1914 sets out the amount of a penalty unit. Under subsection 4B(3) of that Act a court may impose on a body corporate convicted of an offence a fine of up to 5 times the amount of the fine that could be imposed on a natural person convicted of that offence.
Criminal Code The Criminal Code is set out in the Schedule to the Criminal Code Act 1995. It contains many general rules that apply to offences. Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility. For example, it has default fault elements that apply to offences that do not specify a fault element and provides the consequences of an offence being an offence of strict liability.
Trade Marks Act 1955 That Act is repealed by this Act. It contained the legislation that previously applied to trade marks, certification trade marks and defensive trade marks. Even though it is repealed, this Act provides that some of the provisions of that Act are to continue to apply to certain matters that were being dealt with under that Act immediately before it was repealed. The list of Acts cited above is not exhaustive. Other Acts may also affect the operation or interpretation of this Act.
Trade Marks Act 1995 5
Application (see section 27) Must be in approved form.
Renewal Required every 10 years.
Registration The Registrar must give the registered owner a certificate and advertise the registration in the Official Journal (see section 71). Initial registration is for a period of 10 years from the filing date.
Acceptance Notice of acceptance is sent to the applicant and advertised in the Official Journal. In some cases the Registrar may only accept an application subject to certain conditions or limitations.
Examination The application will be examined to ensure it is in accordance with the Act and there are no grounds for rejecting it (see section 31).
Report Issued A report to the applicant explains any deficiencies in the application.
Hearing by Registrar * Registrar must provide the applicant with an opportunity to be heard before an application is rejected.
Rejection The Registrar will reject an application if it fails any of the criteria in this Act.
Opposition Another person may oppose registration of the trade mark under Part 5.
Hearing by Registrar *
Refusal to Register After considering the case presented at opposition the Registrar may decide to refuse to register the trade mark.
Applicant Response
Reconsideration
* An Appeal may be made to the Federal Court aginst the decision of the Registrar. Unbroken lines signify the most likely course of events.
Note: Fees and time limits may apply at various stages of this process.
Appendix - Obtaining registration of a trade mark
Trade Marks Act 1995 i
Contents Part 1—Preliminary 1
1 Short title [see Note 1].......................................................................1 2 Commencement [see Note 1].............................................................1 3 Act binds the Crown ..........................................................................1 4 Application of Act .............................................................................1 4A Application of the Criminal Code .....................................................1 5 Repeal of Trade Marks Act 1994 .......................................................2
Part 2—Interpretation 3 6 Definitions .........................................................................................3 6A Periods expressed in months..............................................................9 7 Use of trade mark ..............................................................................9 8 Definitions of authorised user and authorised use ..........................10 9 Definition of applied to and applied in relation to ..........................11 10 Definition of deceptively similar .....................................................11 11 Definition of pending ......................................................................12 12 Definition of priority date ...............................................................12 13 Definition of remove from the Register ...........................................13 14 Definition of similar goods and similar services .............................13 15 Definition of originate in relation to wine .......................................13 16 Definition of repealed Act ...............................................................13
Part 3—Trade marks and trade mark rights 15 17 What is a trade mark? ......................................................................15 18 Certain signs not to be used as trade marks etc................................15 19 Certain trade marks may be registered.............................................15 20 Rights given by registration of trade mark ......................................16 21 Nature of registered trade mark as property ....................................16 22 Power of registered owner to deal with trade mark .........................17 23 Limitation on rights if similar trade marks etc. registered by
different persons ..............................................................................17 24 Trade mark consisting of sign that becomes accepted as sign
describing article etc. .......................................................................18 25 Trade mark relating to article etc. formerly manufactured
under patent .....................................................................................19 26 Powers of authorised user of registered trade mark .........................20
Part 4—Application for registration 22 Division 1—General 22
27 Application—how made..................................................................22 28 Application by joint owners ............................................................23
ii Trade Marks Act 1995
29 Application for registration of trade mark whose registration has been sought in a Convention country—claim for priority .........23
30 Particulars of application to be published ........................................24 31 Registrar to examine, and report on, application .............................24 32 Registrar to decide on disputed classification of goods etc. ............24 33 Application accepted or rejected......................................................25 34 Notice etc. of decision .....................................................................25 35 Appeal .............................................................................................25 36 Deferment of acceptance .................................................................26 37 Lapsing of application .....................................................................26 38 Revocation of acceptance ................................................................26
Division 2—Grounds for rejecting an application 27 39 Trade mark containing etc. certain signs .........................................27 40 Trade mark that cannot be represented graphically .........................27 41 Trade mark not distinguishing applicant’s goods or services ..........27 42 Trade mark scandalous or its use contrary to law ............................29 43 Trade mark likely to deceive or cause confusion.............................29 44 Identical etc. trade marks .................................................................30
Division 3—Divisional applications 32 45 Divisional applications ....................................................................32 46 Rules relating to divisional applications ..........................................32
Division 4—Application for registration of series of trade marks 33 51 Application—series of trade marks .................................................33 51A Linking series applications ..............................................................33
Part 5—Opposition to registration 35 Division 1—General 35
52 Opposition .......................................................................................35 53 Circumstances in which opposition may proceed in name of
a person other than the person who filed the notice.........................36 54 Opposition proceedings ...................................................................36 55 Decision...........................................................................................36 56 Appeal .............................................................................................37
Division 2—Grounds for opposing registration 38 57 Registration may be opposed on same grounds as for
rejection ...........................................................................................38 58 Applicant not owner of trade mark ..................................................38 58A Opponent’s earlier use of similar trade mark ...................................38 59 Applicant not intending to use trade mark .......................................39 60 Trade mark similar to trade mark that has acquired a
reputation in Australia .....................................................................39 61 Trade mark containing or consisting of a false geographical
indication .........................................................................................39
Trade Marks Act 1995 iii
62 Application etc. defective etc. .........................................................41 62A Application made in bad faith..........................................................41
Part 6—Amendment of application for registration of a trade mark and other documents 42
63 Amendment of application for registration of trade mark................42 64 Amendment before particulars of application are published............42 65 Amendment after particulars of application have been
published—request for amendment not advertised..........................42 65A Amendment after particulars of application have been
published—request for amendment advertised................................43 66 Amendment of other documents......................................................44 66A Registrar may require certain requests to be in writing ...................44 67 Appeal .............................................................................................44
Part 7—Registration of trade marks 45 Division 1—Initial registration 45
68 Obligation to register .......................................................................45 69 Registration—how effected .............................................................45 70 Colours in registered trade marks ....................................................46 71 Notification of registration ..............................................................46 72 Date and term of registration ...........................................................46 73 Ceasing of registration.....................................................................47 74 Disclaimers ......................................................................................47
Division 2—Renewal of registration (general) 49 74A Application of this Division ............................................................49 75 Request for renewal .........................................................................49 76 Notice of renewal due......................................................................49 77 Renewal before registration expires ................................................49 78 Failure to renew...............................................................................50 79 Renewal within 6 months after registration expires.........................50 80 Status of unrenewed trade mark ......................................................50
Division 3—Renewal of registration (registration delayed for 10 or more years after filing date) 51
80A Application of this Division ............................................................51 80B Expiry of registration.......................................................................51 80C Notice about renewal .......................................................................51 80D Request for renewal .........................................................................52 80E Renewal within prescribed period ...................................................52 80F Failure to renew...............................................................................52 80G Renewal within 10 months after end of prescribed period...............53 80H Status of unrenewed trade mark ......................................................53
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Part 8—Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration 55
Division 1—Action by Registrar 55 Subdivision A—Amending Register 55
81 Correction of Register .....................................................................55 82 Adaptation of classification .............................................................55 82A Linking series registrations..............................................................55 83 Amendment of particulars of trade mark entered in Register ..........56 83A Amendment of registered trade mark—inconsistency with
international agreements ..................................................................57
Subdivision B—Cancelling registration 58 84 Cancellation of registration .............................................................58
Subdivision C—Revoking registration 59 84A Registration may be revoked ...........................................................59 84B Registration must be revoked if opposition was ignored in
registration process ..........................................................................60 84C Effect of revocation of registration ..................................................61 84D Appeal from revocation of registration............................................62
Division 2—Action by court 63 85 Amendment to correct error or omission .........................................63 86 Amendment or cancellation on ground of contravention of
condition etc. ...................................................................................63 87 Amendment or cancellation—loss of exclusive rights to use
trade mark........................................................................................63 88 Amendment or cancellation—other specified grounds ....................64 88A Applications by Registrar ................................................................65 89 Rectification may not be granted in certain cases if registered
owner not at fault etc. ......................................................................65 90 Duties and powers of Registrar........................................................66
Division 3—Amendment of certificate of registration 67 91 Amendment of certificate of registration .........................................67
Part 9—Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use 68 92 Application for removal of trade mark from Register etc. ...............68 93 Time for making application ...........................................................69 94 Referral to court...............................................................................70 95 Notification of application...............................................................70 96 Notice of opposition ........................................................................70 96A Circumstances in which opposition may proceed in name of
a person other than the person who filed the notice.........................71 97 Removal of trade mark from the Register etc. if application
unopposed........................................................................................71
Trade Marks Act 1995 v
98 Trade mark restored to Register if notice of opposition filed within extended time .......................................................................71
99 Proceedings before Registrar ...........................................................72 100 Burden on opponent to establish use of trade mark etc. ..................72 101 Determination of opposed application—general .............................74 102 Determination of opposed application—localised use of
trade mark........................................................................................75 103 Registrar to comply with order of court...........................................76 104 Appeal .............................................................................................76 105 Certificate—use of trade mark.........................................................76
Part 10—Assignment and transmission of trade marks 78 106 Assignment etc. of trade mark .........................................................78 107 Applications for record to be made of assignment etc. of
trade mark whose registration is sought...........................................78 108 Recording of assignment etc. of trade mark whose
registration is sought........................................................................79 109 Application for record of assignment etc. of registered trade
mark to be entered in Register .........................................................79 110 Recording of assignment etc. of registered trade mark ....................79 111 Notice of application to be given to person recorded as
claiming interest in trade mark etc...................................................80
Part 11—Voluntary recording of claims to interests in and rights in respect of trade marks 81
Division 1—Preliminary 81 112 Object of Part...................................................................................81
Division 2—Interests in, and rights in respect of, registered trade marks 82
113 Application for registration of interest or right in trade mark ..........82 114 Record of claims to interest etc. ......................................................82 115 Amendment and cancellation ..........................................................83 116 Record not proof etc. of existence of right etc. ................................83
Division 3—Interests in, and rights in respect of, unregistered trade marks 84
117 Application for recording of interest or right in trade mark.............84 118 Record of claims to interest etc. ......................................................84 119 Amendment and cancellation ..........................................................84
Part 12—Infringement of trade marks 85 120 When is a registered trade mark infringed? .....................................85 121 Infringement of trade mark by breach of certain restrictions ...........86 122 When is a trade mark not infringed?................................................88
vi Trade Marks Act 1995
123 Goods etc. to which registered trade mark has been applied by or with consent of registered owner ............................................89
124 Prior use of identical trade mark etc. ...............................................89 125 What courts may hear action for infringement of registered
trade mark........................................................................................90 126 What relief can be obtained from court ...........................................90 127 Special case—plaintiff not entitled to damages etc. ........................90 128 Circumstances in which action may not be brought ........................91 129 Groundless threats of legal proceedings ..........................................91 130 Counterclaim by defendant in action on groundless threats ............93
Part 13—Importation of goods infringing Australian trade marks 94
131 Object of Part...................................................................................94 132 Notice of objection to importation...................................................94 133 Customs CEO may seize goods infringing trade mark ....................95 133A Determinations about owners of goods ...........................................96 134 Notice of seizure..............................................................................97 135 Forfeiture of goods ..........................................................................97 136 Release of goods to owner—no action for infringement .................98 137 Action for infringement of trade mark .............................................99 138 Action for infringement by authorised user ...................................100 139 Forfeited goods—how to be disposed of .......................................101 140 Power of Customs CEO to retain control of goods........................101 141 Insufficient security .......................................................................101 141A Failure to comply with undertaking etc. ........................................102 142 Commonwealth not liable for loss etc. suffered because of
seizure............................................................................................102 143 Power to require information.........................................................102 144 Modification in relation to Norfolk Island etc. ..............................103
Part 14—Offences 104 145 Falsifying etc. a registered trade mark ...........................................104 146 Falsely applying a registered trade mark .......................................105 147 Manufacture and possession of die etc. for use in
commission of offence...................................................................105 148 Selling etc. goods with false marks ...............................................106 149 Penalty for offence under section 145, 146, 147 or 148 ................107 150 Aiding and abetting offences .........................................................107 151 False representations regarding trade marks ..................................107 152 False entries in Register etc. ..........................................................109 153 Disobeying summons etc. ..............................................................109 154 Refusing to give evidence etc. .......................................................110 156 Unregistered persons .....................................................................110
Trade Marks Act 1995 vii
157 False representation about Trade Marks Office .............................112 159 Forfeiture orders under the proceeds of crime legislation..............112 160 Conduct of employees and agents of natural persons ....................113
Part 15—Collective trade marks 114 161 Object of Part.................................................................................114 162 What is a collective trade mark? ....................................................114 163 Application of Act .........................................................................114 164 Application for registration ...........................................................115 165 Limitation on rights given by registered collective trade
mark...............................................................................................115 166 Assignment etc. of collective trade mark.......................................115 167 Infringement of collective trade mark............................................115
Part 16—Certification trade marks 116 168 Object of Part.................................................................................116 169 What is a certification trade mark? ................................................116 170 Application of Act .........................................................................116 171 Rights given by registration of a certification trade mark..............117 172 Rights of persons allowed to use certification trade mark .............117 173 Rules governing the use of certification trade marks .....................117 174 Registrar to send documents to Commission .................................118 175 Certificate by Commission ............................................................118 176 Acceptance or rejection of application ..........................................119 177 Additional ground for rejecting an application or opposing
registration—certification trade mark not distinguishing certified goods or services .............................................................120
178 Variation of rules...........................................................................120 179 Registrar must publish rules ..........................................................121 180 Assignment of registered certification trade mark .........................121 180A Assignment of unregistered certification trade mark .....................121 181 Rectification of the Register by order of court ..............................122 182 Variation of rules by order of court ...............................................123 183 Delegation of Commission’s powers and functions.......................123
Part 17—Defensive trade marks 124 184 Object of Part.................................................................................124 185 Defensive trade marks ...................................................................124 186 Application of Act .........................................................................125 187 Additional grounds for rejecting application for registration
or opposing registration .................................................................125 189 Cancellation of registration by Registrar .......................................125
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Part 17A—Protected international trade marks under the Madrid Protocol 126
189A Regulations implementing the Madrid Protocol ............................126
Part 18—Jurisdiction and powers of courts 128 190 Prescribed courts ...........................................................................128 191 Jurisdiction of the Federal Court ...................................................128 192 Jurisdiction of other prescribed courts...........................................128 193 Exercise of jurisdiction ..................................................................129 194 Transfer of proceedings .................................................................129 195 Appeals..........................................................................................129 196 Registrar may appear in appeals ....................................................130 197 Powers of Federal Court ................................................................130 198 Practice and procedure of prescribed courts ..................................130
Part 19—Administration 131 199 Trade Marks Office and sub-offices ..............................................131 200 Seal of Trade Marks Office ...........................................................131 201 Registrar of Trade Marks...............................................................131 202 Registrar’s powers .........................................................................131 203 Exercise of power by Registrar......................................................131 204 Registrar to act as soon as practicable ...........................................132 205 Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks ..................................................132 206 Delegation of Registrar’s powers and functions ............................133
Part 20—The Register and official documents 134 207 The Register ..................................................................................134 208 Register may be kept on computer ................................................134 209 Inspection of Register ....................................................................135 210 Evidence—the Register .................................................................135 211 Evidence—certified copies of documents .....................................135
Part 21—Miscellaneous 137 Division 1—Applications and other documents 137
212 Making and signing applications etc. ............................................137 213 Filing of documents .......................................................................137 214 Withdrawal of application etc........................................................137 215 Address for service ........................................................................138 216 Change of name .............................................................................139 217 Death of applicant etc. ...................................................................140 217A Prescribed documents relating to trade marks to be made
available for public inspection.......................................................140
Division 2—Proceedings before the Registrar or a court 141 218 Description of registered trade mark .............................................141
Trade Marks Act 1995 ix
219 Evidence of trade usage .................................................................141 220 Death of party to proceeding before Registrar ...............................141 221 Costs awarded by Registrar ...........................................................141 222 Security for costs ...........................................................................142
Division 3—General 143 223 Fees ...............................................................................................143 223A Doing act when Trade Marks Office reopens after end of
period otherwise provided for doing act ........................................143 224 Extension of time...........................................................................144 225 Convention countries.....................................................................146 226 Publication of Official Journal etc.................................................146 226A Requirements for confidential treatment of information held
in the Trade Marks Office .............................................................147 226B Certain proceedings do not lie .......................................................147 227 Notice regarding review of decision by Administrative
Appeals Tribunal ...........................................................................147 228 Use of trade mark for export trade.................................................148 228A Registration of trade marks attorneys ............................................148 228B Deregistration of trade marks attorneys .........................................150 229 Privileges of trade marks attorney and patent attorney ..................150 230 Passing off actions .........................................................................150 231 Regulations....................................................................................151 231A Regulations may make provision in relation to the Tobacco
Plain Packaging Act 2011 .............................................................153
Part 22—Repeal and transitional 154 Division 1—Repeal 154
232 Repeal............................................................................................154
Division 2—Marks registered under the repealed Act 155 233 Automatic registration under this Act ............................................155 234 Registration conclusive after 7 years .............................................155 235 Term of registration .......................................................................156 236 Renewal .........................................................................................156 237 Restoration of particulars to Register and renewal of
registration where registration expired within 12 months before 1 January 1996 ...................................................................157
238 Disclaimers ....................................................................................157 239 Rules governing the use of certification trade marks
registered in Part C of the old register ...........................................157 239A Linked trade marks ........................................................................158
Division 3—Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act 159
240 Applications, notices etc.—general ...............................................159
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241 Application for registration of trade mark .....................................159 242 Divisional application in relation to pending application ..............161 243 More than one application lodged on same day for
registration of same trade mark .....................................................162 244 Application for registration of trade mark whose registration
has been sought in Convention country .........................................163 245 Application for registration of a mark in Part C of the old
register ...........................................................................................164 246 Application for registration of a mark in Part D of the old
register ...........................................................................................164 247 Amendment of application—specification of goods or
services ..........................................................................................164 248 Revival of application for registration of trade mark that had
lapsed before 1 January 1996 ........................................................165 249 Application for registration of assignment etc. ..............................166 250 Rectification of Register ................................................................166 251 Action for removal of trade mark from Register for non-use ........166 252 Action for infringement of trade mark etc. ....................................167 253 Action under this Act for infringement of trade mark under
repealed Act...................................................................................167 254 Acts not constituting infringement of existing registered
mark...............................................................................................167 254A Acts not constituting infringement of trade mark—pending
application under the repealed Act ................................................168 254B Part B defence—infringement of existing registered mark............168 254C Part B defence—infringement of trade mark (pending
application under the repealed Act) ...............................................169 255 Application of this Act—general ...................................................170 256 Fees ...............................................................................................170
Division 4—General 171 257 The Registrar and Deputy Registrar ..............................................171 258 Confidential information received by Registrar under
section 74 of the repealed Act .......................................................171 259 Documents kept under repealed Act ..............................................171 260 Address for service ........................................................................171 261 Notices to Customs CEO objecting to importation of goods .........172
Notes 175
List of terms defined in section 6 applicant applied to applied in relation to approved form assignment Australia Australian continental shelf authorised use authorised user certification trade mark collective trade mark Commission Convention country Customs CEO date of registration deceptively similar defensive trade mark Deputy Registrar designated owner divisional application employee examine existing registered mark Federal Court file filing date geographical indication goods of a person lawyer limitations month notified trade mark objector
Official Journal old register opponent originate patent attorney pending person predecessor in title prescribed court priority date Register registered owner registered trade mark registered trade marks attorney Registrar registration number remove from the Register repealed Act seized goods services of a person sign similar goods similar services this Act trade mark transmission use of a trade mark use of a trade mark in relation to goods use of a trade mark in relation to services word working day
Trade Marks Act 1995 1
An Act relating to trade marks
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Short title [see Note 1]
This Act may be cited as the Trade Marks Act 1995.
2 Commencement [see Note 1]
(1) Part 1 commences on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.
(2) This Act, other than Part 1, commences on 1 January 1996.
3 Act binds the Crown
(1) This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory, of the Northern Territory and of Norfolk Island.
(2) Nothing in this Act makes the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.
4 Application of Act
This Act extends to: (a) Christmas Island; and (b) Cocos (Keeling) Islands; and (c) Norfolk Island; and (d) the Australian continental shelf; and (e) the waters above the Australian continental shelf; and (f) the airspace above Australia and the Australian continental
shelf. Note: For Australia and Australian continental shelf see section 6.
4A Application of the Criminal Code
Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code applies to all offences created by this Act.
Part 1 Preliminary
Section 5
2 Trade Marks Act 1995
Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.
5 Repeal of Trade Marks Act 1994
The Trade Marks Act 1994 is repealed.
Interpretation Part 2
Section 6
Trade Marks Act 1995 3
Part 2—Interpretation
6 Definitions
(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
applicant, in relation to an application, means the person in whose name the application is for the time being proceeding.
applied to and applied in relation to have the respective meanings given in section 9.
approved form means a form approved by the Registrar for the purposes of the provision in which the expression appears.
assignment, in relation to a trade mark, means an assignment by act of the parties concerned.
Australia includes the following external Territories: (a) Christmas Island; (b) Cocos (Keeling) Islands; (c) Norfolk Island.
Australian continental shelf has the same meaning as in the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973.
authorised use, in relation to a trade mark, has the meaning given by section 8.
authorised user, in relation to a trade mark, has the meaning given by section 8.
certification trade mark has the meaning given by section 169.
collective trade mark has the meaning given by section 162.
Commission means the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission established under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Part 2 Interpretation
Section 6
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Convention country means a country declared (by regulations made under section 225) to be a Convention country for the purposes of this Act.
Customs CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of Customs.
date of registration means: (a) in relation to the registration of a trade mark in respect of
particular goods or services other than a trade mark to which paragraph (b) applies—the day from which the registration of the trade mark in respect of those goods or services is taken to have had effect under subsection 72(1) or (2); or
(b) in relation to a trade mark to which subsection 239A(3) applies—the day referred to in subsection 239A(4).
deceptively similar has the meaning given by section 10.
defensive trade mark has the meaning given by section 185.
Deputy Registrar means a Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks.
designated owner, in relation to goods imported into Australia, means:
(a) the person identified as the owner of the goods on the entry made in relation to the goods under section 68 of the Customs Act 1901; or
(b) if no such entry exists—the person determined to be the owner of the goods under section 133A of this Act.
divisional application has the meaning given by section 45.
employee means a person, other than the Registrar or a Deputy Registrar, who:
(a) is a person engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 and is employed in the Trade Marks Office; or
(b) is not such a person but performs services, in the Trade Marks Office, for or on behalf of the Commonwealth.
examine, in relation to an application for the registration of a trade mark, means to carry out an examination under section 31 in relation to the application.
Interpretation Part 2
Section 6
Trade Marks Act 1995 5
existing registered mark means a mark that was registered in Part A, B, C or D of the old register before 1 January 1996 and whose registration under the repealed Act was due to expire after that day.
Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia.
file means to file at the Trade Marks Office. Note: See section 213.
filing date means: (a) in relation to an application for the registration of a trade
mark other than an application referred to in another paragraph of this definition—the day on which the application is filed; or
(b) in relation to a divisional application for the registration of a trade mark—the filing date of the application that is the parent application (within the meaning of section 45) in relation to the divisional application; or
(c) in relation to an application to which section 241 applies— the day referred to in subsection 241(5); or
(d) in relation to an application made under section 243—the day referred to in subsection 243(6); or
(e) in relation to a prescribed application—the day determined in the prescribed way.
geographical indication, in relation to goods, means a sign that identifies the goods as originating in a country, or in a region or locality in that country, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the goods is essentially attributable to their geographical origin.
goods of a person means goods dealt with or provided in the course of trade by the person.
lawyer means a barrister or solicitor of the High Court or of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory.
limitations means limitations of the exclusive right to use a trade mark given by the registration of the trade mark, including limitations of that right as to:
(a) mode of use; or (b) use within a territorial area within Australia; or
Part 2 Interpretation
Section 6
6 Trade Marks Act 1995
(c) use in relation to goods or services to be exported.
month: the end of a period with a length expressed in months is worked out under section 6A.
notified trade mark means a trade mark in respect of which a notice under section 132 is in force.
objector, in relation to seized goods, means any person who has given under section 132 a notice in respect of those goods that is in force.
Official Journal means the Official Journal of Trade Marks mentioned in section 226.
old register means the Register of Trade Marks kept under the repealed Act.
opponent, in relation to the registration of a trade mark, means: (a) the person who has filed (under section 52) a notice of
opposition to the registration of the trade mark; or (b) if section 53 applies—a person in whose name the notice of
opposition is taken to have been filed.
originate, in relation to wine, has the meaning given by section 15.
patent attorney means a person registered as a patent attorney under the Patents Act 1990.
pending, in relation to an application for the registration of a trade mark, has the meaning given by section 11.
person includes a body of persons, whether incorporated or not.
PPSA security interest (short for Personal Property Securities Act security interest) means a security interest within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 and to which that Act applies, other than a transitional security interest within the meaning of that Act. Note 1: The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 applies to certain security
interests in personal property. See the following provisions of that Act: (a) section 8 (interests to which the Act does not apply); (b) section 12 (meaning of security interest); (c) Chapter 9 (transitional provisions).
Interpretation Part 2
Section 6
Trade Marks Act 1995 7
Note 2: For the meaning of transitional security interest, see section 308 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.
predecessor in title, in relation to a person who claims to be the owner of a trade mark, means:
(a) if the trade mark was assigned or transmitted to one or more than one other person before it was assigned or transmitted to the first-mentioned person—that other person or any one of those other persons; or
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply—the person who assigned the trade mark, or from whom the trade mark was transmitted, to the first-mentioned person.
Note: In the case of a trade mark that is neither registered nor the subject of an application for registration, the trade mark may be assigned or transmitted in Australia only in conjunction with the goodwill of a business concerned with the trade mark. If the trade mark is registered or the subject of an application for registration, section 106 provides that the trade mark may be assigned or transmitted with or without the goodwill of the business.
prescribed court means a court that is under section 190 a prescribed court for the purposes of this Act.
priority date has the meaning given by section 12.
Register means the Register of Trade Marks kept under section 207.
registered owner, in relation to a registered trade mark, means the person in whose name the trade mark is registered.
registered trade mark means a trade mark whose particulars are entered in the Register under this Act. Note: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected
international trade mark: see Part 17A.
registered trade marks attorney means a person registered as a trade marks attorney under this Act.
Registrar means the Registrar of Trade Marks. Note: Sections 201, 202, 203, 204 and 206 deal with the office, powers and
functions of the Registrar of Trade Marks.
registration number, in relation to a registered trade mark, means the number given to it under subsection 68(2).
Part 2 Interpretation
Section 6
8 Trade Marks Act 1995
remove from the Register, in relation to a trade mark, has the meaning given by section 13.
repealed Act has the meaning given by section 16.
seized goods means goods seized under section 133.
services of a person means services dealt with or provided in the course of trade by the person.
sign includes the following or any combination of the following, namely, any letter, word, name, signature, numeral, device, brand, heading, label, ticket, aspect of packaging, shape, colour, sound or scent.
similar goods has the meaning given by subsection 14(1).
similar services has the meaning given by subsection 14(2).
this Act includes the regulations.
trade mark has the meaning given by section 17.
transmission means: (a) transmission by operation of law; or (b) devolution on the personal representative of a deceased
person; or (c) any other kind of transfer except assignment.
use of a trade mark has a meaning affected by subsections 7(1), (2) and (3).
use of a trade mark in relation to goods has the meaning given by subsection 7(4).
use of a trade mark in relation to services has the meaning given by subsection 7(5).
word includes an abbreviation of a word.
working day means a day that is not: (a) a Saturday; or (b) a Sunday; or (c) a public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory.
Interpretation Part 2
Section 6A
Trade Marks Act 1995 9
World Trade Organization means the body of that name established by the WTO Agreement, done at Marrakesh on 15 April 1994. Note: The text of the WTO Agreement is set out in Australian Treaty Series
1995 No. 8 ([1995] ATS 8). In 2009, the text of an Agreement in the Australian Treaty Series was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au).
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a reference to a country includes a reference to a member of the World Trade Organization.
6A Periods expressed in months
For the purposes of this Act, a period expressed in months and dating from an event ends:
(a) on the day, in the relevant subsequent month, which has the same number as the day of the event; or
(b) if the relevant subsequent month has no day with the same number—on the last day of the month.
Note: For example, a period of 3 months from an event on 30 September ends on 30 December under this rule.
7 Use of trade mark
(1) If the Registrar or a prescribed court, having regard to the circumstances of a particular case, thinks fit, the Registrar or the court may decide that a person has used a trade mark if it is established that the person has used the trade mark with additions or alterations that do not substantially affect the identity of the trade mark. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
(2) To avoid any doubt, it is stated that, if a trade mark consists of the following, or any combination of the following, namely, any letter, word, name or numeral, any aural representation of the trade mark is, for the purposes of this Act, a use of the trade mark.
(3) An authorised use of a trade mark by a person (see section 8) is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to be a use of the trade mark by the owner of the trade mark.
Part 2 Interpretation
Section 8
10 Trade Marks Act 1995
(4) In this Act:
use of a trade mark in relation to goods means use of the trade mark upon, or in physical or other relation to, the goods (including second-hand goods).
(5) In this Act:
use of a trade mark in relation to services means use of the trade mark in physical or other relation to the services.
8 Definitions of authorised user and authorised use
(1) A person is an authorised user of a trade mark if the person uses the trade mark in relation to goods or services under the control of the owner of the trade mark.
(2) The use of a trade mark by an authorised user of the trade mark is an authorised use of the trade mark to the extent only that the user uses the trade mark under the control of the owner of the trade mark.
(3) If the owner of a trade mark exercises quality control over goods or services:
(a) dealt with or provided in the course of trade by another person; and
(b) in relation to which the trade mark is used; the other person is taken, for the purposes of subsection (1), to use the trade mark in relation to the goods or services under the control of the owner.
(4) If: (a) a person deals with or provides, in the course of trade, goods
or services in relation to which a trade mark is used; and (b) the owner of the trade mark exercises financial control over
the other person’s relevant trading activities; the other person is taken, for the purposes of subsection (1), to use the trade mark in relation to the goods or services under the control of the owner.
(5) Subsections (3) and (4) do not limit the meaning of the expression under the control of in subsections (1) and (2).
Interpretation Part 2
Section 9
Trade Marks Act 1995 11
9 Definition of applied to and applied in relation to
(1) For the purposes of this Act: (a) a trade mark is taken to be applied to any goods, material or
thing if it is woven in, impressed on, worked into, or affixed or annexed to, the goods, material or thing; and
(b) a trade mark is taken to be applied in relation to goods or services:
(i) if it is applied to any covering, document, label, reel or thing in or with which the goods are, or are intended to be, dealt with or provided in the course of trade; or
(ii) if it is used in a manner likely to lead persons to believe that it refers to, describes or designates the goods or services; and
(c) a trade mark is taken also to be applied in relation to goods or services if it is used:
(i) on a signboard or in an advertisement (including a televised advertisement); or
(ii) in an invoice, wine list, catalogue, business letter, business paper, price list or other commercial document;
and goods are delivered, or services provided (as the case may be) to a person following a request or order made by referring to the trade mark as so used.
(2) In subparagraph (1)(b)(i):
covering includes packaging, frame, wrapper, container, stopper, lid or cap.
label includes a band or ticket.
10 Definition of deceptively similar
For the purposes of this Act, a trade mark is taken to be deceptively similar to another trade mark if it so nearly resembles that other trade mark that it is likely to deceive or cause confusion.
Part 2 Interpretation
Section 11
12 Trade Marks Act 1995
11 Definition of pending
Application for registration under this Act
(1) An application for the registration of a trade mark under this Act is pending from the time it is filed until:
(a) it lapses (see section 37), is withdrawn (see section 214) or is rejected (see section 33); or
(b) if the Registrar refuses (under section 55) to register the trade mark and there is no appeal against the decision—the end of the period allowed for the appeal; or
(c) if the Registrar refuses (under section 55) to register the trade mark and:
(i) there is an appeal against the decision; and (ii) the decision is confirmed on appeal;
—the day on which the decision is confirmed on appeal; or (d) the trade mark is registered under section 68.
Note: For file see section 6.
Application for registration under repealed Act
(2) An application for the registration of a trade mark under the repealed Act was pending immediately before 1 January 1996 if before that day:
(a) the application had not lapsed (see subsection 48(1)), been withdrawn (see subsection 40A(1)) or refused (see subsection 44(1)); and
(b) the Registrar had not refused (under section 50) to register the trade mark or if he or she had refused to register the trade mark:
(i) the period allowed for appealing against the decision had not yet ended; or
(ii) an appeal had been made against the decision but had not yet been decided; and
(c) the trade mark had not been registered under section 53.
12 Definition of priority date
The priority date for the registration of a trade mark in respect of particular goods or services is:
Interpretation Part 2
Section 13
Trade Marks Act 1995 13
(a) if the trade mark is registered—the date of registration of the trade mark in respect of those goods or services; or
(b) if the registration of the trade mark is being sought—the day that would be the date of registration of the trade mark in respect of those goods or services if the trade mark were registered.
13 Definition of remove from the Register
A trade mark is taken to have been removed from the Register if the Registrar makes an entry in the Register to the effect that all entries in the Register relating to the trade mark are taken to have been removed from the Register.
14 Definition of similar goods and similar services
(1) For the purposes of this Act, goods are similar to other goods: (a) if they are the same as the other goods; or (b) if they are of the same description as that of the other goods.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, services are similar to other services: (a) if they are the same as the other services; or (b) if they are of the same description as that of the other
services.
15 Definition of originate in relation to wine
For the purposes of this Act: (a) a wine is taken to have originated in a foreign country or
Australia only if the wine is made from grapes grown within the territory of that country or of Australia, as the case may be; and
(b) a wine is taken to have originated in a particular region or locality of a foreign country or of Australia only if the wine is made from grapes grown in that region or locality.
16 Definition of repealed Act
(1) The repealed Act means: (a) the Trade Marks Act 1955 as in force immediately before its
repeal; and
Part 2 Interpretation
Section 16
14 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) the regulations under that Act that were in force immediately before its repeal.
Note: For the repeal of the Trade Marks Act 1955 see section 232.
(2) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a particular section of the repealed Act includes a reference to the regulations made for the purposes of that section and that were in force immediately before that Act was repealed.
Trade marks and trade mark rights Part 3
Section 17
Trade Marks Act 1995 15
Part 3—Trade marks and trade mark rights
17 What is a trade mark?
A trade mark is a sign used, or intended to be used, to distinguish goods or services dealt with or provided in the course of trade by a person from goods or services so dealt with or provided by any other person. Note: For sign see section 6.
18 Certain signs not to be used as trade marks etc.
(1) The regulations may provide that a sign specified in the regulations is not to be used as a trade mark or as part of a trade mark.
(2) Regulations made under subsection (1) do not affect any trade mark that:
(a) was a registered trade mark; or (b) in the case of an unregistered trade mark—was being used in
good faith; immediately before the regulations were registered under the Legislative Instruments Act 1995. Note: For registered trade mark see section 6.
19 Certain trade marks may be registered
(1) A trade mark may be registered in accordance with this Act in respect of:
(a) goods; or (b) services; or (c) both goods and services.
(2) The registration of a trade mark may be in respect of goods or services of more than one class. Note: See subsection (3) for division into classes.
(3) The regulations may provide for the classes into which goods and services are to be divided for the purposes of this Act.
Part 3 Trade marks and trade mark rights
Section 20
16 Trade Marks Act 1995
20 Rights given by registration of trade mark
(1) If a trade mark is registered, the registered owner of the trade mark has, subject to this Part, the exclusive rights:
(a) to use the trade mark; and (b) to authorise other persons to use the trade mark;
in relation to the goods and/or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered. Note 1: For registered owner see section 6.
Note 2: For use see section 7.
Note 3: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected international trade mark: see Part 17A.
(2) The registered owner of a trade mark has also the right to obtain relief under this Act if the trade mark has been infringed. Note: For what amounts to an infringement of a trade mark see Part 12.
(3) The rights are taken to have accrued to the registered owner as from the date of registration of the trade mark. Note: For date of registration see section 6.
(4) If the trade mark is registered subject to conditions or limitations, the rights of the registered owner are restricted by those conditions or limitations. Note: For limitations see section 6.
(5) If the trade mark is registered in the name of 2 or more persons as joint owners of the trade mark, the rights granted to those persons under this section are to be exercised by them as if they were the rights of a single person.
21 Nature of registered trade mark as property
(1) A registered trade mark is personal property.
(2) Equities in respect of a registered trade mark may be enforced in the same way as equities in respect of any other personal property. Note: For registered trade mark see section 6.
Trade marks and trade mark rights Part 3
Section 22
Trade Marks Act 1995 17
22 Power of registered owner to deal with trade mark
(1) The registered owner of a trade mark may, subject only to any rights appearing in the Register to be vested in another person, deal with the trade mark as its absolute owner and give in good faith discharges for any consideration for that dealing.
(2) This section does not protect a person who deals with the registered owner otherwise than:
(a) as a purchaser in good faith for value; and (b) without notice of any fraud on the part of the owner.
Note: For registered owner see section 6.
(2A) Despite subsection (1), the recording in the Register of a right that is a PPSA security interest does not affect a dealing with a trade mark. Note: For PPSA security interest see section 6.
(3) Equities in relation to a registered trade mark may be enforced against the registered owner, except to the prejudice of a purchaser in good faith for value. Note: For registered owner and registered trade mark see section 6.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to an equity that is a PPSA security interest. Note: The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 deals with the rights of
purchasers of personal property (including intellectual property such as trade marks) that is subject to PPSA security interests. That Act also provides for the priority and enforcement of PPSA security interests. See the following provisions of that Act: (a) Part 2.5 (taking personal property free of security interests); (b) Part 2.6 (priority between security interests); (c) Chapter 4 (enforcement of security interests).
23 Limitation on rights if similar trade marks etc. registered by different persons
If trade marks that are substantially identical or deceptively similar have been registered by more than one person (whether in respect of the same or different goods or services), the registered owner of any one of those trade marks does not have the right to prevent the registered owner of any other of those trade marks from using that
Part 3 Trade marks and trade mark rights
Section 24
18 Trade Marks Act 1995
trade mark except to the extent that the first-mentioned owner is authorised to do so under the registration of his or her trade mark. Note: For deceptively similar see section 10.
24 Trade mark consisting of sign that becomes accepted as sign describing article etc.
(1) This section applies if a registered trade mark consists of, or contains, a sign that, after the date of registration of the trade mark, becomes generally accepted within the relevant trade as the sign that describes or is the name of an article, substance or service. Note: For registered trade mark, sign and date of registration see section 6.
(2) If the trade mark consists of the sign, the registered owner: (a) does not have any exclusive rights to use, or authorise other
persons to use, the trade mark in relation to: (i) the article or substance or other goods of the same
description; or (ii) the service or other services of the same description;
and (b) is taken to have ceased to have those exclusive rights from
and including the day determined by the court under subsection (4).
Note: For registered owner see section 6.
(3) If the trade mark contains the sign, the registered owner: (a) does not have any exclusive rights to use, or authorise other
persons to use, the sign in relation to: (i) the article or substance or other goods of the same
description; or (ii) the service or other services of the same description;
and (b) is taken to have ceased to have those exclusive rights from
the day determined by the court under subsection (4). Note: For registered owner see section 6.
(4) For the purposes of subsections (2) and (3), a prescribed court may determine the day on which a sign first became generally accepted within the relevant trade as the sign that describes or is the name of the article, substance or service.
Trade marks and trade mark rights Part 3
Section 25
Trade Marks Act 1995 19
Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
25 Trade mark relating to article etc. formerly manufactured under patent
(1) This section applies if: (a) a registered trade mark consists of, or contains, a sign that
describes or is the name of: (i) an article or substance that was formerly exploited
under a patent; or (ii) a service that was formerly provided as a patented
process; and (b) it is at least 2 years since the patent has expired or ceased;
and (c) the sign is the only commonly known way to describe or
identify the article, substance or service. Note: For registered trade mark and sign see section 6.
(2) If the trade mark consists of the sign, the registered owner: (a) does not have any exclusive rights to use, or authorise other
persons to use, the trade mark in relation to: (i) the article or substance or other goods of the same
description; or (ii) the service or other services of the same description;
and (b) is taken to have ceased to have those exclusive rights from
the end of the period of 2 years after the patent expired or ceased.
(3) If the trade mark contains the sign, the registered owner: (a) does not have any exclusive rights to use, or authorise other
persons to use, the sign in relation to: (i) the article or substance or other goods of the same
description; or (ii) the service or other services of the same description;
and (b) is taken to have ceased to have those exclusive rights from
the end of the period of 2 years after the patent expired or ceased.
Part 3 Trade marks and trade mark rights
Section 26
20 Trade Marks Act 1995
26 Powers of authorised user of registered trade mark
(1) Subject to any agreement between the registered owner of a registered trade mark and an authorised user of the trade mark, the authorised user may do any of the following:
(a) the authorised user may use the trade mark in relation to the goods and/or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered, subject to any condition or limitation subject to which the trade mark is registered;
(b) the authorised user may (subject to subsection (2)) bring an action for infringement of the trade mark:
(i) at any time, with the consent of the registered owner; or (ii) during the prescribed period, if the registered owner
refuses to bring such an action on a particular occasion during the prescribed period; or
(iii) after the end of the prescribed period, if the registered owner has failed to bring such an action during the prescribed period;
(c) the authorised user may cause to be displayed on goods in respect of which the trade mark is registered, or on their package, or on the container in which they are offered to the public, a notice prohibiting any act that is under subsection 121(2) a prohibited act in relation to the goods;
(d) the authorised user may: (i) give to the Customs CEO a notice under section 132
objecting to the importation of goods that infringe the trade mark; or
(ii) revoke such a notice; (e) an authorised user may give permission to any person:
(i) to alter or deface; or (ii) to make any addition to; or
(iii) to remove, erase or obliterate, wholly or partly; a registered trade mark that is applied to any goods, or in relation to any goods or services, in respect of which the trade mark is registered;
(f) the authorised user may give permission to any person to apply the trade mark to goods, or in relation to goods or services, in respect of which the trade mark is registered.
Note 1: For registered owner and registered trade mark see section 6.
Trade marks and trade mark rights Part 3
Section 26
Trade Marks Act 1995 21
Note 2: For authorised user see section 8.
Note 3: For what amounts to an infringement of a trade mark see Part 12.
Note 4: For apply to and apply in relation to see section 9.
(2) If the authorised user brings an action for infringement of the trade mark, the authorised user must make the registered owner of the trade mark a defendant in the action. However, the registered owner is not liable for costs if he or she does not take part in the proceedings.
Part 4 Application for registration Division 1 General
Section 27
22 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 4—Application for registration
Division 1—General
27 Application—how made
(1) A person may apply for the registration of a trade mark in respect of goods and/or services if:
(a) the person claims to be the owner of the trade mark; and (b) one of the following applies:
(i) the person is using or intends to use the trade mark in relation to the goods and/or services;
(ii) the person has authorised or intends to authorise another person to use the trade mark in relation to the goods and/or services;
(iii) the person intends to assign the trade mark to a body corporate that is about to be constituted with a view to the use by the body corporate of the trade mark in relation to the goods and/or services.
Note: For use see section 7.
(2) The application must: (a) be in accordance with the regulations; and (b) be filed, together with any prescribed document, in
accordance with the regulations; and (c) be made by a person or persons having legal personality.
Note: For file see section 6.
(2A) Despite paragraph (2)(c), an application for registration of a collective trade mark need not be made by a person or persons having legal personality. Note: For collective trade mark see section 162.
(3) Without limiting the particulars that may be included in an application, the application must:
(a) include a representation of the trade mark; and
Application for registration Part 4 General Division 1
Section 28
Trade Marks Act 1995 23
(b) specify, in accordance with the regulations, the goods and/or services in respect of which it is sought to register the trade mark.
(4) Regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (3)(b) may apply, adopt or incorporate any matter contained in any listing of goods and/or services published by the Registrar from time to time and made available for inspection by the public at the Trade Marks Office and its sub-offices.
(5) An application may be made in respect of goods and services of one or more of the classes provided for in regulations made under subsection 19(3).
28 Application by joint owners
If the relations between 2 or more persons interested in a trade mark are such that none of them is entitled to use the trade mark except:
(a) on behalf of all of them; or (b) in relation to goods and/or services with which all of them
are connected in the course of trade; the persons may together apply for its registration under subsection 27(1).
29 Application for registration of trade mark whose registration has been sought in a Convention country—claim for priority
(1) If: (a) a person has made an application for the registration of a
trade mark in one or more than one Convention country; and (b) within 6 months after the day on which that application, or
the first of those applications, was made, that person or another person (successor in title) of whom that person is a predecessor in title applies to the Registrar for the registration of the trade mark in respect of some or all of the goods and/or services in respect of which registration was sought in that country or those countries;
that person or that person’s successor in title may, when filing the application, or within the prescribed period after filing the application but before the application is accepted, claim a right of
Part 4 Application for registration Division 1 General
Section 30
24 Trade Marks Act 1995
priority for the registration of the trade mark in respect of any or all of those goods and/or services in accordance with the regulations. Note: For month see section 6.
(2) The priority claimed is for the registration of the trade mark in respect of the goods or services:
(a) if an application to register the trade mark was made in only one Convention country—from (and including) the day on which the application was made in that country; or
(b) if applications to register the trade mark were made in more than one Convention country—from (and including) the day on which the earliest of those applications was made.
(3) The regulations may provide for the filing of documents in support of a notice claiming priority and, in particular, for the filing of certified copies of any application for the registration of the trade mark made in a Convention country. Note: For Convention country see section 225.
30 Particulars of application to be published
The Registrar must publish the particulars of the application in accordance with the regulations.
31 Registrar to examine, and report on, application
The Registrar must, in accordance with the regulations, examine and report on:
(a) whether the application has been made in accordance with this Act; and
(b) whether there are grounds under this Act for rejecting it. Note: For this Act see section 6.
32 Registrar to decide on disputed classification of goods etc.
If a question arises as to the class in which goods or services are comprised:
(a) that question is to be decided by the Registrar; and (b) the decision of the Registrar is not subject to appeal and may
not be called into question in an appeal or other proceedings under this Act.
Application for registration Part 4 General Division 1
Section 33
Trade Marks Act 1995 25
33 Application accepted or rejected
(1) The Registrar must, after the examination, accept the application unless he or she is satisfied that:
(a) the application has not been made in accordance with this Act; or
(b) there are grounds under this Act for rejecting it. Note: For this Act see section 6.
(2) The Registrar may accept the application subject to conditions or limitations. Note: For limitations see section 6.
(3) If the Registrar is satisfied that: (a) the application has not been made in accordance with this
Act; or (b) there are grounds under this Act for rejecting it;
the Registrar must reject the application. Note: For this Act see section 6.
(4) The Registrar may not reject an application without giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard. Note: For applicant see section 6.
34 Notice etc. of decision
The Registrar must: (a) notify the applicant in writing of his or her decision under
section 33; and (b) advertise the decision in the Official Journal.
Note: For applicant see section 6.
35 Appeal
The applicant may appeal to the Federal Court against a decision of the Registrar:
(a) to accept the application subject to conditions or limitations; or
(b) to reject the application. Note: For applicant see section 6.
Part 4 Application for registration Division 1 General
Section 36
26 Trade Marks Act 1995
36 Deferment of acceptance
The Registrar may defer the acceptance of the application in the circumstances, and for the period, provided for in the regulations.
37 Lapsing of application
(1) Subject to subsection (2), an application lapses if it is not accepted within the prescribed period or within that period as extended in accordance with the regulations.
(2) If, after the prescribed period or the prescribed period as extended (as the case may be) has expired, the Registrar extends under section 224 the period within which the application may be accepted, the application:
(a) is taken not to have lapsed when the prescribed period expired; and
(b) lapses if it is not accepted within the extended period.
38 Revocation of acceptance
(1) Before a trade mark is registered, the Registrar may revoke the acceptance of the application for registration of the trade mark if he or she is satisfied that:
(a) the application should not have been accepted, taking account of all the circumstances that existed when the application was accepted (whether or not the Registrar knew then of their existence); and
(b) it is reasonable to revoke the acceptance, taking account of all the circumstances.
(2) If the Registrar revokes the acceptance: (a) the application is taken to have never been accepted; and (b) the Registrar must examine, and report on, the application as
necessary under section 31; and (c) sections 33 and 34 again apply in relation to the application.
Application for registration Part 4 Grounds for rejecting an application Division 2
Section 39
Trade Marks Act 1995 27
Division 2—Grounds for rejecting an application
39 Trade mark containing etc. certain signs
(1) An application for the registration of a trade mark must be rejected if the trade mark contains or consists of a sign that, under regulations made for the purposes of section 18, is not to be used as a trade mark.
(2) An application for the registration of a trade mark may be rejected if the trade mark contains or consists of:
(a) a sign that is prescribed for the purposes of this subsection; or
(b) a sign so nearly resembling: (i) a sign referred to in paragraph (a); or
(ii) a sign referred to in subsection (1); as to be likely to be taken for it.
40 Trade mark that cannot be represented graphically
An application for the registration of a trade mark must be rejected if the trade mark cannot be represented graphically.
41 Trade mark not distinguishing applicant’s goods or services
(1) For the purposes of this section, the use of a trade mark by a predecessor in title of an applicant for the registration of the trade mark is taken to be a use of the trade mark by the applicant. Note 1: For applicant and predecessor in title see section 6.
Note 2: If a predecessor in title had authorised another person to use the trade mark, any authorised use of the trade mark by the other person is taken to be a use of the trade mark by the predecessor in title (see subsection 7(3) and section 8).
(2) An application for the registration of a trade mark must be rejected if the trade mark is not capable of distinguishing the applicant’s goods or services in respect of which the trade mark is sought to be registered (designated goods or services) from the goods or services of other persons. Note: For goods of a person and services of a person see section 6.
Part 4 Application for registration Division 2 Grounds for rejecting an application
Section 41
28 Trade Marks Act 1995
(3) In deciding the question whether or not a trade mark is capable of distinguishing the designated goods or services from the goods or services of other persons, the Registrar must first take into account the extent to which the trade mark is inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods or services from the goods or services of other persons.
(4) Then, if the Registrar is still unable to decide the question, the following provisions apply.
(5) If the Registrar finds that the trade mark is to some extent inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods or services from the goods or services of other persons but is unable to decide, on that basis alone, that the trade mark is capable of so distinguishing the designated goods or services:
(a) the Registrar is to consider whether, because of the combined effect of the following:
(i) the extent to which the trade mark is inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods or services;
(ii) the use, or intended use, of the trade mark by the applicant;
(iii) any other circumstances; the trade mark does or will distinguish the designated goods or services as being those of the applicant; and
(b) if the Registrar is then satisfied that the trade mark does or will so distinguish the designated goods or services—the trade mark is taken to be capable of distinguishing the applicant’s goods or services from the goods or services of other persons; and
(c) if the Registrar is not satisfied that the trade mark does or will so distinguish the designated goods or services—the trade mark is taken not to be capable of distinguishing the applicant’s goods or services from the goods or services of other persons.
Note 1: For goods of a person and services of a person see section 6.
Note 2: Use of a trade mark by a predecessor in title of an applicant and an authorised use of a trade mark by another person are each taken to be use of the trade mark by the applicant (see subsections (1) and 7(3) and section 8).
Application for registration Part 4 Grounds for rejecting an application Division 2
Section 42
Trade Marks Act 1995 29
(6) If the Registrar finds that the trade mark is not to any extent inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods or services from the goods or services of other persons, the following provisions apply:
(a) if the applicant establishes that, because of the extent to which the applicant has used the trade mark before the filing date in respect of the application, it does distinguish the designated goods or services as being those of the applicant—the trade mark is taken to be capable of distinguishing the designated goods or services from the goods or services of other persons;
(b) in any other case—the trade mark is taken not to be capable of distinguishing the designated goods or services from the goods or services of other persons.
Note 1: Trade marks that are not inherently adapted to distinguish goods or services are mostly trade marks that consist wholly of a sign that is ordinarily used to indicate:
(a) the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, or some other characteristic, of goods or services; or
(b) the time of production of goods or of the rendering of services.
Note 2: Use of a trade mark by a predecessor in title of an applicant and an authorised use of a trade mark by another person are each taken to be use of the trade mark by the applicant (see subsections (1) and 7(3) and section 8).
42 Trade mark scandalous or its use contrary to law
An application for the registration of a trade mark must be rejected if:
(a) the trade mark contains or consists of scandalous matter; or (b) its use would be contrary to law.
43 Trade mark likely to deceive or cause confusion
An application for the registration of a trade mark in respect of particular goods or services must be rejected if, because of some connotation that the trade mark or a sign contained in the trade mark has, the use of the trade mark in relation to those goods or services would be likely to deceive or cause confusion.
Part 4 Application for registration Division 2 Grounds for rejecting an application
Section 44
30 Trade Marks Act 1995
44 Identical etc. trade marks
(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), an application for the registration of a trade mark (applicant’s trade mark) in respect of goods (applicant’s goods) must be rejected if:
(a) the applicant’s trade mark is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to:
(i) a trade mark registered by another person in respect of similar goods or closely related services; or
(ii) a trade mark whose registration in respect of similar goods or closely related services is being sought by another person; and
(b) the priority date for the registration of the applicant’s trade mark in respect of the applicant’s goods is not earlier than the priority date for the registration of the other trade mark in respect of the similar goods or closely related services.
Note 1: For deceptively similar see section 10.
Note 2: For similar goods see subsection 14(1).
Note 3: For priority date see section 12.
Note 4: The regulations may provide that an application must also be rejected if the trade mark is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, a protected international trade mark or a trade mark for which there is a request to extend international registration to Australia: see Part 17A.
(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), an application for the registration of a trade mark (applicant’s trade mark) in respect of services (applicant’s services) must be rejected if:
(a) it is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to: (i) a trade mark registered by another person in respect of
similar services or closely related goods; or (ii) a trade mark whose registration in respect of similar
services or closely related goods is being sought by another person; and
(b) the priority date for the registration of the applicant’s trade mark in respect of the applicant’s services is not earlier than the priority date for the registration of the other trade mark in respect of the similar services or closely related goods.
Note 1: For deceptively similar see section 10.
Note 2: For similar services see subsection 14(2).
Application for registration Part 4 Grounds for rejecting an application Division 2
Section 44
Trade Marks Act 1995 31
Note 3: For priority date see section 12.
Note 4: The regulations may provide that an application must also be rejected if the trade mark is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, a protected international trade mark or a trade mark for which there is a request to extend international registration to Australia: see Part 17A.
(3) If the Registrar in either case is satisfied: (a) that there has been honest concurrent use of the 2 trade
marks; or (b) that, because of other circumstances, it is proper to do so;
the Registrar may accept the application for the registration of the applicant’s trade mark subject to any conditions or limitations that the Registrar thinks fit to impose. If the applicant’s trade mark has been used only in a particular area, the limitations may include that the use of the trade mark is to be restricted to that particular area. Note: For limitations see section 6.
(4) If the Registrar in either case is satisfied that the applicant, or the applicant and the predecessor in title of the applicant, have continuously used the applicant’s trade mark for a period:
(a) beginning before the priority date for the registration of the other trade mark in respect of:
(i) the similar goods or closely related services; or (ii) the similar services or closely related goods; and
(b) ending on the priority date for the registration of the applicant’s trade mark;
the Registrar may not reject the application because of the existence of the other trade mark. Note 1: An authorised use of the trade mark by a person is taken to be a use of
the trade mark by the owner of the trade mark (see subsection 7(3)).
Note 2: For predecessor in title see section 6.
Note 3: For priority date see section 12.
Part 4 Application for registration Division 3 Divisional applications
Section 45
32 Trade Marks Act 1995
Division 3—Divisional applications
45 Divisional applications
(1) If a single application for the registration of a trade mark in respect of certain goods and/or services is pending (parent application), the applicant may make another application (divisional application) for the registration of the trade mark in respect of some only of the goods and/or services in respect of which registration is sought under the parent application. Note: For applicant and pending see section 6.
(2) To avoid doubt, the parent application may itself be a divisional application. Note: A divisional application may be made by a person who has become
the applicant in relation to the parent application because of subsection 108(2) (which deals with assignment and transmission).
46 Rules relating to divisional applications
(1) A divisional application must: (a) be for the registration of the trade mark to which the parent
application relates; and (b) specify the goods and/or services to which it relates; and (c) specify the goods and/or services that are to remain in the
parent application. Note: For divisional application and parent application see section 45.
(2) When a divisional application is made, the Registrar must, unless the parent application has lapsed, amend the parent application by excluding the goods and/or services in respect of which the divisional application is made. Note: Section 204 requires the Registrar, where no time or period is
specified for doing a thing, to do the thing as soon as practicable. However, it is possible that a parent application will lapse before it is practicable for the Registrar to amend it under subsection (2) of this section.
Application for registration Part 4 Application for registration of series of trade marks Division 4
Section 51
Trade Marks Act 1995 33
Division 4—Application for registration of series of trade marks
51 Application—series of trade marks
(1) A person may make a single application under subsection 27(1) for the registration of 2 or more trade marks in respect of goods and/or services if the trade marks resemble each other in material particulars and differ only in respect of one or more of the following matters:
(a) statements or representations as to the goods or services in relation to which the trade marks are used or are intended to be used;
(b) statements or representations as to number, price, quality or names of places;
(c) the colour of any part of the trade mark.
(2) If: (a) the application meets all the requirements of this Act; and (b) the Registrar is required (under section 68) to register the
trade marks; he or she must register them as a series in one registration.
51A Linking series applications
(1) Subsection (2) applies if: (a) before the commencement of this section, 2 or more
applications (series applications) were made each seeking the registration of the same 2 or more trade marks in respect of goods or services of different classes; and
(b) the filing date of each of the series applications is the same; and
(c) each of the trade marks has the same owner. Note: For filing date see section 6.
(2) The owner of the trade marks may apply to the Registrar, in writing, to have:
(a) the series applications; or
Part 4 Application for registration Division 4 Application for registration of series of trade marks
Section 51A
34 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) so many of the series applications as are identified in the application to the Registrar;
dealt with under this Act as if they were one application for the registration of the trade marks in respect of all goods and services specified in the series applications or the identified series applications. Note: For this Act see section 6.
(3) If an application is made under subsection (2), the Registrar must deal with the series applications that are the subject of the application under that subsection as if they were one application.
Opposition to registration Part 5 General Division 1
Section 52
Trade Marks Act 1995 35
Part 5—Opposition to registration
Division 1—General
52 Opposition
(1) If the Registrar has accepted an application for the registration of a trade mark, a person may oppose the registration by filing a notice of opposition.
(2) The notice of opposition must be in an approved form and must be filed within the prescribed period or within that period as extended in accordance with the regulations or in accordance with subsection (5). Note: For approved form and file see section 6.
(3) The opponent must serve a copy of the notice on the applicant. Note: For opponent see section 6.
(4) The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on any of the grounds specified in this Act and on no other grounds. Note: For this Act see section 6.
(5) If: (a) a person is granted an extension of time in which to file a
notice of opposition; and (b) before the notice of opposition is filed, the right or interest on
which the person could have relied to file the notice of opposition becomes vested in another person; and
(c) the other person notifies the Registrar in writing that the right or interest is vested in him or her;
then: (d) the other person is taken to have been granted an extension of
time in which to file the notice of opposition; and (e) that extension ends when the extension mentioned in
paragraph (a) ends.
Part 5 Opposition to registration Division 1 General
Section 53
36 Trade Marks Act 1995
53 Circumstances in which opposition may proceed in name of a person other than the person who filed the notice
If: (a) after a person has filed a notice of opposition, the right or
interest on which the person relied to file the notice of opposition becomes vested in another person; and
(b) the other person: (i) notifies the Registrar in writing that the right or interest
is vested in him or her; and (ii) does not withdraw the opposition;
the opposition is to proceed as if the notice of opposition had been filed in that other person’s name. Note: For file see section 6.
54 Opposition proceedings
(1) The Registrar must give to the opponent and to the applicant an opportunity of being heard on the opposition. Note: For opponent and applicant see section 6.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), the proceedings for dealing with the opposition must be in accordance with the regulations.
55 Decision
(1) Unless the proceedings are discontinued or dismissed, the Registrar must, at the end, decide:
(a) to refuse to register the trade mark; or (b) to register the trade mark (with or without conditions or
limitations) in respect of the goods and/or services then specified in the application;
having regard to the extent (if any) to which any ground on which the application was opposed has been established. Note: For limitations see section 6.
Opposition to registration Part 5 General Division 1
Section 56
Trade Marks Act 1995 37
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), if the application was opposed on the ground specified in paragraph 62(a) (that the application, or a document filed in support of the application, was amended contrary to this Act), the Registrar may revoke the acceptance of the application and examine the application again under section 31. Note: For examine and this Act see section 6.
56 Appeal
The applicant or the opponent may appeal to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar under section 55. Note: For applicant and opponent see section 6.
Part 5 Opposition to registration Division 2 Grounds for opposing registration
Section 57
38 Trade Marks Act 1995
Division 2—Grounds for opposing registration
57 Registration may be opposed on same grounds as for rejection
The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on any of the grounds on which an application for the registration of a trade mark may be rejected under this Act, except the ground that the trade mark cannot be represented graphically. Note: For this Act see section 6.
58 Applicant not owner of trade mark
The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on the ground that the applicant is not the owner of the trade mark. Note: For applicant see section 6.
58A Opponent’s earlier use of similar trade mark
(1) This section applies to a trade mark (section 44 trade mark) the application for registration of which has been accepted because of:
(a) subsection 44(4); or (b) a similar provision of the regulations made for the purposes
of Part 17A. Note: Subsection 44(4) prevents rejection of an application for registration
of a trade mark that is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, a registered trade mark or a trade mark whose registration is being sought where the first-mentioned trade mark has been continuously used since before the priority date of the other trade mark.
(2) The registration of the section 44 trade mark may be opposed on the ground that the owner of the substantially identical or deceptively similar trade mark (similar trade mark) or the predecessor in title:
(a) first used the similar trade mark in respect of: (i) similar goods or closely related services; or
(ii) similar services or closely related goods; before the owner of the section 44 trade mark or the predecessor in title in relation to the section 44 trade mark first used the section 44 trade mark; and
Opposition to registration Part 5 Grounds for opposing registration Division 2
Section 59
Trade Marks Act 1995 39
(b) has continuously used the similar trade mark in respect of those goods or services since that first use.
Note: For predecessor in title see section 6.
59 Applicant not intending to use trade mark
The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on the ground that the applicant does not intend:
(a) to use, or authorise the use of, the trade mark in Australia; or (b) to assign the trade mark to a body corporate for use by the
body corporate in Australia; in relation to the goods and/or services specified in the application. Note: For applicant see section 6.
60 Trade mark similar to trade mark that has acquired a reputation in Australia
The registration of a trade mark in respect of particular goods or services may be opposed on the ground that:
(a) another trade mark had, before the priority date for the registration of the first-mentioned trade mark in respect of those goods or services, acquired a reputation in Australia; and
(b) because of the reputation of that other trade mark, the use of the first-mentioned trade mark would be likely to deceive or cause confusion.
Note: For priority date see section 12.
61 Trade mark containing or consisting of a false geographical indication
(1) The registration of a trade mark in respect of particular goods (relevant goods) may be opposed on the ground that the trade mark contains or consists of a sign that is a geographical indication for goods (designated goods) originating in:
(a) a country, or in a region or locality in a country, other than the country in which the relevant goods originated; or
(b) a region or locality in the country in which the relevant goods originated other than the region or locality in which the relevant goods originated;
Part 5 Opposition to registration Division 2 Grounds for opposing registration
Section 61
40 Trade Marks Act 1995
if the relevant goods are similar to the designated goods or the use of a trade mark in respect of the relevant goods would be likely to deceive or cause confusion.
(2) An opposition on a ground referred to in subsection (1) fails if the applicant establishes that:
(a) the relevant goods originated in the country, region or locality identified by the geographical indication; or
(aa) the sign is not recognised as a geographical indication for the designated goods in the country in which the designated goods originated; or
(b) the sign has ceased to be used as a geographical indication for the designated goods in the country in which the designated goods originated; or
(c) the applicant, or a predecessor in title of the applicant, used the sign in good faith in respect of the relevant goods, or applied in good faith for the registration of the trade mark in respect of the relevant goods, before:
(i) 1 January 1996; or (ii) the day on which the sign was recognised as a
geographical indication for the designated goods in their country of origin;
whichever is the later; or (d) if the registration of the trade mark is being sought in respect
of wine or spirits (relevant wine or spirits)—the sign is identical with the name that, on 1 January 1995, was, in the country in which the relevant wine or spirits originated, the customary name of a variety of grapes used in the production of the relevant wine or spirits.
(3) An opposition on a ground referred to in subsection (1) also fails if the applicant establishes that:
(a) although the sign is a geographical indication for the designated goods, it is also a geographical indication for the relevant goods; and
(b) the applicant has not used, and does not intend to use, the trade mark in relation to the relevant goods in a way that is likely to deceive or confuse members of the public as to the origin of the relevant goods.
Opposition to registration Part 5 Grounds for opposing registration Division 2
Section 62
Trade Marks Act 1995 41
(4) An opposition on a ground referred to in subsection (1) also fails if the applicant establishes that:
(a) the sign consists of a word or term that is a geographical indication; and
(b) the word or term is a common English word or term; and (c) the applicant has not used, and does not intend to use, the
trade mark in relation to the relevant goods in a way that is likely to deceive or confuse members of the public as to the origin of the relevant goods.
Note 1: For applicant, predecessor in title and geographical indication see section 6.
Note 2: For originate (in relation to wine only) see section 15.
62 Application etc. defective etc.
The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on any of the following grounds:
(a) that the application, or a document filed in support of the application, was amended contrary to this Act;
(b) that the Registrar accepted the application for registration on the basis of evidence or representations that were false in material particulars.
Note: For file see section 6.
62A Application made in bad faith
The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on the ground that the application was made in bad faith.
Part 6 Amendment of application for registration of a trade mark and other documents
Section 63
42 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 6—Amendment of application for registration of a trade mark and other documents
63 Amendment of application for registration of trade mark
(1) The Registrar may, at the request of the applicant or of his or her agent, amend an application for the registration of a trade mark in accordance with section 64, 65 or 65A.
(2) If: (a) an application for the registration of a trade mark may be
amended under section 65; and (b) the applicant has not asked that the application be amended;
the Registrar may, on his or her own initiative but in accordance with the regulations, amend the application as necessary:
(c) to remove any ground on which the application could be rejected; or
(d) so as to ensure that the application is made in accordance with this Act.
64 Amendment before particulars of application are published
If: (a) the particulars of the application have not yet been published
under section 30; and (b) the request for the amendment is made within the prescribed
period; an amendment may be made to correct a clerical error or an obvious mistake.
65 Amendment after particulars of application have been published—request for amendment not advertised
(1) If the particulars of the application have been published under section 30, the application may be amended as provided in this section.
Amendment of application for registration of a trade mark and other documents Part 6
Section 65A
Trade Marks Act 1995 43
(2) An amendment may be made to the representation of the trade mark if the amendment does not substantially affect the identity of the trade mark as at the time when the particulars of the application were published.
(3) An amendment may be made to an application to which section 51 applies to remove one or more trade marks from the application.
(4) An amendment may be made to correct an error in the classification of goods or services specified in the application.
(5) An amendment may be made to add to the class or classes of goods or services specified in the application one or more other classes of goods or services if the Registrar is of the opinion that it is fair and reasonable in all the circumstances to do so.
(6) An amendment may be made to change the type of registration sought in the application (for example, an application for the registration of a trade mark as a certification trade mark may be amended to an application for registration as a collective trade mark).
(7) An amendment may be made to any other particular specified in the application unless the amendment would have the effect of extending the rights that (apart from the amendment) the applicant would have under the registration if it were granted.
65A Amendment after particulars of application have been published—request for amendment advertised
(1) This section applies if: (a) the particulars of the application have been published under
section 30; and (b) the amendment requested is not an amendment which could
be made under section 65.
(2) The application may be amended to correct a clerical error or an obvious mistake in the application if the Registrar is of the opinion that it is fair and reasonable in all the circumstances of the case to make the amendment under this section.
(3) Subject to subsection (5), the Registrar must advertise the request for the amendment in the Official Journal.
Part 6 Amendment of application for registration of a trade mark and other documents
Section 66
44 Trade Marks Act 1995
(4) Subject to subsection (5), a person may, as prescribed, oppose the granting of the request for the amendment.
(5) If the Registrar is satisfied that a request for an amendment would not be granted even in the absence of opposition under subsection (4):
(a) the Registrar need not advertise the request in accordance with subsection (3); and
(b) the request cannot be opposed, despite subsection (4); and (c) the Registrar must refuse to grant the request.
66 Amendment of other documents
The Registrar may, at the request of the person who has filed an application (other than an application for the registration of a trade mark), a notice or other document for the purposes of this Act or at the request of the person’s agent, amend the application, notice or document:
(a) to correct a clerical error or an obvious mistake; or (b) if the Registrar is of the opinion that it is fair and reasonable
in all the circumstances of the case to do so. Note: For file see section 6.
66A Registrar may require certain requests to be in writing
The Registrar may require a request under section 63 or 66 to be in writing if the Registrar is of the opinion that the amendment requested is not minor.
67 Appeal
An appeal lies to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar under this Part.
Registration of trade marks Part 7 Initial registration Division 1
Section 68
Trade Marks Act 1995 45
Part 7—Registration of trade marks
Division 1—Initial registration
68 Obligation to register
(1) The Registrar must, within the period provided under the regulations, register a trade mark that has been accepted for registration:
(a) if there has been no opposition to the registration; or (b) in a case where there has been an opposition:
(i) if the Registrar’s decision, or (in the case of an appeal against the Registrar’s decision) the decision on appeal, is that the trade mark should be registered; or
(ii) if the opposition has been withdrawn; or (iii) if the opposition has been dismissed under section 222.
Otherwise, the application for the registration of the trade mark lapses.
(2) On registering the trade mark, the Registrar must give it a number by which it may be identified.
69 Registration—how effected
(1) The trade mark must be registered: (a) in the name of the applicant for registration; and (b) in respect of the goods and/or services specified in the
application at the time of registration; and (c) subject to the conditions (if any) and the limitations (if any)
imposed by the Registrar in accepting the application for registration or deciding to register the trade mark.
The Registrar must enter these particulars in the Register.
(2) The Registrar must also enter in the Register: (a) a graphical representation of the trade mark; and (b) its registration number; and (c) any other particulars that are required by this Act to be
entered in the Register.
Part 7 Registration of trade marks Division 1 Initial registration
Section 70
46 Trade Marks Act 1995
(3) If 2 or more persons applied together for the registration of the trade mark (see section 28), the applicants must be registered as joint owners of the trade mark. Note: For limitations, Registrar and applicant see section 6.
70 Colours in registered trade marks
(1) A trade mark may be registered with limitations as to colour.
(2) The limitations may be in respect of the whole, or a part, of the trade mark.
(3) To the extent that a trade mark is registered without limitations as to colour, it is taken to be registered for all colours. Note: For limitations see section 6.
71 Notification of registration
When a trade mark has been registered, the Registrar must: (a) advertise the registration in the Official Journal; and (b) give to the registered owner of the trade mark a certificate of
registration in an approved form. Note: For registered owner and approved form see section 6.
72 Date and term of registration
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the registration of a trade mark in respect of the goods and/or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered is taken to have had effect from (and including) the filing date in respect of the application for registration. Note: For filing date see section 6.
(2) If: (a) the application was in respect of a trade mark whose
registration had also been sought in one or more than one Convention country; and
(b) the applicant claimed a right of priority under section 29 for the registration of the trade mark in respect of particular goods or services; and
Registration of trade marks Part 7 Initial registration Division 1
Section 73
Trade Marks Act 1995 47
(c) the trade mark is registered under this Act; the registration of the trade mark in respect of those goods or services is taken to have had effect:
(d) if an application to register the trade mark was made in only one Convention country—from (and including) the day on which the application was made in that country; or
(e) if applications to register the trade mark were made in more than one Convention country—from (and including) the day on which the earliest of those applications was made.
Note: For Convention country see section 225.
(3) Unless it is earlier cancelled, or the trade mark is earlier removed from the Register, the registration of the trade mark expires 10 years after the filing date in respect of the application for its registration. Note 1: This is so even for a trade mark whose registration in respect of
particular goods or services has effect from (and including) the day on which an application was made in a Convention country.
Note 2: For filing date see section 6.
73 Ceasing of registration
The registration of a trade mark ceases if: (a) the trade mark is removed from the Register under section 78
or 80F or under Part 9; or (b) the registration of the trade mark is cancelled.
Note: Section 84C explains the effect of revocation of the registration of a trade mark, applying some provisions as if the registration had ceased at a particular time (but for most purposes treating the registration as if it had never occurred).
74 Disclaimers
(1) An applicant for the registration of a trade mark, or the registered owner of a registered trade mark, may, by notice in writing given to the Registrar, disclaim any exclusive right to use, or authorise the use of, a specified part of the trade mark.
(2) The disclaimer affects only the rights given by this Act to the registered owner of the trade mark on registration of the trade mark.
Part 7 Registration of trade marks Division 1 Initial registration
Section 74
48 Trade Marks Act 1995
(3) The Registrar must, on registering the trade mark or on receiving notice of the disclaimer (whichever is later), enter the particulars of the disclaimer in the Register.
(4) A disclaimer properly made may not be revoked. Note: For applicant, registered owner, registered trade mark and Register
see section 6.
Registration of trade marks Part 7 Renewal of registration (general) Division 2
Section 74A
Trade Marks Act 1995 49
Division 2—Renewal of registration (general)
74A Application of this Division
This Division applies to a registered trade mark if: (a) particulars of registration were entered in the Register under
section 69 before the end of the period of 10 years after the filing date of the application for registration; or
(b) both: (i) paragraph (a) does not apply; and
(ii) registration has already been renewed under Division 3 for a period that includes the day on which particulars of registration were entered in the Register under section 69.
Note: For filing date see section 6.
75 Request for renewal
(1) Any person may, within the prescribed period before the registration of a trade mark expires, ask the Registrar to renew the registration.
(2) The request must: (a) be in an approved form; and (b) be filed in accordance with the regulations.
76 Notice of renewal due
If, at the beginning of the prescribed period, the Registrar has not received a request for the renewal of the registration of the trade mark, the Registrar must, in accordance with the regulations, notify the registered owner of the trade mark that the renewal is due. Note: For registered owner see section 6.
77 Renewal before registration expires
(1) If a request for the renewal of the registration of a trade mark is made in accordance with section 75, the Registrar must renew the
Part 7 Registration of trade marks Division 2 Renewal of registration (general)
Section 78
50 Trade Marks Act 1995
registration for a period of 10 years from the day on which the registration of the trade mark would expire if it were not renewed.
(2) The Registrar must give notice of the renewal to the registered owner of the trade mark in accordance with the regulations. Note: For registered owner see section 6.
78 Failure to renew
If the registration of a trade mark is not renewed under section 77, then:
(a) subject to sections 79 and 80, the registration ceases to have effect when it expires; and
(b) unless the registration is renewed under section 79, the Registrar must remove the trade mark from the Register 6 months after the day on which the registration expired.
Note: For month and Register see section 6.
79 Renewal within 6 months after registration expires
If, within 6 months after the registration of a trade mark has expired, a person asks the Registrar, in accordance with subsection 75(2), to renew the registration of the trade mark, the Registrar must renew the registration of the trade mark for 10 years from the day on which the registration expired. Note: For month see section 6.
80 Status of unrenewed trade mark
If: (a) the registration of a trade mark (unrenewed trade mark) has
not been renewed under section 77 or 79; and (b) an application for the registration of a trade mark is made, or
has already been made, by a person other than the person who was registered as the owner of the unrenewed trade mark;
the unrenewed trade mark is taken to be a registered trade mark for the purposes of the application at any time when the registration of the unrenewed trade mark could have been renewed under section 79.
Registration of trade marks Part 7 Renewal of registration (registration delayed for 10 or more years after filing date)
Division 3
Section 80A
Trade Marks Act 1995 51
Division 3—Renewal of registration (registration delayed for 10 or more years after filing date)
80A Application of this Division
(1) This Division applies to a registered trade mark if particulars of registration were entered in the Register under section 69 on a day (Register entry day) that occurs after the end of the period of 10 years after the filing date of the application for registration. Note: For filing date see section 6.
(2) For the purposes of this Division, each of the following is a potential renewal period in relation to the registered trade mark:
(a) the period (first potential renewal period) of 10 years that commenced 10 years after the filing date of the application for registration;
(b) any successive period of 10 years, being a period that commences before the Register entry day.
(3) For the purposes of this Division, the prescribed period is a period that:
(a) is specified in the regulations; and (b) commences on the Register entry day.
80B Expiry of registration
To avoid doubt, the registration of the trade mark is taken to have expired, in accordance with subsection 72(3), 10 years after the filing date of the application for registration. Note: For filing date see section 6.
80C Notice about renewal
As soon as practicable after the Register entry day, the Registrar must, in accordance with the regulations, notify the registered owner of the trade mark that a request may be made for renewal of the registration. Note: For registered owner see section 6.
Part 7 Registration of trade marks Division 3 Renewal of registration (registration delayed for 10 or more years after filing date)
Section 80D
52 Trade Marks Act 1995
80D Request for renewal
(1) Any person may, within the prescribed period, ask the Registrar to renew, or successively renew, the registration of the trade mark for one or more potential renewal periods nominated in the request.
(2) The nomination must cover at least the first potential renewal period.
(3) If the nomination relates to more than one potential renewal period, the nomination must cover continuous periods.
(4) The request must: (a) be in an approved form; and (b) be filed in accordance with the regulations.
80E Renewal within prescribed period
(1) If a request for the renewal of the registration of the trade mark is made in accordance with section 80D, the Registrar must renew, or successively renew, the registration for the potential renewal period or periods to which the request relates.
(2) The Registrar must give notice of the renewal or renewals to the registered owner of the trade mark in accordance with the regulations. Note: For registered owner see section 6.
80F Failure to renew
If the registration of the trade mark is not renewed under section 80E, or is not renewed under section 80E for each of the potential renewal periods, then:
(a) subject to sections 80G and 80H, the registration ceases to have effect:
(i) if the registration was not renewed under section 80E— when it expired in accordance with section 72(3); or
(ii) if the registration was renewed under section 80E for one or more potential renewal periods—at the end of the last of those periods; and
Registration of trade marks Part 7 Renewal of registration (registration delayed for 10 or more years after filing date)
Division 3
Section 80G
Trade Marks Act 1995 53
(b) unless the registration is renewed under section 80G, the Registrar must remove the trade mark from the Register 10 months after the end of the prescribed period.
Note: For month see section 6.
80G Renewal within 10 months after end of prescribed period
(1) If: (a) the registration of the trade mark is not renewed under
section 80E; and (b) within 10 months after the end of the prescribed period, a
person asks the Registrar to renew, or successively renew, the registration of the trade mark for one or more potential renewal periods nominated in the request;
the Registrar must renew, or successively renew, the registration for the potential renewal period or periods to which the request relates. Note: For month see section 6.
(2) The nomination must cover at least the first potential renewal period.
(3) If the nomination relates to more than one potential renewal period, the nomination must cover continuous periods.
(4) The request must: (a) be in an approved form; and (b) be filed in accordance with the regulations.
80H Status of unrenewed trade mark
If: (a) the registration of the trade mark is not renewed under
section 80E; and (b) the registration of the trade mark (unrenewed trade mark)
has not been renewed under section 80G; and (c) an application for the registration of a trade mark is made, or
has already been made, by a person other than the person who was registered as the owner of the unrenewed trade mark;
Part 7 Registration of trade marks Division 3 Renewal of registration (registration delayed for 10 or more years after filing date)
Section 80H
54 Trade Marks Act 1995
the unrenewed trade mark is taken to be a registered trade mark for the purposes of the application at any time when the registration of the unrenewed trade mark could have been renewed under section 80G.
Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Part 8 Action by Registrar Division 1
Section 81
Trade Marks Act 1995 55
Part 8—Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration
Division 1—Action by Registrar
Subdivision A—Amending Register
81 Correction of Register
The Registrar may, on his or her own initiative, correct any error or omission made in entering in the Register any particular in respect of the registration of a trade mark. Note: For Register see section 6.
82 Adaptation of classification
The Registrar may, in accordance with the regulations, amend the Register (whether by making, removing or altering entries) for the purpose of adapting the designation of the goods or services in respect of which trade marks are registered to reflect any change that has occurred in the classification of goods or services for the purposes of this Act. Note 1: For Register see section 6.
Note 2: For the classification of goods and services see subsection 19(3).
82A Linking series registrations
(1) Subsection (2) applies if: (a) before the commencement of this section, 2 or more
applications were made each seeking the registration of the same 2 or more trade marks in respect of goods or services of different classes; and
(b) the filing date of each of those applications is the same; and (c) the trade marks are registered trade marks for the purposes of
this Act with the same registered owner. Note: For filing date, registered owner and registered trade mark see
section 6.
Part 8 Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Division 1 Action by Registrar
Section 83
56 Trade Marks Act 1995
(2) The registered owner may apply to the Registrar, in writing, to have those trade marks, or so many of those trade marks as are identified in the application to the Registrar, dealt with under this Act as if they were registered as a series in one registration in respect of all goods and services in respect of which the trade marks, or the identified trade marks, were registered. Note: For this Act and registered owner see section 6.
(3) If an application is made under subsection (2), the Registrar must deal with the trade marks, or the identified trade marks, as if they were one registration.
83 Amendment of particulars of trade mark entered in Register
(1) Subject to Part 11, the Registrar may, at the written request of the registered owner of a registered trade mark:
(a) amend the representation of the trade mark as entered in the Register if the amendment does not substantially affect the identity of the trade mark as at the time when the particulars of the application for the registration of the trade mark were published under section 30; or
(b) amend any particulars entered in the Register relating to any goods or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered if the amendment does not have the effect of extending the rights that (apart from the amendment) the owner has under the registration; or
(c) amend, or enter in the Register, any other particular in respect of the trade mark if the amendment or entry does not have the effect of extending the rights that (apart from the amendment or entry) the owner has under the registration.
Note: For registered owner, registered trade mark and Register see section 6.
(2) An appeal lies to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar under subsection (1). Note: See sections 215 and 216 for amendments of the Register to record
changes in addresses for service and in the names of registered owners etc.
Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Part 8 Action by Registrar Division 1
Section 83A
Trade Marks Act 1995 57
83A Amendment of registered trade mark—inconsistency with international agreements
(1) This section applies to a registered trade mark if: (a) using the trade mark in relation to any or all of the goods or
services in respect of which the trade mark is registered would be inconsistent with any relevant obligation of Australia under an international agreement; and
(b) at the time when the particulars of registration of the trade mark were entered in the Register, the obligation did not exist.
(2) The registered owner of the registered trade mark may, in writing, request the Registrar to do either or both of the following:
(a) amend the representation of the trade mark as entered in the Register to remove or substitute part (but not the whole) of the representation;
(b) amend the particulars entered in the Register in respect of the trade mark to remove or substitute any or all of the particulars.
(3) The Registrar must advertise the request for the amendment in the Official Journal. Note: In certain circumstances the Registrar need not advertise a request
under this subsection (see subsection (7)).
(4) A person may, as prescribed, oppose the granting of the request for the amendment on the ground that, if the amendment is made, the trade mark will be substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to:
(a) a trade mark registered in the name of the person in respect of similar or closely related goods or similar or closely related services; or
(b) a trade mark that is being used by the person in respect of similar or closely related goods or similar or closely related services.
Note: In certain circumstances a person cannot oppose the granting of a request under this subsection (see subsection (7)).
(5) The Registrar may grant the request for the amendment if he or she is satisfied that the amendment is reasonable, having regard to:
Part 8 Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Division 1 Action by Registrar
Section 84
58 Trade Marks Act 1995
(a) the extent to which the amendment relates to the inconsistency; and
(b) whether the amendment involves replacing a term (the existing term) with another term that is recognised by the industry in which the trade mark is used as being a substitute for the existing term; and
(c) if a person has opposed the request for the amendment under subsection (4)—the extent (if any) to which the ground on which the request was opposed has been established; and
(d) in any case—any other relevant circumstance.
(6) The Registrar may grant the request for the amendment even if the amendment would:
(a) substantially affect the identity of the trade mark; or (b) extend the rights that the registered owner has under the
registration.
(7) If the Registrar is satisfied that the request for the amendment would not be granted even in the absence of opposition under subsection (4):
(a) the Registrar need not advertise the request in accordance with subsection (3); and
(b) the request cannot be opposed, despite subsection (4); and (c) the Registrar must refuse to grant the request.
(8) The registered owner who made the request for amendment, or a person who opposes the request under subsection (4), may appeal to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar under this section.
Subdivision B—Cancelling registration
84 Cancellation of registration
(1) The Registrar must cancel the registration of a trade mark in accordance with the regulations if the registered owner asks in writing that the registration be cancelled. Note: For registered owner see section 6.
(2) Before cancelling the registration of the trade mark, the Registrar must notify in accordance with the regulations:
Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Part 8 Action by Registrar Division 1
Section 84A
Trade Marks Act 1995 59
(a) any person recorded under Part 11 as claiming a right in respect of, or an interest in, the trade mark; and
(b) if: (i) an application has been made to the Registrar for a
record of the assignment or transmission of the trade mark to a person to be entered in the Register (see section 109); and
(ii) the assignment has not yet been recorded; the person to whom the trade mark has been assigned or transmitted.
Subdivision C—Revoking registration
84A Registration may be revoked
Power to revoke
(1) The Registrar may revoke the registration of a trade mark if he or she is satisfied that:
(a) the trade mark should not have been registered, taking account of all the circumstances that existed when the trade mark became registered (whether or not the Registrar knew then of their existence); and
(b) it is reasonable to revoke the registration, taking account of all the circumstances.
(2) The circumstances to be taken into account under paragraph (1)(a) include the following:
(a) any errors (including errors of judgment) or omissions that led directly or indirectly to the registration;
(b) any relevant obligations of Australia under an international agreement;
(c) any special circumstances making it appropriate: (i) not to register the trade mark; or
(ii) to register the trade mark only if the registration were subject to conditions or limitations to which the registration was not actually subject.
(3) The circumstances to be taken into account under paragraph (1)(b) include the following:
(a) any use that has been made of the trade mark;
Part 8 Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Division 1 Action by Registrar
Section 84B
60 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) any past, current or proposed legal proceedings relating to the trade mark as a registered trade mark or to the registration of the trade mark;
(c) other action taken in relation to the trade mark as a registered trade mark;
(d) any special circumstances making it appropriate: (i) to revoke the registration; or
(ii) not to revoke the registration. Note: For use of a trade mark see section 6.
Prerequisites to revocation decision
(4) The Registrar may revoke the registration of the trade mark only if the Registrar gives notice of the proposed revocation to each of the following persons in accordance with the regulations within 12 months of registering the trade mark:
(a) the registered owner of the trade mark; (b) any person recorded under Part 11 as claiming a right in
respect of, or an interest in, the trade mark. Note: For registered owner see section 6.
(5) The Registrar must not revoke the registration of the trade mark without giving each of the following persons the opportunity to be heard:
(a) the registered owner of the trade mark; (b) any person recorded under Part 11 as claiming a right in
respect of, or an interest in, the trade mark. Note: For registered owner see section 6.
No duty to consider whether to revoke
(6) The Registrar does not have a duty to consider whether to revoke the registration under this section, whether or not the Registrar is requested to do so.
84B Registration must be revoked if opposition was ignored in registration process
The Registrar must revoke the registration of a trade mark if: (a) either:
Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Part 8 Action by Registrar Division 1
Section 84C
Trade Marks Act 1995 61
(i) a notice of opposition to the registration was filed in accordance with subsection 52(2); or
(ii) before the registration, a person applied in accordance with the regulations for an extension of the period for filing a notice of opposition to the registration; and
(b) the Registrar failed to take account of the opposition or application in deciding to register the trade mark; and
(c) the Registrar becomes aware of the failure within 1 month after the notice was filed or the application was made.
The revocation must be done within that month. Note: If the Registrar becomes aware of the failure later, he or she may be
able to revoke the registration under section 84A.
84C Effect of revocation of registration
(1) This section applies if the Registrar revokes the registration of a trade mark under section 84A or 84B.
(2) This Act generally applies as if the registration had never occurred, but:
(a) subsection 129(4) applies as if the trade mark had ceased to be registered at the time of the revocation; and
(b) if the Customs CEO, purporting to act under Part 13, seizes goods in respect of which the trade mark was registered before the revocation, the Commonwealth is not liable for any loss or damage suffered because of the seizure, unless:
(i) the Registrar gives the Customs CEO written notice of the revocation; and
(ii) the seizure occurs after the notice is given to the Customs CEO; and
(c) Part 14 applies as if the trade mark had ceased to be registered at the time of the revocation; and
(d) subsection 230(2) applies in relation to a defendant who was the registered owner of the trade mark before the revocation as if the trade mark had ceased to be registered at the time of the revocation; and
(e) subsection 230(2) applies in relation to a defendant who was an authorised user of the trade mark before the revocation as if the trade mark had ceased to be registered at the time the defendant became aware of the revocation.
Part 8 Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Division 1 Action by Registrar
Section 84D
62 Trade Marks Act 1995
Note: For registered owner see section 6.
(3) To avoid doubt, paragraph (2)(b) does not, by itself, make the Commonwealth liable if the circumstances described in subparagraphs (2)(b)(i) and (ii) exist.
(4) This Act applies as if, just after the revocation: (a) the application for registration of the trade mark reflected the
particulars in the Register for the trade mark just before the revocation; and
(b) the applicant for registration of the trade mark were the person in whose name the trade mark was registered just before the revocation.
(5) This subsection has effect if the Registrar revokes the acceptance of the application for registration of the trade mark after revoking the registration. The Registrar may, but need not, examine the application again under section 31 before rejecting the application. This has effect despite paragraph 38(2)(b).
84D Appeal from revocation of registration
An appeal lies to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar to revoke the registration of a trade mark under section 84A.
Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Part 8 Action by court Division 2
Section 85
Trade Marks Act 1995 63
Division 2—Action by court
85 Amendment to correct error or omission
A prescribed court may, on the application of an aggrieved person, order that the Register be rectified by:
(a) entering in the Register particulars that were wrongly omitted from it; or
(b) correcting any error in an entry in the Register. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
86 Amendment or cancellation on ground of contravention of condition etc.
A prescribed court may, on the application of an aggrieved person or the Registrar, order that the Register be rectified by:
(a) cancelling the registration of a trade mark; or (b) removing or amending any entry in the Register relating to
the trade mark; on the ground that a condition or limitation entered in the Register in relation to the trade mark has been contravened. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
87 Amendment or cancellation—loss of exclusive rights to use trade mark
(1) If section 24 or 25 applies in relation to a registered trade mark, a prescribed court may, on the application of an aggrieved person or the Registrar, but subject to subsection (2) and section 89, order that the Register be rectified by:
(a) cancelling the registration of the trade mark; or (b) removing or amending any entry in the Register relating to
the trade mark; having regard to the effect of section 24 or 25 (as the case may be) on the right of the registered owner of the trade mark to use the trade mark, or any sign that is part of the trade mark, in relation to particular goods or services.
Part 8 Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Division 2 Action by court
Section 88
64 Trade Marks Act 1995
(2) If section 24 or 25 applies in relation to the trade mark because the trade mark contains a sign that:
(a) has become generally accepted within the relevant trade as the sign that describes or is the name of an article, substance or service; or
(b) describes or is the name of: (i) an article or substance that was formerly exploited
under a patent; or (ii) a service that was formerly provided as a patented
process; the court may decide not to make an order under subsection (1) and allow the trade mark to remain on the Register in respect of:
(c) the article or substance or goods of the same description; or (d) the service or services of the same description;
subject to any condition or limitation that the court may impose. Note 1: Sections 24 and 25 provide that the registered owner of a trade mark
does not have exclusive rights to use, or to authorise the use of, the trade mark if it consists of, or contains, a sign that: (a) becomes generally accepted within the relevant trade as the sign
that describes or is the name of an article, substance or service; or (b) is the only commonly known way to describe or identify an article
formerly exploited under a patent, or a service formerly provided as a patented process, where the patent has expired more than 2 years ago.
Note 2: For registered trade mark, registered owner and Register see section 6.
Note 3: For prescribed court see section 190.
88 Amendment or cancellation—other specified grounds
(1) Subject to subsection (2) and section 89, a prescribed court may, on the application of an aggrieved person or the Registrar, order that the Register be rectified by:
(a) cancelling the registration of a trade mark; or (b) removing or amending an entry wrongly made or remaining
on the Register; or (c) entering any condition or limitation affecting the registration
of a trade mark that ought to be entered.
(2) An application may be made on any of the following grounds, and on no other grounds:
Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Part 8 Action by court Division 2
Section 88A
Trade Marks Act 1995 65
(a) any of the grounds on which the registration of the trade mark could have been opposed under this Act;
(b) an amendment of the application for the registration of the trade mark was obtained as a result of fraud, false suggestion or misrepresentation; (c) because of the circumstances applying at the time when
the application for rectification is filed, the use of the trade mark is likely to deceive or cause confusion;
(e) if the application is in respect of an entry in the Register—the entry was made, or has been previously amended, as a result of fraud, false suggestion or misrepresentation.
Note 1: For prescribed court see section 190.
Note 2: For file, registered owner and this Act see section 6.
88A Applications by Registrar
The Registrar must not make an application under section 86, 87 or 88 unless he or she considers the application desirable in the public interest.
89 Rectification may not be granted in certain cases if registered owner not at fault etc.
(1) The court may decide not to grant an application for rectification made:
(a) under section 87; or (b) on the ground that the trade mark is liable to deceive or
confuse (a ground on which its registration could have been opposed, see paragraph 88(2)(a)); or
(c) on the ground referred to in paragraph 88(2)(c); if the registered owner of the trade mark satisfies the court that the ground relied on by the applicant has not arisen through any act or fault of the registered owner. Note: For registered owner see section 6.
(2) In making a decision under subsection (1), the court: (a) must also take into account any matter that is prescribed; and (b) may take into account any other matter that the court
considers relevant.
Part 8 Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Division 2 Action by court
Section 90
66 Trade Marks Act 1995
90 Duties and powers of Registrar
(1) An aggrieved person applying to a prescribed court under this Division must give notice of the application to the Registrar. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
(2) In relation to an application made by an aggrieved person, the Registrar may appear before the court and be heard at his or her discretion unless the court directs the Registrar to appear before the court.
(3) If the application is made by an aggrieved person, the applicant must give to the Registrar a copy of any order made by the court under this Division.
(4) The Registrar must comply with any order made by the court under this Division.
Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration Part 8 Amendment of certificate of registration Division 3
Section 91
Trade Marks Act 1995 67
Division 3—Amendment of certificate of registration
91 Amendment of certificate of registration
When the Registrar amends any particular entered in the Register in respect of a trade mark, the Registrar may also amend the certificate of registration if he or she thinks it appropriate to do so.
Part 9 Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use
Section 92
68 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 9—Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use
92 Application for removal of trade mark from Register etc.
(1) Subject to subsection (3), a person may apply to the Registrar to have a trade mark that is or may be registered removed from the Register.
(2) The application: (a) must be in accordance with the regulations; and (b) may be made in respect of any or all of the goods and/or
services in respect of which the trade mark may be, or is, registered.
(3) An application may not be made to the Registrar under subsection (1) if an action concerning the trade mark is pending in a prescribed court, but the person may apply to the court for an order directing the Registrar to remove the trade mark from the Register. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
(4) An application under subsection (1) or (3) (non-use application) may be made on either or both of the following grounds, and on no other grounds:
(a) that, on the day on which the application for the registration of the trade mark was filed, the applicant for registration had no intention in good faith:
(i) to use the trade mark in Australia; or (ii) to authorise the use of the trade mark in Australia; or
(iii) to assign the trade mark to a body corporate for use by the body corporate in Australia;
in relation to the goods and/or services to which the non-use application relates and that the registered owner: (iv) has not used the trade mark in Australia; or
Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use Part 9
Section 93
Trade Marks Act 1995 69
(v) has not used the trade mark in good faith in Australia; in relation to those goods and/or services at any time before the period of one month ending on the day on which the non-use application is filed;
(b) that the trade mark has remained registered for a continuous period of 3 years ending one month before the day on which the non-use application is filed, and, at no time during that period, the person who was then the registered owner:
(i) used the trade mark in Australia; or (ii) used the trade mark in good faith in Australia;
in relation to the goods and/or services to which the application relates.
Note 1: For file and month see section 6.
Note 2: If non-use of a trade mark has been established in a particular place or export market, then instead of the trade mark being removed from the Register, conditions or limitations may be imposed under section 102 on the registration of the trade mark so that its registration does not extend to that place or export market.
(5) If the right or interest on which a person relied to make an application (under subsection (1) or (3)) to obtain the removal of a trade mark from the Register becomes vested in another person, the other person may, on giving notice of the relevant facts to the Registrar or the court (as the case requires), be substituted for the first-mentioned person as the applicant.
93 Time for making application
(1) Subject to subsection (2), an application for the removal of a trade mark from the Register may be made at any time after the filing date in respect of the application for the registration of the trade mark.
(2) An application on the ground referred to in paragraph 92(4)(b) may not be made before a period of 5 years has passed from the filing date in respect of the application for the registration of the trade mark. Note: For filing date see section 6.
Part 9 Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use
Section 94
70 Trade Marks Act 1995
94 Referral to court
If: (a) an application has been made to the Registrar under
subsection 92(1); and (b) the Registrar is of the opinion that the matter should be
decided by a prescribed court; the Registrar may refer the matter to such a court and the court may hear and determine the matter as if an application had been made to it under subsection 92(3).
95 Notification of application
(1) If an application has been made to the Registrar under section 92, the Registrar must give notice of the application in accordance with the regulations.
(2) If the application is in respect of a trade mark already entered on the Register, the Registrar must advertise the application in the Official Journal.
(3) If the application is in respect of a trade mark whose registration is being sought, the Registrar is to advertise the application in the Official Journal only if the trade mark is registered.
96 Notice of opposition
(1) Any person may oppose an application under section 92 by filing a notice of opposition with the Registrar or the court, as the case requires.
(2) The notice of opposition: (a) must be in a form approved by the Registrar or by the court;
and (b) must be filed in accordance with the regulations or the rules
of court (as the case may be). Note: For file see section 6.
Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use Part 9
Section 96A
Trade Marks Act 1995 71
96A Circumstances in which opposition may proceed in name of a person other than the person who filed the notice
If: (a) after a person has filed a notice of opposition, the right or
interest on which the person relied to file the notice of opposition becomes vested in another person; and
(b) the other person: (i) notifies the Registrar or the court (as the case may be) in
writing that the right or interest is vested in him or her; and
(ii) does not withdraw the opposition; the opposition is to proceed as if the notice of opposition had been filed in that other person’s name. Note: For file see section 6.
97 Removal of trade mark from the Register etc. if application unopposed
(1) If there is no opposition to an application to the Registrar under subsection 92(1), the Registrar must remove the trade mark from the Register in respect of the goods and/or services specified in the application.
(2) If there is no opposition to an application to a court under subsection 92(3), the court must order the Registrar to remove the trade mark from the Register in respect of the goods and/or services specified in the application. The court must cause a copy of the order to be served on the Registrar and the Registrar must comply with the order.
98 Trade mark restored to Register if notice of opposition filed within extended time
If: (a) the Registrar has removed a trade mark from the Register
under subsection 97(1) because no notice of opposition was filed within the period provided under the regulations; and
(b) the Registrar subsequently extends the period within which the notice may be filed; and
Part 9 Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use
Section 99
72 Trade Marks Act 1995
(c) a notice of opposition is filed within the extended period; the Registrar must restore the trade mark to the Register. Also, the trade mark is taken not to have been removed from the Register. Note: For file see section 6.
99 Proceedings before Registrar
If an application to the Registrar is opposed, the Registrar must deal with the matter in accordance with the regulations.
100 Burden on opponent to establish use of trade mark etc.
(1) In any proceedings relating to an opposed application, it is for the opponent to rebut:
(a) any allegation made under paragraph 92(4)(a) that, on the day on which the application for the registration of the trade mark was filed, the applicant for registration had no intention in good faith:
(i) to use the trade mark in Australia; or (ii) to authorise the use of the trade mark in Australia; or
(iii) to assign the trade mark to a body corporate for use by the body corporate in Australia;
in relation to the goods and/or services to which the opposed application relates (relevant goods and/or services); or
(b) any allegation made under paragraph 92(4)(a) that the trade mark has not, at any time before the period of one month ending on the day on which the opposed application was filed, been used, or been used in good faith, by its registered owner in relation to the relevant goods and/or services; or
(c) any allegation made under paragraph 92(4)(b) that the trade mark has not, at any time during the period of 3 years ending one month before the day on which the opposed application was filed, been used, or been used in good faith, by its registered owner in relation to the relevant goods and/or services.
Note 1: If the registered owner of the trade mark has authorised another person to use it, any authorised use of the trade mark by that person is taken to be a use of the trade mark by the registered owner (see subsection 7(3)).
Note 2: For file, month and registered owner see section 6.
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Section 100
Trade Marks Act 1995 73
(2) For the purposes of paragraph 1(b), the opponent is taken to have rebutted the allegation that the trade mark has not, at any time before the period referred to in that paragraph, been used, or been used in good faith, by its registered owner in relation to the relevant goods and/or services if:
(a) the opponent has established that the trade mark or the trade mark with additions or alterations not substantially affecting its identity, was used in good faith by its registered owner in relation to those goods or services before that period; or
(b) in a case where the trade mark has been assigned but a record of the assignment has not been entered in the Register:
(i) the opponent has established that the trade mark, or the trade mark with additions or alterations not substantially affecting its identity, was used in good faith by the assignee in relation to those goods or services before that period and that that use was in accordance with the terms of the assignment; and
(ii) the Registrar or the court is of the opinion that it is reasonable, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, to treat the use of the trade mark by the assignee before that period as having been a use of the trade mark in relation to those goods or services by the registered owner.
Note 1: If the registered owner of the trade mark has authorised another person to use it, any authorised use of the trade mark by that person is taken to be a use of the trade mark by the registered owner (see subsection 7(3)).
Note 2: For registered owner see section 6.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph 1(c), the opponent is taken to have rebutted the allegation that the trade mark has not, at any time during the period referred to in that paragraph, been used, or been used in good faith, by its registered owner in relation to the relevant goods and/or services if:
(a) the opponent has established that the trade mark, or the trade mark with additions or alterations not substantially affecting its identity, was used in good faith by its registered owner in relation to those goods or services during that period; or
(b) in a case where the trade mark has been assigned but a record of the assignment has not been entered in the Register:
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Section 101
74 Trade Marks Act 1995
(i) the opponent has established that the trade mark, or the trade mark with additions or alterations not substantially affecting its identity, was used in good faith by the assignee of the trade mark in relation to those goods or services during that period and that that use was in accordance with the terms of the assignment; and
(ii) the Registrar or the court is of the opinion that it is reasonable, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, to treat the use of the trade mark by the assignee during that period as having been a use of the trade mark in relation to those goods or services by the registered owner; or
(c) the opponent has established that the trade mark was not used by its registered owner in relation to those goods and/or services during that period because of circumstances (whether affecting traders generally or only the registered owner of the trade mark) that were an obstacle to the use of the trade mark during that period.
Note 1: If the registered owner of the trade mark has authorised another person to use it, any authorised use of the trade mark by that person is taken to be a use of the trade mark by the registered owner (see subsection 7(3)).
Note 2: For registered owner see section 6.
101 Determination of opposed application—general
(1) Subject to subsection (3) and to section 102, if: (a) the proceedings relating to an opposed application have not
been discontinued or dismissed; and (b) the Registrar is satisfied that the grounds on which the
application was made have been established; the Registrar may decide to remove the trade mark from the Register in respect of any or all of the goods and/or services to which the application relates.
(2) Subject to subsection (3) and to section 102, if, at the end of the proceedings relating to an opposed application, the court is satisfied that the grounds on which the application was made have been established, the court may order the Registrar to remove the trade mark from the Register in respect of any or all of the goods and/or services to which the application relates.
Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use Part 9
Section 102
Trade Marks Act 1995 75
(3) If satisfied that it is reasonable to do so, the Registrar or the court may decide that the trade mark should not be removed from the Register even if the grounds on which the application was made have been established.
(4) Without limiting the matters the Registrar may take into account in deciding under subsection (3) not to remove a trade mark from the Register, the Registrar may take into account whether the trade mark has been used by its registered owner in respect of:
(a) similar goods or closely related services; or (b) similar services or closely related goods;
to those to which the application relates. Note 1: If the registered owner of the trade mark has authorised another
person to use it, any authorised use of the trade mark by that person is taken to be a use of the trade mark by the registered owner (see subsection 7(3)).
Note 2: For registered owner see section 6.
102 Determination of opposed application—localised use of trade mark
(1) This section applies if an application for the removal of a trade mark (challenged trade mark) from the Register is made on the ground referred to in paragraph 92(4)(b) and:
(a) the applicant is the registered owner of a trade mark that is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, the challenged trade mark and is registered in respect of the goods and/or services specified in the application subject to the condition or limitation that the use of the trade mark is to be restricted to:
(i) goods and/or services to be dealt with or provided in a particular place (specified place) in Australia (otherwise than for export from Australia); or
(ii) goods and/or services to be exported to a particular market (specified market); or
(b) the Registrar or the court is of the opinion that such a trade mark may properly be registered in the name of the applicant with that condition or limitation.
Note 1: For registered owner see section 6.
Note 2: For deceptively similar see section 10.
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Section 103
76 Trade Marks Act 1995
(2) If the Registrar or the court is satisfied: (a) that the challenged trade mark has remained registered for
the period referred to in paragraph 92(4)(b); and (b) that during that period there has been no use, or no use in
good faith, of the challenged trade mark in relation to: (i) goods or services dealt with or provided in the specified
place; or (ii) goods or services to be exported to the specified market;
the Registrar may decide, or the court may order, that the challenged trade mark should not be removed from the Register but that the registration of the trade mark should be subject to the conditions or limitations that the Registrar or the court considers necessary to ensure that the registration does not extend to the use of the trade mark in relation to:
(c) goods or services dealt with or provided in the specified place; or
(d) goods or services to be exported to the specified market. Note: For limitations see section 6.
103 Registrar to comply with order of court
A court making an order under section 101 or 102 must cause a copy of the order to be served on the Registrar and the Registrar must comply with the order.
104 Appeal
An appeal lies to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar under section 101 or 102.
105 Certificate—use of trade mark
(1) If in any proceedings relating to an opposed application the Registrar or the court has found that:
(a) a trade mark has been used in good faith during a particular period; or
Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use Part 9
Section 105
Trade Marks Act 1995 77
(b) a trade mark has not been used during a particular period solely because of circumstances that were an obstacle to its use;
the Registrar or the court must, if so requested by the registered owner of the trade mark, give to the registered owner a certificate of those findings.
(2) In any subsequent proceedings in which non-use of the trade mark is alleged:
(a) the certificate is, on being produced, evidence of the facts stated in it; and
(b) if the proceedings are determined in favour of the opponent and, on or before filing the notice of opposition, the opponent notified the applicant of the contents of the certificate—the opponent is entitled, unless the Registrar or the court otherwise directs, to have the opponent’s full costs paid by the applicant.
Part 10 Assignment and transmission of trade marks
Section 106
78 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 10—Assignment and transmission of trade marks
106 Assignment etc. of trade mark
(1) A registered trade mark, or a trade mark whose registration is being sought, may be assigned or transmitted in accordance with this section.
(2) The assignment or transmission may be partial, that is, it may apply to some only of the goods and/or services in respect of which registration is sought or the trade mark is registered, but it may not be partial in relation to the use of a trade mark in a particular area.
(3) The assignment or transmission may be with or without the goodwill of the business concerned in the relevant goods and/or services. Note: For assignment and transmission see section 6.
107 Applications for record to be made of assignment etc. of trade mark whose registration is sought
(1) If a trade mark whose registration is being sought is assigned or transmitted:
(a) the applicant for the registration of the trade mark; or (b) the person to whom it has been assigned or transmitted;
must apply to the Registrar for the assignment or transmission to be recorded.
(2) The application must: (a) be in an approved form; and (b) be filed, together with any prescribed document, in
accordance with the regulations. Note: For approved form and file see section 6.
Assignment and transmission of trade marks Part 10
Section 108
Trade Marks Act 1995 79
108 Recording of assignment etc. of trade mark whose registration is sought
(1) If the application complies with this Act, the Registrar must: (a) at, or within, the time provided for in the regulations, record
in the manner that the Registrar thinks fit (but not in the Register) the particulars of the assignment or transmission; and
(b) publish the particulars of the assignment or transmission in accordance with the regulations.
(2) On and after the day on which the Registrar records the particulars of the assignment or transmission, the person to whom the trade mark has been assigned or transmitted is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to be the applicant for the registration of the trade mark.
109 Application for record of assignment etc. of registered trade mark to be entered in Register
(1) If a registered trade mark is assigned or transmitted: (a) the person registered as the owner of the trade mark; or (b) the person to whom the trade mark has been assigned or
transmitted; must apply to the Registrar for a record of the assignment or transmission to be entered in the Register.
(2) The application must: (a) be in an approved form; and (b) be filed, together with any prescribed document, in
accordance with the regulations. Note: For approved form and file see section 6.
110 Recording of assignment etc. of registered trade mark
(1) If the application complies with this Act, the Registrar must, at, or within, the time provided for in the regulations:
(a) enter the particulars of the assignment or transmission in the Register; and
(b) register the person to whom the trade mark has been assigned or transmitted (beneficiary) as the owner of the trade mark in
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Section 111
80 Trade Marks Act 1995
relation to the goods and/or services in respect of which the assignment or transmission has effect.
(2) The particulars are taken to have been entered in the Register on the day on which the application was filed, and the registration of the beneficiary as the owner of the trade mark is taken to have had effect from and including that day.
(3) The Registrar must advertise in the Official Journal: (a) the recording of the assignment or transmission; and (b) the registration of the beneficiary as the owner of the trade
mark.
111 Notice of application to be given to person recorded as claiming interest in trade mark etc.
If an application made under section 107 or 109 in relation to the assignment or transmission of a trade mark complies with this Act, the Registrar must notify in accordance with the regulations any person recorded under Part 11 as claiming an interest in, or a right in respect of, the trade mark.
Voluntary recording of claims to interests in and rights in respect of trade marks Part 11
Preliminary Division 1
Section 112
Trade Marks Act 1995 81
Part 11—Voluntary recording of claims to interests in and rights in respect of trade marks
Division 1—Preliminary
112 Object of Part
This Part makes provision: (a) for recording in the Register claims to interests in, and rights
in respect of, registered trade marks that may not be so recorded under another Part; and
(b) for the Registrar to keep a record of claims to interests in, and rights in respect of, trade marks for which registration is sought.
Note: For registered trade mark see section 6.
Part 11 Voluntary recording of claims to interests in and rights in respect of trade marks Division 2 Interests in, and rights in respect of, registered trade marks
Section 113
82 Trade Marks Act 1995
Division 2—Interests in, and rights in respect of, registered trade marks
113 Application for registration of interest or right in trade mark
Scope
(1) This section applies in relation to an interest in, or right in respect of, a registered trade mark, if the interest or right may not be recorded in the Register under Part 10.
Application for registration of interest or right
(2) A person claiming the interest or right may apply to the Registrar to have particulars of the claim recorded in the Register.
(3) The application must: (a) be in an approved form; and (b) be accompanied by proof to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Registrar of the applicant’s entitlement to the claimed interest or right; and
(c) be filed in accordance with the regulations. Note: For registered trade mark, approved form and file see section 6.
114 Record of claims to interest etc.
(1) If the application has been made in accordance with section 113, the Registrar must enter in the Register the particulars of the claim set out in the application.
(2) If: (a) a trade mark is registered; and (b) immediately before the registration, particulars of a claim to
an interest in, or right in respect of, the trade mark were recorded under Division 3;
the Registrar must enter those particulars in the Register.
Voluntary recording of claims to interests in and rights in respect of trade marks Part 11
Interests in, and rights in respect of, registered trade marks Division 2
Section 115
Trade Marks Act 1995 83
115 Amendment and cancellation
The regulations may provide for the amendment and cancellation of particulars entered in the Register under this Division.
116 Record not proof etc. of existence of right etc.
The fact that a record has been made in the Register under this Part that a person claims an interest in, or a right in respect of, a registered trade mark is not proof or evidence that the person has that right or interest.
Part 11 Voluntary recording of claims to interests in and rights in respect of trade marks Division 3 Interests in, and rights in respect of, unregistered trade marks
Section 117
84 Trade Marks Act 1995
Division 3—Interests in, and rights in respect of, unregistered trade marks
117 Application for recording of interest or right in trade mark
Scope
(1) This section applies in relation to an interest in, or right in respect of, a trade mark, if a person has applied for the registration of the trade mark.
Application for recording of interest or right
(2) A person claiming the interest or right may apply to the Registrar for a record to be kept of the claim.
(3) The application must: (a) be in an approved form; and (b) be accompanied by proof to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Registrar of the applicant’s entitlement to the claimed interest or right; and
(c) be filed in accordance with the regulations. Note: For registered trade mark, approved form and file see section 6.
118 Record of claims to interest etc.
If the application has been made in accordance with section 117, the Registrar must record in the manner that the Registrar thinks fit (but not in the Register) the particulars of the claim set out in the application.
119 Amendment and cancellation
The regulations may provide for the amendment and cancellation of particulars recorded under this Division.
Infringement of trade marks Part 12
Section 120
Trade Marks Act 1995 85
Part 12—Infringement of trade marks
120 When is a registered trade mark infringed?
(1) A person infringes a registered trade mark if the person uses as a trade mark a sign that is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, the trade mark in relation to goods or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered. Note 1: For registered trade mark see section 6.
Note 2: For deceptively similar see section 10.
Note 3: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected international trade mark: see Part 17A.
(2) A person infringes a registered trade mark if the person uses as a trade mark a sign that is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, the trade mark in relation to:
(a) goods of the same description as that of goods (registered goods) in respect of which the trade mark is registered; or
(b) services that are closely related to registered goods; or (c) services of the same description as that of services
(registered services) in respect of which the trade mark is registered; or
(d) goods that are closely related to registered services. However, the person is not taken to have infringed the trade mark if the person establishes that using the sign as the person did is not likely to deceive or cause confusion. Note 1: For registered trade mark see section 6.
Note 2: For deceptively similar see section 10.
Note 3: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected international trade mark: see Part 17A.
(3) A person infringes a registered trade mark if: (a) the trade mark is well known in Australia; and (b) the person uses as a trade mark a sign that is substantially
identical with, or deceptively similar to, the trade mark in relation to:
(i) goods (unrelated goods) that are not of the same description as that of the goods in respect of which the
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Section 121
86 Trade Marks Act 1995
trade mark is registered (registered goods) or are not closely related to services in respect of which the trade mark is registered (registered services); or
(ii) services (unrelated services) that are not of the same description as that of the registered services or are not closely related to registered goods; and
(c) because the trade mark is well known, the sign would be likely to be taken as indicating a connection between the unrelated goods or services and the registered owner of the trade mark; and
(d) for that reason, the interests of the registered owner are likely to be adversely affected.
Note 1: For registered trade mark see section 6.
Note 2: For deceptively similar see section 10.
Note 3: For well known in Australia see subsection (4).
Note 4: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected international trade mark: see Part 17A.
(4) In deciding, for the purposes of paragraph (3)(a), whether a trade mark is well known in Australia, one must take account of the extent to which the trade mark is known within the relevant sector of the public, whether as a result of the promotion of the trade mark or for any other reason.
121 Infringement of trade mark by breach of certain restrictions
(1) This section applies to a registered trade mark if the registered owner, or an authorised user of the trade mark having power to do so, has caused to be displayed on goods (registered goods) in respect of which the trade mark is registered, or on their package, or on the container in which they are offered to the public, a notice (notice of prohibition) prohibiting any act that is under subsection (2) a prohibited act in relation to the goods. Note 1: An authorised user of the trade mark may not have power to cause
notices of prohibition to be displayed on goods etc. because of the terms of the agreement between the authorised user and the registered owner of the trade mark (see section 26).
Note 2: For registered owner and registered trade mark see section 6.
Note 3: For authorised user see section 8.
Note 4: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected international trade mark: see Part 17A.
Infringement of trade marks Part 12
Section 121
Trade Marks Act 1995 87
(2) Each of the following is a prohibited act: (a) applying the trade mark to registered goods, or using the
trade mark in physical relation to them, after the state, condition, get-up or packaging in which they were originally offered to the public has been altered;
(b) altering, or partially removing or obliterating, any representation of the trade mark applied to registered goods or used in physical relation to them;
(c) if the trade mark has been applied to registered goods, or used in physical relation to them, together with other matter indicating that the registered owner or authorised user has dealt with the goods—removing or obliterating, totally or in part, any representation of the trade mark without totally removing or obliterating the other matter;
(d) applying another trade mark to registered goods or using another trade mark in physical relation to them;
(e) if the trade mark has been applied to registered goods or used in physical relation to them—using on the goods, or on the packaging or container of the goods, any matter that is likely to injure the reputation of the trade mark.
Note 1: For applied to see section 9.
Note 2: For authorised user see section 8.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), a person infringes a trade mark to which this section applies if the person:
(a) is the owner of registered goods; and (b) in the course of trade, or with a view to a dealing with the
goods in the course of trade: (i) does an act that is prohibited under the notice of
prohibition; or (ii) authorises that act to be done.
(4) The trade mark is not infringed if the owner of the goods: (a) acquired them in good faith and without being aware of the
notice of prohibition; or (b) became the owner of the goods by virtue of a title derived
from a person who had so acquired them.
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Section 122
88 Trade Marks Act 1995
122 When is a trade mark not infringed?
(1) In spite of section 120, a person does not infringe a registered trade mark when:
(a) the person uses in good faith: (i) the person’s name or the name of the person’s place of
business; or (ii) the name of a predecessor in business of the person or
the name of the predecessor’s place of business; or (b) the person uses a sign in good faith to indicate:
(i) the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, or some other characteristic, of goods or services; or
(ii) the time of production of goods or of the rendering of services; or
(c) the person uses the trade mark in good faith to indicate the intended purpose of goods (in particular as accessories or spare parts) or services; or
(d) the person uses the trade mark for the purposes of comparative advertising; or
(e) the person exercises a right to use a trade mark given to the person under this Act; or
(f) the court is of the opinion that the person would obtain registration of the trade mark in his or her name if the person were to apply for it; or
(fa) both: (i) the person uses a trade mark that is substantially
identical with, or deceptively similar to, the first-mentioned trade mark; and
(ii) the court is of the opinion that the person would obtain registration of the substantially identical or deceptively similar trade mark in his or her name if the person were to apply for it; or
(g) the person, in using a sign referred to in subsection 120(1), (2) or (3) in a manner referred to in that subsection, does not (because of a condition or limitation subject to which the trade mark is registered) infringe the exclusive right of the registered owner to use the trade mark.
Infringement of trade marks Part 12
Section 123
Trade Marks Act 1995 89
(2) In spite of section 120, if a disclaimer has been registered in respect of a part of a registered trade mark, a person does not infringe the trade mark by using that part of the trade mark.
123 Goods etc. to which registered trade mark has been applied by or with consent of registered owner
(1) In spite of section 120, a person who uses a registered trade mark in relation to goods that are similar to goods in respect of which the trade mark is registered does not infringe the trade mark if the trade mark has been applied to, or in relation to, the goods by, or with the consent of, the registered owner of the trade mark. Note: For similar goods see subsection 14(1).
(2) In spite of section 120, a person who uses a registered trade mark in relation to services that are similar to services in respect of which the trade mark is registered does not infringe the trade mark if the trade mark has been applied in relation to the services by, or with the consent of, the registered owner of the trade mark. Note: For similar services see subsection 14(2).
124 Prior use of identical trade mark etc.
(1) A person does not infringe a registered trade mark by using an unregistered trade mark that is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, the registered trade mark in relation to:
(a) goods similar to goods (registered goods) in respect of which the trade mark is registered; or
(b) services closely related to registered goods; or (c) services similar to services (registered services) in respect of
which the trade mark is registered; or (d) goods closely related to registered services;
if the person, or the person and the person’s predecessor in title, have continuously used in the course of trade the unregistered trade mark in relation to those goods or services from a time before:
(e) the date of registration of the registered trade mark; or (f) the registered owner of the registered trade mark, or a
predecessor in title, or a person who was a registered user of the trade mark under the repealed Act, first used the trade mark;
whichever is earlier.
Part 12 Infringement of trade marks
Section 125
90 Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 1: For deceptively similar see section 10.
Note 2: For predecessor in title and date of registration see section 6.
(2) If the unregistered trade mark has continuously been used only in a particular area of Australia, subsection (1) applies only to the use of the trade mark by the person in that area.
125 What courts may hear action for infringement of registered trade mark
(1) An action for an infringement of a registered trade mark may be brought in a prescribed court. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent an action for infringement of a registered trade mark from being brought in any other court that has jurisdiction to hear the action.
126 What relief can be obtained from court
The relief that a court may grant in an action for an infringement of a registered trade mark includes:
(a) an injunction, which may be granted subject to any condition that the court thinks fit; and
(b) at the option of the plaintiff but subject to section 127, damages or an account of profits.
127 Special case—plaintiff not entitled to damages etc.
If: (a) in an action for the infringement of a trade mark registered in
respect of particular goods or services, the court finds that the defendant has infringed the trade mark; and
(b) either: (i) the defendant has applied to the court under subsection
92(3) for an order directing the Registrar to remove the trade mark from the Register in respect of those goods or services; or
(ii) the defendant has applied to the Registrar under subsection 92(1) for the trade mark to be removed from the Register in respect of those goods or services, and
Infringement of trade marks Part 12
Section 128
Trade Marks Act 1995 91
the matter has been referred to a court under section 94; and
(c) the court finds that, because the trade mark has not during a particular period (critical period) been used in good faith by its registered owner in relation to those goods or services, there are grounds (under subsection 92(4)) for so removing the trade mark from the Register;
the court may not grant relief to the plaintiff by way of damages or an account of profits in respect of any infringement of the trade mark that happened during the critical period.
128 Circumstances in which action may not be brought
(1) If the registration of a trade mark is renewed under section 79 within 6 months after it has expired, an action may not be brought in respect of an act that:
(a) infringed the trade mark; and (b) was done after the registration had expired and before it was
renewed.
(2) If the registration of a trade mark is renewed under section 80G within 10 months after the end of the prescribed period, an action may not be brought in respect of an act that:
(a) infringed the trade mark; and (b) was done after the end of the prescribed period and before
the registration was renewed.
(3) In subsection (2):
prescribed period has the same meaning as in Division 3 of Part 7. Note: For month see section 6.
129 Groundless threats of legal proceedings
(1) If a person threatens to bring an action against another person (threatened person) on the ground that the threatened person has infringed:
(a) a registered trade mark; or
Part 12 Infringement of trade marks
Section 129
92 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) a trade mark alleged by the person to be registered; any person aggrieved by the threat (plaintiff) may bring an action (either in a prescribed court or in any other court having jurisdiction) against the person making the threat (defendant). Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
(2) The purpose of the action is to obtain from the court: (a) a declaration that the defendant has no grounds for making
the threat; and (b) an injunction restraining the defendant from continuing to
make the threat. The plaintiff may also recover any damages that he or she has sustained because of the defendant’s conduct.
(3) The action may be brought whether or not the defendant is the registered owner, or an authorised user, of the trade mark alleged to have been infringed. Note: For authorised user see section 8.
(4) The court may not find in favour of the plaintiff if the defendant satisfies the court that:
(a) the trade mark is registered; and (b) the acts of the threatened person in respect of which the
defendant threatened to bring an action constitute an infringement of the trade mark.
(5) An action may not be brought, or (if brought) may not proceed, under this section if the registered owner of the trade mark, or an authorised user of the trade mark having power to bring an action for infringement of the trade mark, with due diligence, begins and pursues an action against the threatened person for infringement of the trade mark. Note: An authorised user of the trade mark may not have power to bring an
action for infringement of the trade mark because of the terms of the agreement between the authorised user and the registered owner of the trade mark (see section 26).
(6) This section does not make a lawyer, registered trade marks attorney or patent attorney liable to an action for an act done in a professional capacity on behalf of a client. Note: For lawyer, registered trade marks attorney and patent attorney see
section 6.
Infringement of trade marks Part 12
Section 130
Trade Marks Act 1995 93
130 Counterclaim by defendant in action on groundless threats
If the defendant in an action brought under section 129 would be entitled to bring against the plaintiff an action for infringement of the registered trade mark (infringement action):
(a) the defendant may file in the court a counterclaim against the plaintiff for any relief to which the defendant would be entitled in the infringement action; and
(b) the provisions of this Act applicable to infringement actions apply in relation to the counterclaim as if it were an infringement action brought by the defendant against the plaintiff.
Part 13 Importation of goods infringing Australian trade marks
Section 131
94 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 13—Importation of goods infringing Australian trade marks
131 Object of Part
The object of this Part is to protect registered trade marks by making provision allowing the Customs CEO to seize and deal with goods that are imported into Australia if the importation infringes, or appears to infringe, a registered trade mark. Note: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected
international trade mark: see Part 17A.
132 Notice of objection to importation
(1) The registered owner of a registered trade mark may give to the Customs CEO a notice in writing objecting to the importation after the date of the notice of goods that infringe the trade mark. The notice is to be given together with any prescribed document.
(2) If: (a) the registered owner of the registered trade mark has not
given a notice under subsection (1); or (b) any notice given under subsection (1) is no longer in force;
an authorised user of the trade mark having power to give a notice under subsection (1) may ask the registered owner to give such a notice in respect of the trade mark. Note 1: For authorised user see section 8.
Note 2: An authorised user of the trade mark may not have power to give a notice under subsection (1) because of the terms of the agreement between the authorised user and the registered owner of the trade mark (see section 26).
(3) The authorised user may give the notice to the Customs CEO: (a) at any time, with the consent of the registered owner; or (b) during the prescribed period, if the registered owner refuses
to comply with the request on a particular occasion during the prescribed period; or
(c) after the end of the prescribed period, if the registered owner has failed to give such a notice during the prescribed period.
Importation of goods infringing Australian trade marks Part 13
Section 133
Trade Marks Act 1995 95
The authorised user must give also to the Customs CEO, together with the notice:
(d) any document prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1); and
(e) any other prescribed document.
(4) A notice given by the registered owner of a trade mark remains in force for 4 years from the day on which the notice is given unless it is revoked, before the end of that period, by notice in writing given to the Customs CEO by the person who is then the registered owner of the trade mark.
(5) A notice given by an authorised user of the trade mark remains in force for 4 years unless it is revoked, before the end of that period, by notice in writing given to the Customs CEO:
(a) if the authorised user has power to revoke the notice—by the authorised user; or
(b) in any other case—by the person who is then the registered owner of the trade mark.
Note 1: For authorised user see section 8.
Note 2: An authorised user of a trade mark may not have power to revoke the notice because of the terms of the agreement between the authorised user and the registered owner of the trade mark (see section 26).
133 Customs CEO may seize goods infringing trade mark
(1) This section applies to goods manufactured outside Australia that: (a) are imported into Australia; and (b) are subject to the control of the Customs within the meaning
of the Customs Act 1901.
(2) If goods to which this section applies: (a) have applied to them or in relation to them a sign that, in the
opinion of the Customs CEO, is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, a notified trade mark; and
(b) are goods in respect of which the notified trade mark is registered;
the Customs CEO must seize the goods unless he or she is satisfied that there are no reasonable grounds for believing that the notified trade mark is infringed by the importation of the goods. Note 1: For applied to or in relation to goods see section 9.
Part 13 Importation of goods infringing Australian trade marks
Section 133A
96 Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2: For deceptively similar see section 10.
Note 3: For notified trade mark see section 6.
(3) Subject to subsection (3A), the Customs CEO may decide not to seize the goods unless he or she has been given by the objector (or by one or more of the objectors) a written undertaking acceptable to the Customs CEO to repay to the Commonwealth the expenses of seizing the goods. Note: For objector see section 6.
(3A) The Customs CEO may decide not to seize the goods unless he or she has been given by the objector (or one or more of the objectors), instead of an undertaking, security in an amount that the Customs CEO considers sufficient to repay to the Commonwealth the expenses of seizing the goods if:
(a) an amount payable under an undertaking given by the objector (or one or more of the objectors) in relation to other goods has not been paid in accordance with the undertaking; and
(b) the Customs CEO considers it reasonable in all the circumstances to require the security.
(3B) An undertaking may be withdrawn or varied if the Customs CEO consents in writing to a written request from the objector or objectors to do so.
(4) Goods seized under this section must be kept in a secure place as directed by the Customs CEO.
(5) In this section:
expenses of seizing goods means the expenses that may be incurred by the Commonwealth if the goods were seized.
133A Determinations about owners of goods
The Customs CEO or an officer of Customs (within the meaning of subsection 4(1) of the Customs Act 1901) may determine that a person is the owner of goods for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of designated owner if the person is an owner (within the meaning of that subsection) of the goods. Note: For designated owner see section 6.
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Section 134
Trade Marks Act 1995 97
134 Notice of seizure
The Customs CEO must, as soon as practicable: (a) give (either personally or by post) to the designated owner of
any seized goods a notice in writing identifying the goods and stating that they have been seized under section 133; and
(b) give (either personally or by post) to the objector, or to each objector, a notice in writing:
(i) identifying the goods and stating that they have been seized under section 133; and
(ii) giving the full name and address of the designated owner of the goods and any information that the Customs CEO has and that he or she believes, on reasonable grounds, to be likely to help the objector to identify the importer of the goods; and
(iii) stating that the goods will be released to the designated owner unless the objector or one of the objectors (as the case requires) brings an action for infringement of the notified trade mark in respect of the goods, and gives to the Customs CEO notice in writing of the action, within the period of 10 working days after he or she has been given the notice or, if the Customs CEO extends that period under subsection 137(1), within the extended period.
Note: For designated owner, objector, seized goods and notified trade mark see section 6.
135 Forfeiture of goods
(1) The designated owner of any seized goods may, at any time before an objector starts an action for infringement of a notified trade mark in respect of the goods, consent to the goods being forfeited to the Commonwealth by giving notice in writing to that effect to the Customs CEO.
(2) If the designated owner gives such a notice, the goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth. Note: For designated owner, seized goods, objector and notified trade mark
see section 6.
Part 13 Importation of goods infringing Australian trade marks
Section 136
98 Trade Marks Act 1995
136 Release of goods to owner—no action for infringement
(1) The Customs CEO must release the seized goods to their designated owner if, within the action period, the objector has not, or none of the objectors has:
(a) brought an action for infringement of the notified trade mark in respect of the goods; and
(b) given to the Customs CEO notice in writing of the action. Note 1: For seized goods, designated owner, objector and notified trade mark
see section 6.
Note 2: For action period see subsection (4).
(2) The Customs CEO must also release the seized goods to their designated owner if:
(a) before the end of the action period, the objector or each of the objectors has, by notice in writing to the Customs CEO, consented to the release of the goods; and
(b) at that time: (i) the objector has not, or none of the objectors has,
brought an action for infringement of the notified trade mark in respect of the goods; or
(ii) any action brought by an objector has been withdrawn. Note 1: For seized goods, designated owner, objector and notified trade mark
see section 6.
Note 2: For action period see subsection (4).
(3) The Customs CEO may release the seized goods to their designated owner at any time before the end of the action period if:
(a) the Customs CEO, having regard to information that has come to his or her knowledge after the goods were seized, is satisfied that there are no reasonable grounds for believing that the notified trade mark has been infringed by the importation of the goods; and
(b) the objector has not, or none of the objectors has, brought an action for infringement of the notified trade mark in respect of the goods.
Note 1: For seized goods, designated owner, objector and notified trade mark see section 6.
Note 2: For action period see subsection (4).
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Trade Marks Act 1995 99
Note 3: In obtaining information for the purposes of this section, the Customs CEO must comply with Principles 1, 2 and 3 in section 14 of the Privacy Act 1988.
(4) In this section:
action period, in relation to seized goods, means: (a) if there is only one objector to the importation of the goods—
the period within which the objector may bring an action for infringement of the registered trade mark in respect of goods under subsection 137(1); or
(b) if there is more than one objector to the importation of the goods—the period beginning on the earliest day on which an objector may bring an action for infringement of the registered trade mark in respect of the goods under subsection 137(1) and ending at the end of the last day on which an objector may bring such an action under subsection 137(1).
Note: For objector see section 6.
137 Action for infringement of trade mark
(1) An objector may bring an action for infringement of a notified trade mark in respect of seized goods and give notice of it to the Customs CEO:
(a) if paragraph (b) does not apply—within the period (notified period) of 10 working days specified in the notice given to the objector in respect of the goods under section 134; or
(b) if: (i) the objector has, before the end of the notified period,
applied in writing to the Customs CEO for an extension of the notified period; and
(ii) the Customs CEO, being satisfied that in the circumstances of the case it is fair and reasonable to do so, has extended the notified period for a number of working days not exceeding 10;
within that period as so extended by the Customs CEO. Note: For objector, notified trade mark and seized goods see section 6.
(2) The court hearing the action: (a) may, on the application of a person, allow the person to be
joined as a defendant to the action; and
Part 13 Importation of goods infringing Australian trade marks
Section 138
100 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) must allow the Customs CEO to appear and be heard.
(3) In addition to any relief that the court may grant apart from this section, the court may:
(a) at any time, if it thinks it just, order that the seized goods be released to their designated owner subject to the conditions (if any) that the court considers fit to impose; or
(b) order that the seized goods be forfeited to the Commonwealth.
Note: For seized goods and designated owner see section 6.
(4) If: (a) the court decides that the trade mark was not infringed by the
importation of the goods; and (b) the designated owner of the goods, or any other defendant,
satisfies the court that he or she has suffered loss or damage because the goods were seized;
the court may order the objector to pay to the designated owner or other defendant compensation, in the amount determined by the court, for any part of that loss or damage that is attributable to any period beginning on or after the day on which the action was brought.
(5) If, after 20 working days from the day on which the action was brought, there is not in force at any time an order of the court directed at the Customs CEO preventing the goods from being released, the Customs CEO must release the goods to their designated owner.
(6) If the court orders that the goods be released, the Customs CEO must, subject to section 140, comply with the order.
138 Action for infringement by authorised user
If an authorised user of a notified trade mark is an objector in relation to any seized goods, the authorised user may start an action for the infringement of the trade mark in respect of the goods within the required period without first ascertaining whether the registered owner is willing to bring the action. Note 1: For notified trade mark, objector and seized goods see section 6.
Note 2: For authorised user see section 8.
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Trade Marks Act 1995 101
Note 3: Under paragraph 26(1)(b) an authorised user of a trade mark may bring an action for infringement of the trade mark only if the registered owner of the trade mark gives consent to the bringing of such an action or refuses or fails to bring such an action.
139 Forfeited goods—how to be disposed of
If: (a) goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth under section 135;
or (b) the court orders under section 137 that goods be forfeited to
the Commonwealth; the goods are to be disposed of as the Customs CEO directs.
140 Power of Customs CEO to retain control of goods
In spite of this Part, the Customs CEO: (a) must not release, or dispose of, any seized goods; or (b) must not take any action in relation to the goods to give
effect to any order of a court under section 137; if the Customs CEO is required or allowed to retain control of the goods under any other law of the Commonwealth. Note: For seized goods see section 6.
141 Insufficient security
If security given under subsection 133(3A) by the objector or objectors who gave notice under section 132 in respect of a trade mark is not sufficient to meet the expenses incurred by the Commonwealth as a result of the action taken by the Customs CEO under this Part because of the notice, the amount of the difference between those expenses and the amount of security:
(a) is a debt due by the objector, or by the objectors jointly or each of them separately, to the Commonwealth; and
(b) may be recovered by an action taken in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Note: For objector see section 6.
Part 13 Importation of goods infringing Australian trade marks
Section 141A
102 Trade Marks Act 1995
141A Failure to comply with undertaking etc.
(1) If an amount payable under an undertaking in relation to goods covered by a notice given under section 132 is not paid in accordance with the undertaking, the Customs CEO may decide not to seize goods covered by the notice until the amount owing is paid.
(2) An amount not paid under an undertaking: (a) is a debt due by the objector, or by the objectors jointly or
each of them separately, to the Commonwealth; and (b) may be recovered by an action taken in a court of competent
jurisdiction. Note: For objector see section 6.
(3) If the amount paid under an undertaking in relation to goods covered by a notice given under section 132 is in accordance with the undertaking but is not sufficient to meet the expenses incurred by the Commonwealth as a result of the action taken by the Customs CEO under this Part because of the notice, the amount of the difference between those expenses and the amount paid:
(a) is a debt due by the objector, or by the objectors jointly or each of them separately, to the Commonwealth; and
(b) may be recovered by an action taken in a court of competent jurisdiction.
142 Commonwealth not liable for loss etc. suffered because of seizure
The Commonwealth is not liable for any loss or damage suffered by a person:
(a) because the Customs CEO seized, or failed to seize, goods under this Part; or
(b) because of the release of any seized goods.
143 Power to require information
(1) If: (a) goods that may be seized under this Part are imported into
Australia; and
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Section 144
Trade Marks Act 1995 103
(b) the Customs CEO, relying on information received, is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the use of a trade mark applied to or in relation to those goods is fraudulent;
the Customs CEO may ask the importer of the goods or an agent of the importer:
(c) to produce any document in his or her possession relating to the goods; and
(d) to give information about: (i) the name and address of the person by whom the goods
were consigned to Australia; and (ii) the name and address of the person in Australia to
whom the goods were consigned. Note 1: For applied to in relation to goods see section 9.
Note 2: In obtaining information for the purposes of this subsection, the Customs CEO must comply with Principles 1, 2 and 3 in section 14 of the Privacy Act 1988.
(2) If the importer or his or her agent fails to comply with the request within the prescribed period, the importer or agent is guilty of an offence punishable, on conviction, by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 6 months. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For month see section 6.
144 Modification in relation to Norfolk Island etc.
The regulations may provide for the modification or adaptation of this Part in its application to:
(a) Norfolk Island; or (b) Christmas Island; or (c) Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Part 14 Offences
Section 145
104 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 14—Offences
145 Falsifying etc. a registered trade mark
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if the person falsifies or unlawfully removes a trade mark that:
(a) has been applied to any goods that are being, or are to be, dealt with or provided in the course of trade; or
(b) has been applied in relation to any goods or services that are being, or are to be, dealt with or provided in the course of trade;
knowing that the trade mark is registered or reckless of whether or not the trade mark is registered. Note 1: For applied to goods and applied in relation to goods or services see
section 9.
Note 2: For the penalty for this offence see section 149.
Note 3: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected international trade mark: see Part 17A.
(2) A person falsifies a registered trade mark if the person: (a) alters or defaces it; or (b) makes any addition to it; or (c) partly removes, erases or obliterates it;
without the permission of the registered owner, or an authorised user, of the trade mark and without being required or authorised to do so by this Act, a direction of the Registrar or an order of a court. Note 1: For registered trade mark and registered owner see section 6.
Note 2: For authorised user see section 8.
(3) A person unlawfully removes a registered trade mark if the person wholly removes, erases or obliterates it:
(a) without the permission of the registered owner, or an authorised user, of the trade mark; and
(b) without being required or authorised to do so by this Act, a direction of the Registrar or an order of a court.
Note 1: For registered trade mark and registered owner see section 6.
Note 2: For authorised user see section 8.
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Section 146
Trade Marks Act 1995 105
146 Falsely applying a registered trade mark
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if the person: (a) falsely applies a registered trade mark to goods that are
being, or are to be, dealt with or provided in the course of trade; or
(b) falsely applies a registered trade mark in relation to goods or services that are being, or are to be, dealt with or provided in the course of trade;
knowing that the trade mark is registered or reckless of whether or not the trade mark is registered. Note 1: For registered trade mark see section 6.
Note 2: For the penalty for this offence see section 149.
Note 3: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected international trade mark: see Part 17A.
(2) A person falsely applies a registered trade mark to goods, or in relation to goods or services if the person applies the trade mark or a sign substantially identical with it to the goods or in relation to the goods or services:
(a) without the permission of the registered owner, or of an authorised user, of the trade mark; and
(b) without being required or authorised to do so by this Act, a direction of the Registrar or an order of a court.
Note 1: For registered trade mark and registered owner see section 6.
Note 2: For authorised user see section 8.
147 Manufacture and possession of die etc. for use in commission of offence
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if the person makes a die, block, machine or instrument:
(a) knowing that it is likely to be used for, or in the course of, committing an offence against section 145 or 146; or
(b) reckless of whether or not it is likely to be used for, or in the course of, committing an offence against section 145 or 146.
(2) A person is guilty of an offence if the person draws, or programs a computer or other device to draw, a registered trade mark or part of a registered trade mark:
Part 14 Offences
Section 148
106 Trade Marks Act 1995
(a) knowing that the trade mark or part of the trade mark is likely to be used for, or in the course of, committing an offence against section 145 or 146; or
(b) reckless of whether or not the trade mark or part of a trade mark is likely to be used for, or in the course of, committing an offence against section 145 or 146.
(3) A person is guilty of an offence if intentionally the person has in his or her possession, or disposes of:
(a) a die, block, machine or instrument; or (b) a computer, or other device, programmed to draw a
registered trade mark or part of a registered trade mark; or (c) a representation of a registered trade mark or of part of a
registered trade mark; knowing that, or reckless of whether or not, the die, block, machine, instrument, computer, device or representation is likely to be used for, or in the course of, committing an offence against section 145 or 146. Note 1: For registered trade mark see section 6.
Note 2: For the penalty for an offence under this section see section 149.
(4) For the purposes of an offence against subsection (1), (2) or (3), strict liability applies to the physical element of the offence, that the offence referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (1)(b), (2)(a) or (2)(b) or subsection (3) is an offence against section 145 or 146. Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
148 Selling etc. goods with false marks
A person is guilty of an offence if the person intentionally: (a) sells goods; or (b) exposes goods for sale; or (c) has goods in his or her possession for the purpose of trade or
manufacture; or (d) imports goods into Australia for the purpose of trade or
manufacture; knowing that, or reckless of whether or not:
(e) a falsified registered trade mark is applied to them or in relation to them; or
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Section 149
Trade Marks Act 1995 107
(f) a registered trade mark has been unlawfully removed from them; or
(g) a registered trade mark is falsely applied to them or in relation to them.
Note 1: For registered trade mark see section 6.
Note 2: For applied to or in relation to goods see section 9.
Note 3: For the penalty for this offence see section 149.
Note 4: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected international trade mark: see Part 17A.
149 Penalty for offence under section 145, 146, 147 or 148
A person guilty of an offence under section 145, 146, 147 or 148 is punishable on conviction by:
(a) a fine not exceeding 500 penalty units; or (b) imprisonment for a period not exceeding 2 years; or (c) by both a fine and a term of imprisonment.
Note: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914.)
150 Aiding and abetting offences
(1) If a person: (a) aids, abets, counsels or procures; or (b) is in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in,
or party to; the doing of an act outside Australia which, if it were done in Australia, would be an offence against this Act, the person is taken to have committed that offence and is punishable accordingly.
(2) Subsection (1) does not affect the operation of section 11.2 or 11.2A of the Criminal Code.
151 False representations regarding trade marks
(1) A person must not make a representation to the effect that a trade mark is a registered trade mark unless the person knows, or has reasonable grounds to believe, that the trade mark is registered in Australia.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
Part 14 Offences
Section 151
108 Trade Marks Act 1995
(2) A person must not make a representation to the effect that a part of a registered trade mark is registered as a trade mark unless the person knows, or has reasonable grounds to believe, that that part is registered as a trade mark in Australia.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(3) A person must not make a representation to the effect that a trade mark is registered in respect of goods or services unless the person knows, or has reasonable grounds to believe, that the trade mark is registered in Australia in respect of those goods or services.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(4) A person must not make a representation to the effect that the registration of a trade mark gives exclusive rights to use the trade mark in circumstances in which, having regard to conditions or limitations entered in the Register, the registration does not give those rights unless the person has reasonable grounds to believe that the registration does give those exclusive rights.
Penalty: 60 penalty units. Note 1: For registered trade mark and limitations see section 6.
Note 2: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 3: In addition, the regulations may provide for the effect of a protected international trade mark: see Part 17A.
(5) For the purposes of this section, the use in Australia in relation to a trade mark:
(a) of the word registered; or (b) of any other word or any symbol referring (either expressly
or by implication) to registration; is taken to be a representation that the trade mark is registered in Australia in respect of the goods or services in relation to which it is used except if the trade mark is registered in a country other than Australia in respect of those goods or services and:
(c) the word or symbol by itself indicates that the trade mark is registered in that other country or in a country outside Australia; or
(d) the word or symbol is used, together with other words or symbols of the same or a bigger size, to indicate that the
Offences Part 14
Section 152
Trade Marks Act 1995 109
trade mark is registered in that other country or in a country outside Australia; or
(e) the word or symbol is used in relation to goods that are to be exported to that country.
Note: For use of a trade mark in relation to goods or services see subsections 7(4) and (5).
152 False entries in Register etc.
A person must not intentionally: (a) make a false entry in the Register; or (b) cause a false entry to be made in the Register; or (c) tender in evidence a document that falsely purports to be a
copy of, or an extract from, an entry in the Register or a document in the Trade Marks Office.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years. Note: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
153 Disobeying summons etc.
(1) A person: (a) who has been summonsed to appear as a witness before the
Registrar; and (b) to whom a reasonable sum has been tendered in payment for
expenses; must not fail to appear in answer to the summons.
Penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2) A person: (a) who has been required by the Registrar to produce a
document or any other thing; and (b) to whom a reasonable sum has been tendered in payment for
expenses; must not fail to produce the document or thing.
Penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2A) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.
Part 14 Offences
Section 154
110 Trade Marks Act 1995
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2A), see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(3) An offence under this section is an offence of strict liability. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
154 Refusing to give evidence etc.
(1) A person appearing before the Registrar as a witness must not: (a) refuse to be sworn or to make an affirmation; or (b) refuse to answer questions that he or she is lawfully required
to answer; or (c) fail to produce any document or thing that he or she is
lawfully required to produce.
Penalty: 10 penalty units.
(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse. Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in
subsection (1A), see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.
(2) An offence under this section is an offence of strict liability. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
156 Unregistered persons
(1) A person must not describe himself or herself, or hold himself or herself out, or permit himself or herself to be described or held out, as a trade marks attorney unless the person is a registered trade marks attorney.
Penalty: 30 penalty units. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For registered trade marks attorney, see section 6.
(2) A person must not describe himself or herself, or hold himself or herself out, or permit himself or herself to be described or held out,
Offences Part 14
Section 156
Trade Marks Act 1995 111
as a trade marks agent unless the person is a registered trade marks attorney or a patent attorney or a lawyer or a person referred to in paragraph 135(1)(h) or (i) of the repealed Act.
Penalty: 30 penalty units. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For lawyer, registered trade marks attorney and patent attorney see section 6.
Note 4: Paragraphs 135(1)(h) and (i) of the repealed Act provided as follows: “(h) a person who, within 1 year after the commencement of
this Act, has satisfied the Registrar that, for a continuous period of 2 years immediately before 1 January 1955, he was practising as a trade marks agent in Australia; or
(i) a person who: (i) within 1 year after the commencement of this Act,
has satisfied the Registrar that, for a continuous period of 2 years immediately before 1 January 1955, he was employed by a registered patent attorney in Australia and his duties related solely or principally to the lodging, prosecuting and opposing of applications for the registration of trade marks; and
(ii) unless the Registrar otherwise directs, has, within 1 year after the commencement of this Act or within such further time as the Registrar allows, passed the prescribed examination.”.
Subsection 135(2) of the repealed Act provided as follows: “(2) For the purposes of paragraph (h) of the last preceding
subsection, a person shall not be deemed to have practised as a trade marks agent unless the only or the principal business carried on by him was the business of lodging, prosecuting and opposing, for gain, applications for the registration of trade marks in Australia on behalf of applicants or opponents.”.
(3) If: (a) a body corporate is found guilty of an offence against this
section; and (b) a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the body
corporate has been a party to the offence; the director, manager, secretary or officer is guilty of an offence punishable, on conviction, by a fine not exceeding 30 penalty units.
(4) In spite of section 15B of the Crimes Act 1914, a prosecution for an offence against this section may be started at any time within 5 years after the offence was committed.
Part 14 Offences
Section 157
112 Trade Marks Act 1995
(6) An offence under this section is an offence of strict liability. Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
157 False representation about Trade Marks Office
(1) A person: (a) must not:
(i) place, or allow to be placed, on the building in which his or her office is situated; or
(ii) use when advertising his or her office or business; or (iii) place on a document, as a description of his or her office
or business; the words “Trade Marks Office” or “Office for registering trade marks”, or words of similar import (whether alone or together with other words); or
(b) must not use in any other way, in connection with his or her business, words that would reasonably lead other persons to believe that his or her office is, or is officially connected with, the Trade Marks Office.
Penalty: 30 penalty units.
(2) An offence under this section is an offence of strict liability. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
159 Forfeiture orders under the proceeds of crime legislation
(1) If a person other than the Director of Public Prosecutions has instituted proceedings for the prosecution of another person in respect of an indictable offence against this Part, the forfeiture order provisions apply as if a reference in those provisions to a proceeds of crime authority (or a responsible authority) includes a reference to the person who has instituted the proceedings.
(2) In this section:
forfeiture order provisions means: (c) Part 2-2 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; and (d) Part 2-3 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Offences Part 14
Section 160
Trade Marks Act 1995 113
160 Conduct of employees and agents of natural persons
(1) This section applies for the purposes of a prosecution for: (a) an offence under this Act; or (b) an offence under section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914 that relates
to this Act; or (c) an offence against section 11.1, 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal
Code that relates to this Act. Note: For provisions relating to proof of offences by bodies corporate, see
Part 2.5 of the Criminal Code.
(4) If it is necessary to prove the state of mind of an individual in relation to particular conduct, it is enough to show:
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by a servant or agent of the individual within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority; and
(b) that the servant or agent had the state of mind.
(5) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of an individual by a servant or agent of the individual within the scope of his or her actual or apparent authority is taken to have been engaged in also by the individual, unless the individual establishes that he or she took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct.
(6) If: (a) an individual is convicted of an offence under this Act; and (b) the individual would not have been convicted of the offence
if subsections (4) and (5) had not been enacted; the individual is not liable to be punished by imprisonment for that offence.
(7) In this section:
engage in conduct includes fail or refuse to engage in conduct.
state of mind, in relation to a person, includes: (a) the person’s knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose;
and (b) the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or
purpose.
Part 15 Collective trade marks
Section 161
114 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 15—Collective trade marks
161 Object of Part
This Part: (a) defines a collective trade mark; and (b) provides to what extent, and subject to what modifications or
additions, the provisions of this Act relating to trade marks apply to collective trade marks.
162 What is a collective trade mark?
A collective trade mark is a sign used, or intended to be used, in relation to goods or services dealt with or provided in the course of trade by members of an association to distinguish those goods or services from goods or services so dealt with or provided by persons who are not members of the association.
163 Application of Act
(1) Subject to this Part, the provisions of this Act relating to trade marks (other than Part 10—Assignment and Transmission of Trade Marks) apply to collective trade marks and so apply as if:
(a) a reference to a trade mark included a reference to a collective trade mark; and
(b) a reference to a person doing something for the registration of a trade mark included a reference to an association doing that thing for the registration of the collective trade mark; and
(c) a reference to a trade mark registered by a person included a reference to a collective trade mark registered by an association.
(2) For the purposes of this Act: (a) the use of a collective trade mark by a member of the
association that is the applicant for the registration of the collective trade mark is taken to be a use of the collective trade mark by the applicant; and
(b) the use of a registered collective trade mark by a member of the association that is the registered owner of the collective
Collective trade marks Part 15
Section 164
Trade Marks Act 1995 115
trade mark is taken to be a use of the collective trade mark by the registered owner.
(3) Section 41 (trade mark not distinguishing applicant’s goods or services) applies in relation to a collective trade mark as if a reference to the applicant were a reference to the members of the association that applied for registration of the collective trade mark.
164 Application for registration
An application for the registration of a collective trade mark must be made by the association to which the mark belongs.
165 Limitation on rights given by registered collective trade mark
A member of an association in whose name a collective trade mark is registered does not have the right to prevent another member of the association from using the collective trade mark in accordance with the rules of the association (if any).
166 Assignment etc. of collective trade mark
A collective trade mark may not be assigned or transmitted.
167 Infringement of collective trade mark
In an action by an association in whose name a collective trade mark is registered seeking relief for infringement of the collective trade mark, the association may take into account, in claiming damages, any damage or loss of profits sustained or incurred by the members of the association as a result of the infringement.
Part 16 Certification trade marks
Section 168
116 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 16—Certification trade marks
168 Object of Part
This Part: (a) defines a certification trade mark; and (b) provides to what extent, and subject to what modifications or
additions, the provisions of this Act relating to trade marks apply to certification trade marks; and
(c) outlines the role of the Commission in the regulation of certification trade marks.
169 What is a certification trade mark?
A certification trade mark is a sign used, or intended to be used, to distinguish goods or services:
(a) dealt with or provided in the course of trade; and (b) certified by a person (owner of the certification trade mark),
or by another person approved by that person, in relation to quality, accuracy or some other characteristic, including (in the case of goods) origin, material or mode of manufacture;
from other goods or services dealt with or provided in the course of trade but not so certified. Note: The goods or services certified may be those of any person, including
the owner of the certification trade mark or any person approved by the owner for the purpose of certifying goods or services.
170 Application of Act
Subject to this Part, the provisions of this Act relating to trade marks (other than sections 8 and 26, paragraph 27(1)(b), sections 33, 34 and 41, sections 121 and 127, Part 9—Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use and Part 17—Defensive Trade Marks) apply to certification trade marks and so apply as if a reference to a trade mark included a reference to a certification trade mark.
Certification trade marks Part 16
Section 171
Trade Marks Act 1995 117
171 Rights given by registration of a certification trade mark
Section 20 applies in relation to a certification trade mark as if subsection (1) were omitted and the following subsection were substituted:
“(1) If a certification trade mark is registered, the registered owner has, subject to this Part, the exclusive rights to use, and to allow other persons to use, the certification trade mark, in relation to the goods and/or services in respect of which the certification trade mark is registered. The registered owner may, however, use the certification trade mark only in accordance with the rules governing the use of the certification trade mark. Note: For the rules governing the use of the certification trade mark see
section 173.”.
172 Rights of persons allowed to use certification trade mark
When the registered owner of a registered certification trade mark allows another person (approved user) to use the certification trade mark in relation to goods or services in respect of which it is registered, the approved user has a right to use the certification trade mark in relation to those goods or services in accordance with the rules governing the use of the certification trade mark. Note 1: For registered owner see section 6.
Note 2: For the rules governing the use of the certification trade mark see section 173.
173 Rules governing the use of certification trade marks
(1) A person who has filed an application for the registration of a certification trade mark must, in accordance with the regulations, file a copy of the rules governing the use of the certification trade mark. The copy of the rules is to be filed in addition to any document prescribed under subsection 27(2). Note: For file see section 6.
(2) The rules must specify: (a) the requirements (the certification requirements) that goods
and/or services must meet for the certification trade mark to be applied to them; and
Part 16 Certification trade marks
Section 174
118 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) the process for determining whether goods and/or services meet the certification requirements; and
(c) the attributes that a person must have to become a person (an approved certifier) approved to assess whether goods and/or services meet the certification requirements; and
(d) the requirements that a person, who is the owner of the certification trade mark or an approved user, must meet to use the certification trade mark in relation to goods and/or services; and
(e) the other requirements about the use of the certification trade mark by a person who is the owner of the certification trade mark or an approved user; and
(f) the procedure for resolving a dispute about whether goods and/or services meet the certification requirements; and
(g) the procedure for resolving a dispute about any other issue relating to the certification trade mark.
(3) The rules must also include any other matter the Commission requires to be included.
(4) The rules may also include any other matter the Commission permits to be included.
174 Registrar to send documents to Commission
The Registrar must send the prescribed documents relating to the application to the Commission in accordance with the regulations.
175 Certificate by Commission
(1) The Commission must consider the application and any documents received under section 174 in accordance with the regulations.
(2) If the Commission is satisfied that: (a) the attributes a person must have to become an approved
certifier are sufficient to enable the person to assess competently whether goods and/or services meet the certification requirements; and
(b) the rules referred to in section 173: (i) would not be to the detriment of the public; and
Certification trade marks Part 16
Section 176
Trade Marks Act 1995 119
(ii) are satisfactory having regard to the criteria prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph;
the Commission must give a certificate to that effect and send a copy to the Registrar. The Commission must also send a certified copy of the rules to the Registrar. Note 1: For applicant see section 6.
Note 2: For approved certifier see paragraph 173(2)(c).
Note 3: For certification requirements see paragraph 173(2)(a).
(3) The Commission may require the applicant to make amendments or modifications to the rules as the Commission considers necessary.
(4) If the Commission is not satisfied as set out in subsection (2): (a) the Commission must notify the applicant and the Registrar,
in writing, of its decision not to give a certificate; and (b) the Registrar must advertise the matter in the Official Journal
in accordance with the regulations.
(5) An application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of the Commission refusing to give a certificate.
176 Acceptance or rejection of application
(1) The Registrar must accept the application if: (a) the application is made in accordance with this Act; and (b) there are no grounds for rejecting the application; and (c) the Commission has given a certificate under subsection
175(2). Otherwise the Registrar must reject the application.
(1A) However, the Registrar must give the applicant an opportunity to be heard before rejecting the application solely because one or both of the conditions in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) are not met.
(2) The Registrar may accept the application subject to conditions or limitations. Note: For limitations see section 6.
Part 16 Certification trade marks
Section 177
120 Trade Marks Act 1995
(3) The Registrar must: (a) give to the applicant notice in writing of his or her decision;
and (b) advertise the decision in the Official Journal.
177 Additional ground for rejecting an application or opposing registration—certification trade mark not distinguishing certified goods or services
(1) In addition to any other ground on which: (a) an application for the registration of a certification trade
mark may be rejected; or (b) the registration of a certification trade mark may be opposed;
the application must be rejected or the registration may be opposed if the trade mark is not capable of distinguishing goods or services certified by the applicant or an approved certifier from goods or services not so certified. Note 1: For applicant see section 6.
Note 2: For approved certifier see paragraph 173(2)(c).
Note 3: Division 2 of Part 4 sets out the main grounds for rejecting an application, but section 41 does not apply to certification trade marks (see section 170).
(2) In deciding whether or not the certification trade mark is capable of so distinguishing goods or services certified by the applicant or an approved certifier, the Registrar must take into account:
(a) the extent to which the certification trade mark is inherently adapted so to distinguish those goods or services; or
(b) the extent to which, because of its use or of any other circumstances, the certification trade mark has become adapted so to distinguish those goods or services.
178 Variation of rules
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the rules governing the use of a registered certification trade mark may be varied in accordance with the regulations.
(2) The rules may not be varied without the approval of the Commission.
Certification trade marks Part 16
Section 179
Trade Marks Act 1995 121
(3) Before deciding to approve a variation, the Commission must be satisfied that the rules as varied:
(a) would not be to the detriment of the public; and (b) are satisfactory having regard to the criteria prescribed for
the purposes of paragraph 175(2)(b).
(4) The Commission must notify, in accordance with the regulations, a decision to approve a variation or not to approve a variation.
(5) An application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of the Commission to approve or not to approve a variation of the rules.
179 Registrar must publish rules
The Registrar must publish, in accordance with the regulations, rules governing the use of a certification trade mark.
180 Assignment of registered certification trade mark
(1) A registered certification trade mark may be assigned only with the consent of the Commission.
(2) An application to the Commission for its consent to the assignment of a registered certification trade mark must be in accordance with the regulations.
(3) In deciding whether or not to give its consent, the Commission must have regard to the matters provided for under the regulations.
(4) An application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of the Commission refusing to give its consent.
180A Assignment of unregistered certification trade mark
(1) If: (a) an application has been made for the registration of a
certification trade mark; and (b) a copy of the application has been sent to the Commission,
but the certification trade mark has not been registered; the certification trade mark may be assigned only with the consent of the Commission.
Part 16 Certification trade marks
Section 181
122 Trade Marks Act 1995
(2) An application to the Commission for its consent to the assignment of a certification trade mark must be in accordance with the regulations.
(3) In deciding whether or not to give its consent, the Commission must have regard to the matters provided for under the regulations.
(4) An application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of the Commission refusing to give its consent.
181 Rectification of the Register by order of court
(2) In addition to its powers under Division 2 of Part 8 in relation to certification trade marks, a prescribed court may, on the application of a person aggrieved, order that the Register be rectified by cancelling the registration of a certification trade mark, or removing or amending an entry in the Register relating to the certification trade mark, on the ground that:
(a) the registered owner or an approved certifier is no longer competent to certify any of the goods and/or services in respect of which the mark is registered; or
(b) the rules governing the use of the certification trade mark are detrimental to the public; or
(c) the registered owner or an approved user has failed to comply with a provision of the rules governing the use of the certification trade mark.
Note 1: For prescribed court see section 190.
Note 2: For approved certifier see paragraph 173(2)(c).
Note 3: For approved user see section 172.
(3) Notice of an application to the prescribed court must be given to the Registrar and to the Commission.
(4) Except for cases in which the court directs the Registrar to appear, the Registrar may appear before the court and be heard at his or her discretion.
(5) Except for cases in which the court directs the Commission to appear, a delegate of the Commission may appear before the court and be heard at his or her discretion.
Certification trade marks Part 16
Section 182
Trade Marks Act 1995 123
(6) A copy of any order made by the court under this section must be given to the Registrar and the Registrar must comply with the order.
182 Variation of rules by order of court
(1) A prescribed court may, on the application of a person aggrieved, make such orders as it thinks fit for varying the rules governing the use of a certification trade mark. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
(2) Notice of an application to the prescribed court must be given to the Commission.
(3) Except for cases in which the court directs the Commission to appear, a delegate of the Commission may appear before the court and be heard at his or her discretion.
(4) A copy of any order made by the court under this section must be given to the Commission.
(5) If the court orders that the rules are to be varied, the registered owner of the certification trade mark must give to the Registrar a copy of the rules as varied that is certified by the Commission to be a true copy.
183 Delegation of Commission’s powers and functions
The Commission may, by resolution, delegate all or any of its powers and functions under this Part to a member of the Commission. Note: See section 34AB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 about the effect
of this section.
Part 17 Defensive trade marks
Section 184
124 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 17—Defensive trade marks
184 Object of Part
This Part: (a) provides for the registration of certain trade marks as
defensive trade marks; and (b) provides to what extent, and subject to what modifications or
additions, the provisions of this Act relating to trade marks apply to defensive trade marks.
185 Defensive trade marks
(1) If, because of the extent to which a registered trade mark has been used in relation to all or any of the goods or services in respect of which it is registered, it is likely that its use in relation to other goods or services will be taken to indicate that there is a connection between those other goods or services and the registered owner of the trade mark, the trade mark may, on the application of the registered owner, be registered as a defensive trade mark in respect of any or all of those other goods or services. Note: For registered trade mark and registered owner see section 6.
(2) A trade mark may be registered as a defensive trade mark in respect of particular goods or services even if the registered owner does not use or intend to use the trade mark in relation to those goods or services.
(3) A trade mark may be registered as a defensive trade mark in respect of particular goods or services even if it is already registered otherwise than as a defensive trade mark in the name of the applicant in respect of those goods or services.
(4) A trade mark that is registered as a defensive trade mark in respect of particular goods or services may be subsequently registered otherwise than as a defensive trade mark in the name of the registered owner in respect of the same goods or services.
Defensive trade marks Part 17
Section 186
Trade Marks Act 1995 125
186 Application of Act
Subject to this Part, the provisions of this Act (other than subsection 20(1), paragraph 27(1)(b), sections 41 and 59, sections 121 and 127, Part 9—Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use and Part 16—Certification Trade Marks) apply to defensive trade marks and so apply as if a reference to a trade mark included a reference to a defensive trade mark.
187 Additional grounds for rejecting application for registration or opposing registration
In addition to any other ground on which: (a) an application for the registration of a trade mark as a
defensive trade mark may be rejected; or (b) the registration of a trade mark as a defensive trade mark
may be opposed; the application must be rejected or the registration may be opposed:
(c) if the trade mark is not registered as a trade mark in the name of the applicant; or
(d) in the case of a registered trade mark—if it is not likely that the use of the trade mark in relation to the goods or services in respect of which its registration as a defensive trade mark is sought will be taken to indicate that there is a connection between those goods or services and the registered owner.
Note: Division 2 of Part 4 sets out the main grounds for rejecting an application but section 41 does not apply to defensive trade marks (see section 186). Division 2 of Part 5 sets out the main grounds for opposing registration.
189 Cancellation of registration by Registrar
The Registrar may cancel the registration of a trade mark as a defensive trade mark if the trade mark is not otherwise registered in the name of the registered owner of the defensive trade mark.
Part 17A Protected international trade marks under the Madrid Protocol
Section 189A
126 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 17A—Protected international trade marks under the Madrid Protocol
189A Regulations implementing the Madrid Protocol
(1) The regulations may provide for such matters as are necessary to enable the performance of the obligations of Australia, or to obtain for Australia any advantage or benefit, under the Madrid Protocol.
(2) In particular (but without limiting subsection (1)), the regulations may deal with the following matters:
(a) the procedure for dealing with applications for international registration of trade marks that are to be filed with the International Bureau through the intermediary of the Trade Marks Office;
(b) the procedure for dealing with requests to extend to Australia the protection resulting from international registration of trade marks;
(c) the protection given to protected international trade marks in Australia;
(d) the circumstances in which such protection ceases and the procedures to be followed in cases of cessation;
(e) the cancellation of an international registration at Australia’s request, as contemplated by Article 6 of the Madrid Protocol;
(f) the effect of cancelling an international registration.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of this section: (a) may be inconsistent with this Act; and (b) prevail over this Act (including any other regulations or other
instruments made under this Act), to the extent of any inconsistency.
(4) In this section:
International Bureau means the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization.
international registration of a trade mark means registration of the mark in the register of the International Bureau.
Protected international trade marks under the Madrid Protocol Part 17A
Section 189A
Trade Marks Act 1995 127
Madrid Protocol means the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement concerning the International Registration of Marks, as signed at Madrid on 28 June 1989.
Protected international trade mark means a trade mark to which protection resulting from international registration of the mark is extended in Australia in accordance with the regulations.
Part 18 Jurisdiction and powers of courts
Section 190
128 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 18—Jurisdiction and powers of courts
190 Prescribed courts
Each of the following courts is a prescribed court for the purposes of this Act:
(a) the Federal Court; (b) the Supreme Court of a State; (c) the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory; (d) the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory; (e) the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island.
191 Jurisdiction of the Federal Court
(1) The Federal Court has jurisdiction with respect to matters arising under this Act.
(2) The jurisdiction of the Federal Court to hear and determine appeals against decisions, directions or orders of the Registrar is exclusive of the jurisdiction of any other court except the jurisdiction of the High Court under section 75 of the Constitution.
(3) A prosecution for an offence against this Act may not be started in the Federal Court.
192 Jurisdiction of other prescribed courts
(1) Each prescribed court (other than the Federal Court) has jurisdiction with respect to matters in respect of which an action or proceeding may, under this Act, be started in a prescribed court. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
(2) The jurisdiction conferred by subsection (1) on the Supreme Court of a Territory is conferred to the extent that the Constitution permits in the case of:
(a) an action for the infringement of a trade mark; or (b) an action under section 129; or (c) a matter arising under this Act that may be heard and
determined in the course of such an action.
Jurisdiction and powers of courts Part 18
Section 193
Trade Marks Act 1995 129
(3) In any other case, the jurisdiction is conferred only in relation to an action or proceeding brought by a natural person who is resident in the Territory, or a corporation that has its principal place of business in the Territory, when the action or proceeding is started.
193 Exercise of jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of a prescribed court under section 191 or 192 is to be exercised by a single judge. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
194 Transfer of proceedings
(1) A prescribed court in which an action or proceeding under this Act has been started may, on the application of a party made at any stage, by an order, transfer the action or proceeding to another prescribed court having jurisdiction to hear and determine the action or proceeding. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
(2) When a court transfers an action or proceeding to another court: (a) all relevant documents of record filed in the transferring
court must be sent to the other court by the Registrar or other appropriate officer of the transferring court; and
(b) the action or proceeding must continue in the other court as if:
(i) it had been started there; and (ii) all steps taken in the transferring court had been taken in
the other court.
195 Appeals
(1) An appeal lies to the Federal Court against a judgment or order of: (a) another prescribed court exercising jurisdiction under this
Act; or (b) any other court in an action under Part 12.
Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
(2) Except with the leave of the Federal Court, an appeal does not lie to the Full Court of the Federal Court against a judgment or order of a single judge of the Federal Court in the exercise of its
Part 18 Jurisdiction and powers of courts
Section 196
130 Trade Marks Act 1995
jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from decisions or directions of the Registrar.
(3) With the special leave of the High Court, an appeal lies to the High Court against a judgment or order referred to in subsection (1).
(4) Except as otherwise provided by this section, an appeal does not lie against a judgment or order referred to in subsection (1).
196 Registrar may appear in appeals
The Registrar may appear and be heard at the hearing of an appeal to the Federal Court against a decision or direction of the Registrar.
197 Powers of Federal Court
On hearing an appeal against a decision or direction of the Registrar, the Federal Court may do any one or more of the following:
(a) admit evidence orally, or on affidavit or otherwise; (b) permit the examination and cross-examination of witnesses,
including witnesses who gave evidence before the Registrar; (c) order an issue of fact to be tried as it directs; (d) affirm, reverse or vary the Registrar’s decision or direction; (e) give any judgment, or make any order, that, in all the
circumstances, it thinks fit; (f) order a party to pay costs to another party.
198 Practice and procedure of prescribed courts
The regulations may make provision about the practice and procedure of prescribed courts in an action or proceeding under this Act, including provision:
(a) prescribing the time for starting the action or proceeding or for doing any other act or thing; or
(b) for an extension of that time. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
Administration Part 19
Section 199
Trade Marks Act 1995 131
Part 19—Administration
199 Trade Marks Office and sub-offices
(1) For the purposes of this Act, there is to be an office called the Trade Marks Office.
(2) There is to be a sub-office of the Trade Marks Office in each State.
200 Seal of Trade Marks Office
There is to be a seal of the Trade Marks Office and impressions of the seal must be judicially noticed.
201 Registrar of Trade Marks
(1) There is to be a Registrar of Trade Marks.
(2) The Registrar has the powers and functions that are given to him or her under this Act or any other Act (including regulations under that Act).
202 Registrar’s powers
The Registrar may, for the purposes of this Act: (a) summon witnesses; and (b) receive written or oral evidence on oath or affirmation; and (c) require the production of documents or articles; and (d) award costs against a party to proceedings brought before the
Registrar; and (e) notify, as he or she considers fit, any person of any matter
that, in his or her opinion, should be brought to the person’s notice.
Note: For the awarding of costs see section 221.
203 Exercise of power by Registrar
The Registrar may not exercise a power under this Act in any way that adversely affects a person applying for the exercise of that
Part 19 Administration
Section 204
132 Trade Marks Act 1995
power without first giving that person a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
204 Registrar to act as soon as practicable
If: (a) the Registrar is required under this Act to do any act or thing;
and (b) no time or period is provided within which the act or thing is
to be done; the Registrar is to do the act or thing as soon as practicable.
205 Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks
(1) There is to be at least one Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks.
(2) Subject to any direction by the Registrar, a Deputy Registrar has all the powers and functions of the Registrar, except the powers of delegation under section 206.
(3) A power or function of the Registrar, when exercised by a Deputy Registrar, is taken to have been exercised by the Registrar.
(4) The exercise of a power or function of the Registrar by a Deputy Registrar does not prevent the exercise of the power or function by the Registrar.
(5) If the exercise of a power or function by the Registrar is dependent on the opinion, belief or state of mind of the Registrar in relation to a matter, that power or function may be exercised by a Deputy Registrar on his or her opinion, belief or state of mind in relation to that matter.
(6) If the operation of a provision of this Act or another Act is dependent on the opinion, belief or state of mind of the Registrar in relation to a matter, that provision may operate on the opinion, belief or state of mind of a Deputy Registrar in relation to that matter.
Administration Part 19
Section 206
Trade Marks Act 1995 133
206 Delegation of Registrar’s powers and functions
(1) The Registrar may by signed instrument delegate all or any of his or her powers or to a prescribed employee, or employees in a prescribed class. Note 1: For employee see section 6.
Note 2: See section 34AB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 about the effect of this subsection.
(2) A delegate must, if so required by the instrument of delegation, exercise or perform a delegated power or function under the direction or supervision of:
(a) the Registrar; or (b) a person specified in the instrument, being a person referred
to in subsection (1).
Part 20 The Register and official documents
Section 207
134 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 20—The Register and official documents
207 The Register
(1) A Register of Trade Marks is to be kept at the Trade Marks Office.
(2) The Registrar must enter in the Register in accordance with this Act:
(a) all particulars of registered trade marks, certification trade marks and defensive trade marks, and all other matters, that were on the old register when the repealed Act was repealed, with the exception of particulars and other matters relating to registered users of trade marks; and
Note 1: For old register see section 6.
Note 2: See subsection (3) for entries relating to associated trade marks. (b) particulars of trade marks, certification trade marks,
collective trade marks and defensive trade marks, and all other matters, that are required to be registered under this Act; and
(c) other prescribed matters.
(3) If 2 or more trade marks were entered as associated trade marks in the old register, no equivalent entry designating them as associated trade marks is to be made in the Register. Note: For old register see section 6.
(4) All particulars entered in the Register under paragraph (2)(a) are taken to have been so entered on 1 January 1996.
208 Register may be kept on computer
(1) The Register may be kept in whole or in part by using a computer.
(2) Any record of a particular or other matter made by using a computer for the purpose of keeping the Register is taken to be an entry in the Register.
The Register and official documents Part 20
Section 209
Trade Marks Act 1995 135
209 Inspection of Register
(1) The Register must be available at the Trade Marks Office for inspection by any person during the hours when the Office is open for business.
(2) If the Register, or any part of the Register, is kept by using a computer, subsection (1) is satisfied if a person who wants to inspect the Register or that part of the Register is given access to a computer terminal from which he or she can read on a screen, or obtain a printed copy of, the particulars or other matters recorded in the Register or that part of the Register.
210 Evidence—the Register
(1) The Register is prima facie evidence of any particular or other matter entered in it. Note: See section 116 about records of claims to interests and rights made
under Part 11.
(2) A copy of, or an extract from, the Register that is certified by the Registrar to be a true record or extract is admissible in any proceedings as if it were the original.
(3) If the Register or a part of the Register is kept by using a computer, a document certified by the Registrar as reproducing in writing a computer record of all or any of the particulars comprised in the Register or in that part of the Register is admissible in any proceedings as evidence of those particulars.
(4) This section does not apply in relation to any particular or other matter entered in the Register in relation to a PPSA security interest. Note 1: For PPSA security interest see section 6.
Note 2: Certain particulars relating to registrations in respect of PPSA security interests under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 are admissible in evidence: see section 174 of that Act.
211 Evidence—certified copies of documents
(1) A certificate signed by the Registrar and stating that:
Part 20 The Register and official documents
Section 211
136 Trade Marks Act 1995
(a) anything required or permitted to be done by the Act or the repealed Act was done or not done on, or had been done or not been done by, a specified date; or
(b) anything prohibited by the Act or the repealed Act was done or not done on, or had been done or not been done by, a specified date; or
(c) a document was available for public inspection at the Trade Marks Office on a specified date or during a specified period;
is prima facie evidence of the matters so stated.
(2) A copy of, or an extract from, a document held in the Trade Marks Office that is certified by the Registrar to be a true copy or extract is admissible in any proceedings as if it were the original.
Miscellaneous Part 21 Applications and other documents Division 1
Section 212
Trade Marks Act 1995 137
Part 21—Miscellaneous
Division 1—Applications and other documents
212 Making and signing applications etc.
An application, notice or request required or permitted under this Act to be made or signed by a person may be made or signed, on behalf of that person, by any other person.
213 Filing of documents
(1) A document is taken to be filed at the Trade Marks Office if it is filed at a sub-office of the Trade Marks Office.
(2) A document may be filed at the Trade Marks Office or any of its sub-offices by being delivered there:
(a) personally; or (b) by post; or (c) by any prescribed means.
214 Withdrawal of application etc.
(1) A person who has filed an application, notice or request may withdraw it, in accordance with the regulations, at any time while it is still being considered by the Registrar.
(2) If: (a) the right or interest on which the person relied to file the
application, notice or request has become vested in another person; and
(b) the other person notifies the Registrar in writing that the right or interest is vested in him or her;
the other person may withdraw the application, notice or request as provided in subsection (1). Note: For file see section 6.
Part 21 Miscellaneous Division 1 Applications and other documents
Section 215
138 Trade Marks Act 1995
215 Address for service
(1) The address for service of a person who has filed an application, notice or request is:
(a) the address for service stated in the application, notice or request; or
(b) if the person subsequently notifies in writing another address to the Registrar—that other address.
Note: For file see section 6.
(2) When: (a) a trade mark is registered; or (b) a claim to an interest in, or to a right in respect of, a
registered trade mark that a person has is recorded in the Register;
the Registrar must enter in the Register as the address for service of the registered owner or of the person:
(c) if paragraph (d) does not apply—the address given, or last given, by the registered owner or the person to the Registrar under subsection (1); or
(d) if, before the Registrar registers the trade mark or records the claim to the interest or right, the registered owner or person gives in writing to the Registrar another address as his or her address for service—that other address.
Note: For registered trade mark and registered owner see section 6.
(3) The registered owner of a registered trade mark, or any person whose claim to an interest in, or to a right in respect of, a trade mark is recorded in the Register, must notify the Registrar in writing of any change in his or her address for service and the Registrar must amend the Register accordingly.
(4) The address for service of: (a) the registered owner of a registered trade mark; or (b) a person whose claim to an interest in, or to a right in respect
of, a trade mark is recorded in the Register; is the address set out from time to time in the Register as being the address for service of the registered owner or of the person.
(5) An address for service must be an address in Australia.
Miscellaneous Part 21 Applications and other documents Division 1
Section 216
Trade Marks Act 1995 139
(6) If this Act provides that a document is to be served on, or given or sent to, a person:
(a) the document may be left at, or sent by post to, the address for service of the person; or
(b) if the person does not have an address for service—the document may be served on an agent of the person in Australia or may be sent by post to any address of the person in Australia that is known to the Registrar.
(7) Subsection (6) does not affect the operation of section 28A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. Note: Subsection 28A(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 provides that a
document may be served (this term includes given, or sent, to): “(a) on a natural person:
(i) by delivering it to the person personally; or (ii) by leaving it at, or by sending it by pre-paid post to, the
address of the place of residence or business of the person last known to the person serving the document; or
(b) on a body corporate—by leaving it at, or sending it by pre-paid post to, the head office, a registered office or a principal office of the body corporate.”.
216 Change of name
(1) If there is a change in the name of a person who has filed an application, notice or request, the person must notify the Registrar in writing of the change. Note: For file see section 6.
(2) If there is a change in the name of: (a) the registered owner of a registered trade mark; or (b) a person whose claim to an interest in, or to a right in respect
of, a trade mark is recorded in the Register; the registered owner or the person must notify the Registrar in writing of the change and the Registrar must amend the Register accordingly.
Part 21 Miscellaneous Division 1 Applications and other documents
Section 217
140 Trade Marks Act 1995
217 Death of applicant etc.
(1) If an applicant for the registration of a trade mark dies before registration is granted on the application, his or her legal representative may proceed with the application. Note: For applicant see section 6.
(2) If, at any time after a trade mark is registered, the Registrar is satisfied that the person in whose name the trade mark is registered had died (or, in the case of a body corporate, had ceased to exist) before registration was granted, the Registrar may amend the Register by substituting for the name entered in the Register the name of the person who should be the registered owner of the trade mark.
217A Prescribed documents relating to trade marks to be made available for public inspection
(1) The Registrar must make available for public inspection prescribed documents that relate to a trade mark while they are held in the Trade Marks Office at or after the time particulars of the application for registration of the trade mark are published under section 30.
(2) A document may be prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1) wholly or partly by reference to the fact that it does not contain information covered by a requirement under section 226A. This does not limit the ways in which documents may be prescribed for those purposes.
Miscellaneous Part 21 Proceedings before the Registrar or a court Division 2
Section 218
Trade Marks Act 1995 141
Division 2—Proceedings before the Registrar or a court
218 Description of registered trade mark
In an indictment, information, pleading or proceeding relating to a registered trade mark, the trade mark may be identified by its registration number. It is not necessary to reproduce or describe the trade mark.
219 Evidence of trade usage
In an action or proceeding relating to a trade mark, evidence is admissible of the usage of the trade concerned and of any relevant trade mark, trade name or get-up legitimately used by other persons.
220 Death of party to proceeding before Registrar
If a person who is party to a proceeding pending before the Registrar dies, the Registrar may:
(a) on being so asked, substitute in the proceeding another person in the place of the deceased party if the Registrar is satisfied that the interest of the deceased party has been transmitted to that other person; or
(b) allow the proceeding to continue without any substitution if the Registrar is of the opinion that the interest of the deceased party is sufficiently represented by the surviving parties.
221 Costs awarded by Registrar
(1) The Registrar may award costs in respect of the matters, and in the amounts, provided for in the regulations against any party to proceedings brought before him or her.
(2) A party desiring to obtain costs must apply to the Registrar in accordance with the regulations.
(3) If a party is ordered to pay the costs of another party, the costs may be recovered in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due by the first party to the other party.
Part 21 Miscellaneous Division 2 Proceedings before the Registrar or a court
Section 222
142 Trade Marks Act 1995
222 Security for costs
If a person who neither resides nor carries on business in Australia: (a) gives notice of opposition under section 52 or subsection
224(6); or (b) applies to the Registrar under Part 9 for a trade mark to be
removed from the Register; the Registrar may require the person to give security for the costs of the proceeding and may, if security is not given, dismiss the proceeding.
Miscellaneous Part 21 General Division 3
Section 223
Trade Marks Act 1995 143
Division 3—General
223 Fees
(1) The regulations may prescribe the fees to be paid for the purposes of this Act and may prescribe different fees in respect of the doing of an act according to the time when the act is done.
(2) Prescribed fees are payable in accordance with the regulations.
(3) The regulations may provide for the consequences (for the purposes of this Act) of failing to pay a fee in accordance with the regulations.
(4) In particular, the regulations may provide that, for the purposes of this Act:
(a) an act is not to be done, or is taken not to have been done, if the fee for doing the act is not paid in accordance with the regulations; or
(b) a document is not filed, or is taken not to have been filed, if the fee for filing the document is not paid in accordance with the regulations; or
(c) an application for registration of a trade mark lapses, or is taken to have lapsed, if the fee for filing the application is not paid in accordance with the regulations.
(5) Subsection (4) does not limit subsection (3).
223A Doing act when Trade Marks Office reopens after end of period otherwise provided for doing act
(1) If the last day of a period provided by this Act (except this section) for doing an act is a day when the Trade Marks Office, or a sub-office of the Trade Marks Office, is not open for business, the act may be done in prescribed circumstances on the next day when the office or sub-office is open for business.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the Trade Marks Office, or a sub-office of the Trade Marks Office, is taken not to be open for business on a day:
Part 21 Miscellaneous Division 3 General
Section 224
144 Trade Marks Act 1995
(a) declared by regulations to be a day on which the office or sub-office is not open for business; or
(b) declared, by a prescribed person in writing published in the prescribed way, to be a day on which the office or sub-office is not open for business.
Declarations
(3) A declaration mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) or (b) may identify the day by reference to its being declared a public holiday by or under a law of a State or Territory. This does not limit the way the declaration may identify the day.
(4) A declaration mentioned in paragraph (2)(b): (a) may be made before, on or after the day; and (b) is not a legislative instrument.
Relationship with other law
(5) This section has effect despite the rest of this Act.
(6) Subsection 36(2) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 does not apply in relation to the act mentioned in subsection (1) of this section.
Exception for prescribed act
(7) This section does not apply to a prescribed act. Note: Subsection 36(2) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 is relevant to a
prescribed act.
224 Extension of time
(1) The Registrar must extend the time for doing a relevant act that is required by this Act to be done within a certain time if the act is not, or cannot be, done within that time because of an error or omission by:
(a) the Registrar or a Deputy Registrar; or (b) an employee; or (c) a person providing, or proposing to provide, services for the
benefit of the Trade Marks Office.
Miscellaneous Part 21 General Division 3
Section 224
Trade Marks Act 1995 145
(2) If, because of: (a) an error or omission by the person concerned or by his or her
agent; or (b) circumstances beyond the control of the person concerned;
a relevant act that is required by this Act to be done within a certain time is not, or cannot be, done within that time, the Registrar may, on application made by the person concerned in accordance with the regulations, extend the time for doing the act.
(3) If: (a) a relevant act that a person is required by this Act to do
within a certain time is not, or cannot be, done within that time; and
(b) on application made by that person in accordance with the regulations, the Registrar is of the opinion that special circumstances exist that justify an extension of that time;
the Registrar may extend the time for doing the act.
(3A) If the Registrar has revoked the registration of a trade mark, he or she may extend the time for doing a relevant act that is required by this Act to be done within a certain time in connection with the application for registration of the trade mark.
(4) The time allowed for doing a relevant act may be extended, whether before or after that time has expired.
(5) If an application is made under subsection (2) or (3) for an extension of time for more than 3 months, the Registrar must advertise the application in the Official Journal. Note: For month see section 6.
(6) A person may, as prescribed, oppose the granting of the application.
(7) An application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of the Registrar not to extend the time for the doing of a relevant act.
(8) In this section:
relevant act means: (a) any act (other than a prescribed act) done in relation to a
trade mark; or
Part 21 Miscellaneous Division 3 General
Section 225
146 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) the filing of any document (other than a prescribed document); or
(c) any proceedings (other than court proceedings).
225 Convention countries
(1) The regulations may declare a foreign country to be a Convention country for the purposes of this Act.
(2) If: (a) the regulations declare that, under the terms of a treaty
subsisting between 2 or more Convention countries, an application made for the registration of a trade mark in one of those countries is equivalent to an application made in another of those countries; and
(b) an application for the registration of a trade mark is made in one of those Convention countries;
then, for the purposes of this Act, an application for the registration of the trade mark is taken to have also been made in the other Convention country or in each of the other Convention countries (as the case may be).
(3) If: (a) the regulations declare that, under the law of a Convention
country, an application for the registration of a trade mark made in another country is equivalent to an application made in the Convention country; and
(b) an application for the registration of a trade mark is made in that other country;
then, for the purposes of this Act, an application for the registration of the trade mark is taken to have also been made in the Convention country.
226 Publication of Official Journal etc.
(1) The Registrar must issue (electronically or otherwise) at regular intervals, as determined by the Registrar, an Official Journal of Trade Marks containing:
(a) the matters that are required under this Act to be advertised in the Official Journal; and
(b) any other matter that the Registrar thinks fit.
Miscellaneous Part 21 General Division 3
Section 226A
Trade Marks Act 1995 147
(3) The Registrar may prepare, publish (electronically or otherwise) and sell documents relating to trade marks as the Registrar thinks fit.
226A Requirements for confidential treatment of information held in the Trade Marks Office
(1) In accordance with the regulations, the Registrar may: (a) require that specified information in a document that has
been filed, or is to be filed, in relation to a trade mark be held in the Trade Marks Office confidentially; and
(b) make such a requirement subject to specified conditions and/or limitations; and
(c) vary or revoke such a requirement, condition or limitation.
(2) The regulations may provide for procedures to be followed in connection with the making, variation or revocation of a requirement under this section or of conditions or limitations on such a requirement.
(3) If a requirement is made in writing under this section, the requirement is not a legislative instrument.
226B Certain proceedings do not lie
No criminal or civil action or proceeding lies against the Registrar, a Deputy Registrar or an employee for publishing, or otherwise making available, reasonably and in good faith, information required or permitted by this Act to be published or otherwise made available. Note: For employee see section 6.
227 Notice regarding review of decision by Administrative Appeals Tribunal
(1) If, under a provision of this Act, an application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of a person:
(a) the person must give a written notice of the decision to any person affected by it; and
(b) the notice must include a statement to the effect that, subject to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, application
Part 21 Miscellaneous Division 3 General
Section 228
148 Trade Marks Act 1995
may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of the decision to which the notice relates by or on behalf of the person or persons whose interests are affected by the decision.
(2) Failure to comply with subsection (1) in relation to a decision does not affect the validity of the decision.
(3) In this section:
decision has the same meaning as in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.
228 Use of trade mark for export trade
(1) If: (a) a trade mark is applied in Australia:
(i) to, or in relation to goods that are to be exported from Australia (export goods); or
(ii) in relation to services that are to be exported from Australia (export services); or
(b) any other act is done in Australia to export goods or export services which, if done in relation to goods or services to be dealt with or provided in the course of trade in Australia, would constitute a use of the trade mark in Australia;
the application of the trade mark or the other act is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to constitute use of the trade mark in relation to the export goods or export services. Note: For applied to or in relation to goods and applied in relation to
services see section 9.
(2) Subsection (1) applies to an act done before 1 January 1996 as it applies to an act done on or after that day, but it does not affect:
(a) a decision of a court made before that day; or (b) the determination of an appeal from such a decision.
228A Registration of trade marks attorneys
(1) A Register of Trade Marks Attorneys is to be kept by the Designated Manager. Note: Designated Manager is defined by subsection (9).
Miscellaneous Part 21 General Division 3
Section 228A
Trade Marks Act 1995 149
(2) The Register of Trade Marks Attorneys may be kept wholly or partly by use of a computer.
(3) If the Register of Trade Marks Attorneys is kept wholly or partly by use of a computer, references in this Act to an entry in the Register of Trade Marks Attorneys are to be read as including references to a record of particulars kept by use of the computer and comprising the Register of Trade Marks Attorneys or part of the Register of Trade Marks Attorneys.
(4) The Designated Manager must register as a trade marks attorney a person who:
(a) holds such qualifications as are specified in, or ascertained in accordance with, the regulations; and
(b) is of good fame, integrity and character; and (c) has not been convicted of a prescribed offence during the
previous 5 years; and (d) is not under sentence of imprisonment for a prescribed
offence. The registration is to consist of entering the person’s name in the Register of Trade Marks Attorneys.
(5) A qualification specified in, or ascertained in accordance with, regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (4)(a) may consist of passing an examination conducted by the Professional Standards Board. This subsection does not limit paragraph (4)(a).
(6) Paragraphs (4)(c) and (d) do not limit paragraph (4)(b).
(7) A person may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of a decision of the Designated Manager not to register the person as a trade marks attorney.
(8) A reference in this section to conviction of an offence includes a reference to the making of an order under section 19B of the Crimes Act 1914, or a corresponding provision of a law of a State or a Territory, in relation to the offence.
(9) In this section:
Designated Manager has the same meaning as in the Patents Act 1990.
Part 21 Miscellaneous Division 3 General
Section 228B
150 Trade Marks Act 1995
Professional Standards Board has the same meaning as in the Patents Act 1990.
228B Deregistration of trade marks attorneys
The name of the person registered as a trade marks attorney may be removed from the Register of Trade Marks Attorneys in the prescribed manner and on the prescribed grounds.
229 Privileges of trade marks attorney and patent attorney
(1) A communication between a registered trade marks attorney and the attorney’s client in intellectual property matters, and any record or document made for the purposes of such a communication, are privileged to the same extent as a communication between a solicitor and his or her client.
(2) The regulations may provide that a registered trade marks attorney or a patent attorney has, in relation to documents and property of a client in a matter relating to trade marks, the same right of lien that a solicitor has in relation to the documents and property of a client.
(3) In this section:
intellectual property matters means: (a) matters relating to patents; or (b) matters relating to trade marks; or (c) matters relating to designs; or (d) any related matters.
230 Passing off actions
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), this Act does not affect the law relating to passing off.
(2) In an action for passing off arising out of the use by the defendant of a registered trade mark:
(a) of which he or she is the registered owner or an authorised user; and
Miscellaneous Part 21 General Division 3
Section 231
Trade Marks Act 1995 151
(b) that is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, the trade mark of the plaintiff;
damages may not be awarded against the defendant if the defendant satisfies the court:
(c) that, at the time when the defendant began to use the trade mark, he or she was unaware, and had no reasonable means of finding out, that the trade mark of the plaintiff was in use; and
(d) that, when the defendant became aware of the existence and nature of the plaintiff’s trade mark, he or she immediately ceased to use the trade mark in relation to the goods or services in relation to which it was used by the plaintiff.
Note 1: For authorised user see section 8.
Note 2: For deceptively similar see section 10.
231 Regulations
(1) The Governor-General may make regulations: (a) prescribing matters required or permitted by this Act to be
prescribed; or (b) prescribing matters necessary or convenient to be prescribed
for carrying out or giving effect to this Act; or (c) prescribing matters necessary or convenient to be prescribed
for the conduct of any business relating to the Trade Marks Office or a sub-office of the Trade Marks Office.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations may: (a) provide for appeals against decisions of the Registrar made
under the regulations; and (b) require persons to make statutory declarations in support of
any application, notice or request filed under this Act; and Note: For file see section 6.
(c) provide for the making of a declaration, or the doing of an act, under this Act on behalf of a person who, because of infancy or physical or mental disability, is unable to make the declaration or do the act; and
(d) provide for the refund, in specific circumstances, of the whole or part of a fee paid under this Act; and
Part 21 Miscellaneous Division 3 General
Section 231
152 Trade Marks Act 1995
(e) provide for the remission of, or the exemption of specified classes of persons from the payment of, the whole or part of a fee; and
(f) provide for the expenses and allowances to be paid to witnesses or persons attending at proceedings before the Registrar; and
(g) give power to the Registrar: (i) to require, in specified circumstances, a person applying
under Part 9 for a trade mark to be removed from the Register to give security for any costs that may arise from the proceedings; and
(ii) not to proceed with the application if security is not given; and
(iii) to refund to the applicant any amount given as security and not applied in settling costs awarded against the applicant; and
(h) provide for the destruction of documents relating to a trade mark at least 25 years after the registration of the trade mark has ceased; and
(ha) provide for the control of the professional conduct of registered trade marks attorneys and the practice of the profession and, for that purpose, make provision for and in relation to all or any of the following:
(i) making complaints, and hearing charges, against registered trade marks attorneys about their professional conduct;
(ii) imposing penalties on registered trade marks attorneys (including issuing a reprimand and suspending or cancelling registration);
(iii) summoning witnesses; (iv) requiring persons to give evidence on oath (whether
orally or otherwise); (v) administering oaths to persons giving evidence (whether
orally or otherwise); (vi) requiring persons to produce documents or articles; and
(i) prescribe as penalties for offences against the regulations fines not exceeding 10 penalty units; and
(j) make transitional or consequential provision as necessary or convenient because of the repeal of the repealed Act and the enactment of this Act; and
Miscellaneous Part 21 General Division 3
Section 231A
Trade Marks Act 1995 153
(k) provide for regulations made under the repealed Act to continue to have effect (with any prescribed alterations) for specified purposes of this Act.
Note: Regulations can also be made in relation to the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011 under section 231A.
231A Regulations may make provision in relation to the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011
(1) The regulations may make provision in relation to the effect of the operation of the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011, and any regulations made under that Act, on:
(a) a provision of this Act; or (b) a regulation made under this Act, including:
(i) a regulation that applies a provision of this Act; or (ii) a regulation that applies a provision of this Act in
modified form. Note: Section 28 of the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011 also sets out the
effect of the operation of that Act on certain provisions of, and regulations made under, this Act.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), regulations made for the purposes of that subsection may clarify or state the effect of the operation of the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011, and any regulations made under that Act, on a provision of this Act or a regulation made under this Act, including by taking or deeming:
(a) something to have (or not to have) happened; or (b) something to be (or not to be) the case; or (c) something to have (or not to have) a particular effect.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1): (a) may be inconsistent with this Act; and (b) prevail over this Act (including any other regulations or other
instruments made under this Act), to the extent of any inconsistency.
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 1 Repeal
Section 232
154 Trade Marks Act 1995
Part 22—Repeal and transitional
Division 1—Repeal
232 Repeal
The Trade Marks Act 1955 is repealed.
Repeal and transitional Part 22 Marks registered under the repealed Act Division 2
Section 233
Trade Marks Act 1995 155
Division 2—Marks registered under the repealed Act
233 Automatic registration under this Act
(1) All trade marks that, immediately before 1 January 1996, were registered in Part A or B, or both Parts A and B, of the old register are registered trade marks for the purposes of this Act. Note: For old register and registered trade mark see section 6.
(2) All trade marks that, immediately before 1 January 1996, were registered as certification trade marks in Part C of the old register are registered certification trade marks for the purposes of this Act.
(3) All trade marks that, immediately before 1 January 1996, were registered as defensive trade marks in Part D of the old register are registered as defensive trade marks for the purposes of this Act.
234 Registration conclusive after 7 years
(1) This section applies in relation to: (a) a registered trade mark that:
(i) immediately before 1 January 1996, was registered in Part A of the old register; and
(ii) has not at any time on or after that day ceased to be registered; and
(b) a registered trade mark: (i) whose application for registration in Part A of the old
register had been accepted under the repealed Act and was still pending immediately before 1 January 1996; and
(ii) that has not at any time on or after that day ceased to be registered.
Note 1: For registered trade mark and old register see section 6.
Note 2: For pending see subsection 11(2).
(2) In any legal proceedings: (a) the original registration under the repealed Act of a trade
mark referred to in paragraph (1)(a); or
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 2 Marks registered under the repealed Act
Section 235
156 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) the original registration under this Act of a trade mark referred to in paragraph (1)(b);
is taken to be valid in all respects after a period of 7 years from the date of registration of the trade mark unless it is shown that:
(c) the original registration was obtained by fraud; or (d) the registration of the trade mark would be contrary to
section 28 of the repealed Act; or (e) the trade mark did not, at the commencement of the
proceedings, distinguish the goods or services of the registered owner in relation to which the trade mark is used from the goods or services of other persons.
Note 1: For date of registration see section 6.
Note 2: Section 28 of the repealed Act provided as follows: “28. A mark:
(a) the use of which would be likely to deceive or cause confusion;
(b) the use of which would be contrary to law; (c) which comprises or contains scandalous matter; or (d) which would otherwise be not entitled to protection in
a court of justice; shall not be registered as a trade mark.”.
235 Term of registration
The registration of an existing registered mark expires on the day on which it would have expired under the repealed Act if that Act had not been repealed. Note: For existing registered mark see section 6.
236 Renewal
(1) Division 2 of Part 7 applies in relation to the renewal of the registration of an existing registered mark.
(2) If, before 1 January 1996, the Registrar had (under section 69 of the repealed Act) renewed for a period of 14 years the registration of a trade mark that was due to expire on or after that day:
(a) that renewal has no effect for the purposes of this Act; and (b) the Registrar must renew the registration of the trade mark
for a period of 10 years from the day on which the registration would expire if it were not renewed.
Repeal and transitional Part 22 Marks registered under the repealed Act Division 2
Section 237
Trade Marks Act 1995 157
237 Restoration of particulars to Register and renewal of registration where registration expired within 12 months before 1 January 1996
(1) This section applies if the registration of a trade mark under the repealed Act had expired within 12 months before 1 January 1996.
(2) The Registrar must: (a) make an entry in the Register to the effect that all particulars
of the trade mark removed from the old register under the repealed Act (because the trade mark had not been renewed) are restored to the Register; and
(b) enter those particulars in the Register. Note: For old register see section 6.
(3) If an application for the renewal of the registration of the trade mark is made under this Act within 12 months from the day on which the registration expired, the Registrar must renew the registration of the trade mark for the period beginning on 1 January 1996 that, together with the period during which the trade mark remained unregistered under the repealed Act, equals 10 years.
(4) If the registration of the trade mark is not renewed under subsection (3), the Registrar must remove the trade mark from the Register 12 months after the day on which the registration expired.
238 Disclaimers
If the particulars entered in the Register under paragraph 207(2)(a) in respect of an existing registered mark include particulars of a disclaimer made (under section 32 of the repealed Act) by the registered proprietor of the mark about the exclusive right to use a specified part of the mark, that disclaimer has effect as if it were a disclaimer made under section 74 of this Act. Note: For existing registered mark see section 6.
239 Rules governing the use of certification trade marks registered in Part C of the old register
Any rules that, immediately before 1 January 1996, were governing the use of a trade mark then registered as a certification trade mark in Part C of the old register:
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 2 Marks registered under the repealed Act
Section 239A
158 Trade Marks Act 1995
(a) apply in relation to the use of the certification trade mark on or after that day as if they were rules made in accordance with this Act; and
(b) may be varied under section 178. Note: For old register see section 6.
239A Linked trade marks
(1) Subsection (2) applies if: (a) the same trade mark was registered before 1 January 1996 in
respect of goods or services of different classes; and (b) all the applications for the trade marks were lodged (or were
taken under the repealed Act to have been lodged) on the same day with the Trade Marks Office; and
(c) the trade marks are registered trade marks for the purposes of this Act with the same registered owner.
Note: For registered owner and registered trade mark see section 6.
(2) The registered owner may apply to the Registrar, in writing, to have those trade marks, or so many of those trade marks as are identified in the application, dealt with under this Act as if they were one registered trade mark in relation to the goods or services in respect of which the trade marks, or the identified trade marks, were registered.
(3) If an application is made under subsection (2), the Registrar must deal with the trade marks, or the identified trade marks, as if they were a single trade mark.
(4) The date of registration of the single trade mark is taken to be the day on which the applications mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) were lodged, or were taken to have been lodged (as the case may be), with the Trade Marks Office under the repealed Act.
Repeal and transitional Part 22 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act Division 3
Section 240
Trade Marks Act 1995 159
Division 3—Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act
240 Applications, notices etc.—general
(1) Subject to this Division, an application, notice or request that: (a) was lodged with the Registrar in accordance with the
repealed Act; and (b) was pending immediately before 1 January 1996;
is to be dealt with in accordance with this Act. Note: For pending see subsection 11(2).
(2) The application, notice or request is taken to have been filed in accordance with this Act. Note: For file see section 6.
241 Application for registration of trade mark
(1) This section applies if an application for the registration of a trade mark in Part A or B of the old register was pending immediately before 1 January 1996. Note 1: For old register see section 6.
Note 2: For pending see subsection 11(2).
(2) If the application had been accepted under the repealed Act and the acceptance was in force immediately before 1 January 1996, the following provisions apply:
(a) subject to subsection (4), the repealed Act (other than paragraph 45(1)(b)) continues to apply in relation to the application;
(b) if, after dealing with the application in accordance with the repealed Act, the Registrar is required under section 53 of that Act to register the trade mark in the old register—the Registrar is to register the trade mark under Part 7 of this Act.
Note: Subsection 45(1) of the repealed Act provided as follows: “45. (1) An application for the registration of a trade mark may be
accepted, and the trade mark may be registered,
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 3 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act
Section 241
160 Trade Marks Act 1995
notwithstanding that the applicant does not use or propose to use the trade mark:
(a) ... (b) if an application has been made for the registration
of a person as a registered user of the trade mark and the Registrar is satisfied that the proprietor intends the trade mark to be used by that person in relation to those goods or services and is also satisfied that that person will be registered as a registered user of the trade mark immediately after registration of the trade mark.”.
(3) If, immediately before 1 January 1996, the application had not been accepted, the following provisions apply:
(a) subject to subsection 240(2) and subsection (5) of this section, the application is to be dealt with in accordance with this Act;
(b) if: (i) there is no opposition to the registration; or
(ii) there is an opposition to the registration but the Registrar’s decision, or (in the case of an appeal against the Registrar’s decision) the decision on appeal, is that the trade mark should be registered;
Part 7 is to apply in relation to the registration of the trade mark.
(4) If, when dealing with the application under the repealed Act as provided by paragraph (2)(a), the Registrar withdraws the acceptance of the application under subsection 44(3) of that Act, the following provisions apply:
(a) subject to subsection 240(2) and subsection (5) of this section, the application is to be dealt with in accordance with this Act as if it were an application whose acceptance had been revoked under subsection 38(1);
(b) if: (i) there is no opposition to the registration; or
(ii) there is an opposition to the registration but the Registrar’s decision, or (in the case of an appeal against the Registrar’s decision) the decision on appeal, is that the trade mark should be registered;
Part 7 is to apply in relation to the registration of the trade mark.
Repeal and transitional Part 22 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act Division 3
Section 242
Trade Marks Act 1995 161
(5) The filing date in respect of the application is: (a) if paragraph (b) does not apply—the day on which the
application was lodged with the Trade Marks Office under the repealed Act; or
(b) if section 43 of the repealed Act applied to the application and the Registrar had made the proper direction—the day on which the application is to be taken to have been lodged with the Trade Marks Office under the repealed Act.
242 Divisional application in relation to pending application
(1) This section applies if, immediately before 1 January 1996, an application (initial application) for the registration of a trade mark in the old register was pending and had not been accepted. Note 1: For old register see section 6.
Note 2: For pending see subsection 11(2).
(2) If: (a) at any time within 6 months after 1 January 1996, the initial
application is still pending; and (b) a part of the trade mark, by itself, may be registered as a
trade mark; the applicant may, subject to subsection (4), make an application (divisional application) for the registration of that part as a trade mark in respect of any or all of the goods or services specified in the initial application. Note: For pending see subsection 11(1).
(3) If the initial application: (a) was amended under the repealed Act to exclude some of the
goods and/or services specified in the application before its amendment; and
(b) is still pending at any time within one month after 1 January 1996;
the applicant may, subject to subsection (4), make an application (divisional application) for the registration of the trade mark in respect of any or all of the goods and/or services that were excluded from the initial application. Note: For pending see subsection 11(1).
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 3 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act
Section 243
162 Trade Marks Act 1995
(4) If the initial application is accepted under Part 4, a divisional application may not be made after the acceptance is advertised in the Official Journal.
243 More than one application lodged on same day for registration of same trade mark
(1) If: (a) before 1 January 1996 a person made a number of
applications each seeking the registration of one and the same trade mark but in respect of goods or services of different classes; and
(b) all the applications were lodged, or were taken under the repealed Act to have been lodged, on the same day with the Trade Marks Office;
the applications are called linked applications in this section.
(2) This section applies if, immediately before 1 January 1996, a number of linked applications for the registration of a trade mark were pending and had not been accepted. Note: For pending see subsection 11(2).
(3) If, at any time on or after 1 January 1996, there are linked applications pending, the applicant may, subject to subsection (4), apply to the Registrar to have some or all of those applications dealt with under this Act as if they were one application for the registration of the trade mark in respect of all goods and services specified in those applications. Note: For pending see subsection 11(1).
(4) If: (a) one of the linked applications has been accepted under Part 4;
and (b) the acceptance has been advertised in the Official Journal;
that application may not be included in the application made to the Registrar under subsection (3).
(5) If an application is made under subsection (3), the Registrar must deal with the linked applications as if they were a single application for the registration of a trade mark made on 1 January 1996.
Repeal and transitional Part 22 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act Division 3
Section 244
Trade Marks Act 1995 163
(6) The filing date for the single application taken to have been made under subsection (5) is the day on which the linked applications were lodged, or were taken to have been lodged (as the case may be), with the Trade Marks Office under the repealed Act.
244 Application for registration of trade mark whose registration has been sought in Convention country
(1) This section applies if: (a) an application for the registration in Australia of a trade mark
whose registration had been sought in one or more than one Convention country was made under section 109 of the repealed Act; and
(b) immediately before 1 January 1996, the application was still pending.
Note 1: For pending see subsection 11(2).
Note 2: For Convention country see section 225.
(2) If: (a) for the purposes of the repealed Act, the Registrar had been
notified that an application had been made in that Convention country or in those Convention countries for the registration of the trade mark; and
(b) the trade mark is registered under this Act; subsection 72(2) applies in relation to the registration as if a right of priority had been claimed under section 29 for the registration of the trade mark.
(3) If the Registrar had not, for the purposes of the repealed Act, been notified that an application had been made in that Convention country or in those Convention countries for the registration of the trade mark, the applicant must, within 6 months after 1 January 1996 but subject to subsection (5), claim a right of priority for the registration of the trade mark in accordance with section 29 in order to obtain registration from the date on which that application or the earliest of those applications was made in a Convention country.
(4) If: (a) the applicant claims a right of priority for the registration of
the trade mark under subsection (3); and
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 3 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act
Section 245
164 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) the trade mark is registered under this Act; subsection 72(2) applies in relation to the registration.
(5) If the application is accepted under Part 4, the applicant may not claim a right of priority in accordance with section 29 after the acceptance is advertised in the Official Journal.
245 Application for registration of a mark in Part C of the old register
(1) Subject to Part 16, section 241 applies to an application for the registration of a mark as a certification trade mark in Part C of the old register as if the reference in subsection (1) to Part A or B of the old register were a reference to Part C of that register.
(2) Subject to Part 16, sections 242 to 244 apply to an application for the registration of a mark as a certification trade mark in Part C of the old register. Note: For old register see section 6.
246 Application for registration of a mark in Part D of the old register
(1) Subject to Part 17, section 241 applies to an application for the registration of a mark as a defensive trade mark in Part D of the old register as if the reference in subsection (1) to Part A or B of the old register were a reference to Part D of that register.
(2) Subject to Part 17, sections 242 to 244 apply to an application for the registration of a mark as a defensive trade mark in Part D of the old register.
247 Amendment of application—specification of goods or services
(1) This section applies if: (a) immediately before 1 January 1996 an application for the
registration of a mark in Part A, B, C or D of the old register (other than an application made under section 39 of the repealed Act) was pending and had not been accepted; and
(b) the application had previously been amended; and
Repeal and transitional Part 22 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act Division 3
Section 248
Trade Marks Act 1995 165
(c) the application as amended did not relate to all of the goods or services specified in the application before its amendment.
Note 1: For old register see section 6.
Note 2: For pending see subsection 11(2).
(2) The applicant may, within 6 months after 1 January 1996, apply to the Registrar for the application to be again amended so as to relate to some or all of the goods or services specified in the application before its amendment under the repealed Act, if:
(a) the application is still pending under this Act; and: (i) it has not been accepted; or
(ii) if it has been accepted, the acceptance has not been advertised in the Official Journal; and
(b) subsection 43(3) of the repealed Act would apply in relation to a further application for the registration of the mark in respect of the goods or services included from the original application, if that Act were still in force.
Note: For pending see subsection 11(1).
(3) If an application is amended under subsection (2), it must (if necessary) be also amended so as to be in accordance with Part 4.
248 Revival of application for registration of trade mark that had lapsed before 1 January 1996
(1) If: (a) an application under the repealed Act for the registration of a
trade mark had lapsed (under subsection 48(1) of that Act); and
(b) the application would have been pending immediately before 1 January 1996 if:
(i) an application had been made to the Registrar under the repealed Act for an extension of the time within which the application for registration would be accepted; and
(ii) the Registrar had allowed an extension of that time under that Act;
the applicant may apply in writing to the Registrar for a declaration that the application is revived. Note: For pending see subsection 11(2).
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 3 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act
Section 249
166 Trade Marks Act 1995
(2) The Registrar must grant the application if he or she considers, in all the circumstances of the case, that it is fair and reasonable to do so.
(3) If the Registrar declares that the application is revived, the application is to be dealt with as if it were an application that was pending immediately before 1 January 1996. Note 1: For pending see subsection 11(2).
Note 2: Sections 240 to 247 make provision relating to applications for registration of trade marks that were pending immediately before 1 January 1996.
249 Application for registration of assignment etc.
If an application for the registration in the old register of the assignment or transmission of an existing registered mark was pending immediately before 1 January 1996, this Act applies in relation to the application as if:
(a) it were an application under section 109 for a record of the assignment or transmission to be entered in the Register; and
(b) that application was filed on 1 January 1996. Note: For old register, existing registered mark and file see section 6.
250 Rectification of Register
If proceedings arising from an application to a court under section 22 (Rectification of Register) of the repealed Act were pending immediately before 1 January 1996, the matter is to be decided under the repealed Act as if the old register were to be rectified, but any order made by the Court may only be in respect of the rectification of the Register. Note: For old register see section 6.
251 Action for removal of trade mark from Register for non-use
If proceedings arising from an application to the Registrar or a court under section 23 (Provisions as to non-use of trade mark) of the repealed Act were pending immediately before 1 January 1996, the repealed Act continues to apply:
(a) in relation to those proceedings; and
Repeal and transitional Part 22 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act Division 3
Section 252
Trade Marks Act 1995 167
(b) for the purposes of any appeal from an order or direction of the Registrar or the court under that section;
as if the reference in subsection 23(1) to the Register were a reference to the Register within the meaning of this Act. Note: For pending see subsection 11(2).
252 Action for infringement of trade mark etc.
Sections 62 to 67 and section 78 of the repealed Act continue to apply in relation to an action for the infringement of a trade mark that was pending immediately before 1 January 1996.
253 Action under this Act for infringement of trade mark under repealed Act
If: (a) before 1 January 1996 a person engaged in conduct that
infringed a mark registered under the repealed Act; and (b) an action relating to that infringement was not pending
immediately before 1 January 1996; and (c) the mark is an existing registered mark for the purposes of
this Act; then, subject to any law limiting the time within which such an action may be started, an action may be brought under this Act for that infringement of the trade mark. A person is not, however, entitled under this Act to any injunction or other relief to which the person would not have been entitled under the repealed Act. Note: For existing registered mark see section 6.
254 Acts not constituting infringement of existing registered mark
(1) This section applies if: (a) immediately before 1 January 1996, a person was engaging
in conduct that did not constitute an infringement of a mark registered under the repealed Act; and
(b) the mark is an existing registered mark for the purposes of this Act; and
(c) the person has, on or after that day, continuously engaged in, and is engaging in, that conduct; and
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 3 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act
Section 254A
168 Trade Marks Act 1995
(d) that conduct is an infringement of the existing registered mark under this Act.
(2) In spite of section 120, the person does not infringe the existing registered mark by engaging in that conduct. Note: For existing registered mark see section 6.
254A Acts not constituting infringement of trade mark—pending application under the repealed Act
(1) This section applies if: (a) an application for the registration of a trade mark under the
repealed Act was pending immediately before 1 January 1996; and
(b) immediately before 1 January 1996, a person was engaging in conduct that would not have constituted an infringement of the mark if the mark had been registered under the repealed Act before 1 January 1996; and
(c) the person has, on or after that day, continuously engaged in, and is engaging in, that conduct; and
(d) the mark becomes a registered trade mark under this Act; and (e) that conduct is an infringement of the registered trade mark
under this Act.
(2) Despite section 120, the person does not infringe the registered trade mark by engaging in that conduct.
254B Part B defence—infringement of existing registered mark
(1) This section applies if: (a) immediately before 1 January 1996, a person was engaging
in conduct that constituted an infringement of a mark registered under the repealed Act; and
(b) the mark is an existing registered mark for the purposes of this Act; and
(c) the mark was registered in Part B of the old register before 1 January 1996; and
(d) the person has, on or after that day, continuously engaged in, and is engaging in, that conduct; and
(e) that conduct is an infringement of the existing registered mark under this Act.
Repeal and transitional Part 22 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act Division 3
Section 254C
Trade Marks Act 1995 169
(2) In an action for infringement of the existing registered mark (not being an infringement occurring by reason of an act referred to in section 121), an injunction or other relief must not be granted if the person establishes to the satisfaction of the court that the use of the mark is not likely to:
(a) deceive or cause confusion; or (b) be taken as indicating a connection in the course of trade
between the goods and/or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered and a person having the right, either as registered owner or as authorised user, to use the trade mark.
Note: For existing registered mark see section 6.
254C Part B defence—infringement of trade mark (pending application under the repealed Act)
(1) This section applies if: (a) an application for the registration of a trade mark in Part B of
the old register was pending immediately before 1 January 1996; and
(b) immediately before 1 January 1996, a person was engaging in conduct that would have constituted an infringement of the mark if the mark had been registered in Part B of the old register before 1 January 1996; and
(c) the person has, on or after that day, continuously engaged in, and is engaging in, that conduct; and
(d) the mark becomes a registered trade mark under this Act; and (e) that conduct is an infringement of the registered trade mark
under this Act.
(2) In an action for infringement of the registered trade mark (not being an infringement occurring by reason of an act referred to in section 121), an injunction or other relief must not be granted if the person establishes to the satisfaction of the court that the use of the mark is not likely to:
(a) deceive or cause confusion; or (b) be taken as indicating a connection in the course of trade
between the goods and/or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered and a person having the right, either as registered owner or as authorised user, to use the trade mark.
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 3 Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act
Section 255
170 Trade Marks Act 1995
Note: For existing registered mark see section 6.
255 Application of this Act—general
(1) If: (a) an action or proceeding validly brought for the purposes of
the repealed Act was still pending immediately before 1 January 1996; and
(b) that action or proceeding could have been brought under this Act if this Act had been in force when the action or proceeding was started;
then, except as otherwise provided by this Division or the regulations, this Act applies in relation to the action or proceeding as if it were an action or proceeding validly brought on 1 January 1996 under the relevant provision of this Act.
(2) Anything done under the repealed Act for the purposes of the action or proceeding is taken to have been done:
(a) on 1 January 1996; and (b) in accordance with this Act.
256 Fees
No fee is payable under this Act in relation to an act that was done under the repealed Act and is taken, under this Division, to be an act done under this Act.
Repeal and transitional Part 22 General Division 4
Section 257
Trade Marks Act 1995 171
Division 4—General
257 The Registrar and Deputy Registrar
Persons holding office as Registrar of Trade Marks and Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks immediately before 1 January 1996 continue to hold those respective offices on and after that day.
258 Confidential information received by Registrar under section 74 of the repealed Act
If, immediately before 1 January 1996, the Registrar was required under subsection 74(7) of the repealed Act to ensure that any document, information or evidence given for the purpose of an application for the registration of a person as a registered user of a trade mark was not disclosed to any other person, the Registrar must continue to ensure that the document, information or evidence is not so disclosed except by order of a prescribed court. Note: For prescribed court see section 190.
259 Documents kept under repealed Act
The Registrar is to continue to keep in accordance with this Act all documents that, immediately before 1 January 1996, were kept by the Registrar under the repealed Act.
260 Address for service
(1) If, immediately before 1 January 1996, the address for service of an applicant for the registration of a trade mark, or of an opponent to the registration, under subsection 132(1) or (2) of the repealed Act (existing address) was an address in Australia, that address remains the address for service of the applicant or opponent for the purposes of this Act until he or she notifies another address to the Registrar under section 215. Note: For applicant and opponent see section 6.
(2) If the existing address of an applicant for the registration of a trade mark or of an opponent to the registration is not an address in
Part 22 Repeal and transitional Division 4 General
Section 261
172 Trade Marks Act 1995
Australia, the applicant or opponent must give in writing to the Registrar an address in Australia as his or her address for service.
(3) If, immediately before 1 January 1996, the proprietor of an existing registered mark had an agent in Australia for the purposes of subsection 70(1) of the repealed Act, the address of that agent is the address for service of the registered owner of the mark for the purposes of this Act until the registered owner notifies another address to the Registrar under section 215. Note: For existing registered mark see section 6.
(4) If: (a) immediately before 1 January 1996, the proprietor of an
existing registered mark did not have an agent in Australia for the purposes of subsection 70(1) of the repealed Act; and
(b) the address then entered in the old register as the address of the proprietor was an address in Australia;
that address is the address for service of the registered owner of the mark for the purposes of this Act until the registered owner notifies another address to the Registrar under section 215. Note: For existing registered mark and old register see section 6.
(5) If: (a) immediately before 1 January 1996, the proprietor of an
existing registered mark did not have an agent in Australia for the purposes of subsection 70(1) of the repealed Act; and
(b) the address then entered in the old register as the address of the proprietor was not an address in Australia;
that address is not to be used as the address for service of the registered owner of the mark, and the registered owner must give in writing to the Registrar an address in Australia as his or her address for service. Note: For existing registered mark and old register see section 6.
261 Notices to Customs CEO objecting to importation of goods
(1) If a notice under paragraph 103(3)(b) of the repealed Act objecting to the importation of goods infringing a registered trade mark had not been revoked before 1 January 1996, then, subject to subsection (2), the notice continues to have effect for the purposes
Repeal and transitional Part 22 General Division 4
Section 261
Trade Marks Act 1995 173
of Part 13 of this Act as if it were a notice given under section 132 of this Act.
(2) The notice ceases to have effect: (a) if the Customs CEO is given a notice under section 132
objecting to any importation of goods infringing the trade mark; or
(b) at the end of 3 months from 1 January 1996; whichever first occurs.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table of Acts
Trade Marks Act 1995 175
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995 Note 1
The Trade Marks Act 1995 as shown in this compilation comprises Act No. 119, 1995 amended as indicated in the Tables below.
For all relevant information pertaining to application, saving or transitional provisions see Table A.
The Trade Marks Act 1995 was modified by the Trade Marks Regulations 1995 (1995 No. 341 as amended). The modifications are not incorporated in this compilation.
Table of Acts
Act Number and year
Date of Assent
Date of commencement
Application, saving or transitional provisions
Trade Marks Act 1995 119, 1995 17 Oct 1995 Part 1 (ss. 1–5): Royal Assent Remainder: 1 Jan 1996
Industry, Science and Tourism Legislation Amendment Act 1997
91, 1997 30 June 1997 Schedule 1 (items 25–41): 1 Jan 1996 (a)
—
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 1998
100, 1998 27 July 1998 Schedule 2 (items 33–46): 27 Jan 1999 (b)
—
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Border Interception) Act 1999
144, 1999 3 Nov 1999 3 Nov 1999 S. 4
Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999
146, 1999 11 Nov 1999 Schedule 1 (items 940–943): 5 Dec 1999 (see Gazette 1999, No. S584) (c)
—
Trade Marks Amendment (Madrid Protocol) Act 2000
117, 2000 7 Sept 2000 11 July 2001 (see Gazette 2001, No. GN24)
—
Trade Marks and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2001
99, 2001 22 Aug 2001 Schedule 1 (items 1–46): 19 Sept 2001 (d) Schedule 1 (item 47): (d)
Sch. 1 (items 4, 5, 12, 15, 23, 32, 33)
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table of Acts
176 Trade Marks Act 1995
Act Number and year
Date of Assent
Date of commencement
Application, saving or transitional provisions
Industry, Science and Resources Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Act 2001
140, 2001 1 Oct 2001 2 Oct 2001 S. 4
Proceeds of Crime (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act 2002
86, 2002 11 Oct 2002 Ss. 1–3: Royal Assent Remainder: 1 Jan 2003 (see s. 2(1) and Gazette, 2002 No. GN44)
—
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2003
48, 2003 26 June 2003 Schedule 1 (items 3–5) and Schedule 2 (items 6, 7): 24 July 2003
—
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2006
106, 2006 27 Sept 2006 Schedules 1, 2, 3 (items 8–16), Schedule 4 and Schedule 12 (item 8): 27 Mar 2007 Schedule 3 (items 1–7), Schedule 11 (items 3, 4) and Schedule 13: 28 Sept 2006 Schedule 16 (item 2): (e) Schedule 16 (item 3): 5 Dec 1999 (see s. 2(1))
Sch. 1 (items 2, 9), Sch. 2 (item 2), Sch. 3 (items 2, 5, 9, 11, 14, 16), Sch. 4 (items 2, 4), Sch. 11 (item 4) and Sch. 13 (item 2)
Trade Marks Amendment Act 2006
114, 2006 23 Oct 2006 Schedule 1 (items 63–92): 27 Mar 2007 (see F2007L00392) Remainder: Royal Assent
Sch. 1 (items 5, 8, 11, 13, 20, 26, 30, 34, 36, 51, 62, 69, 72, 82, 85, 90)
Personal Property Securities (Consequential Amendments) Act 2009
131, 2009 14 Dec 2009 Schedule 2 (items 18–24): 30 Jan 2012 (see F2011L02397)
Sch. 2 (item 24)
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Act (No. 2) 2010
4, 2010 19 Feb 2010 Schedule 10 (item 30): 20 Feb 2010
—
Personal Property Securities (Corporations and Other Amendments) Act 2010
96, 2010 6 July 2010 Schedule 3 (item 30): (f)
—
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table of Acts
Trade Marks Act 1995 177
Act Number and year
Date of Assent
Date of commencement
Application, saving or transitional provisions
Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Amendment Act 2010
98, 2010 6 July 2010 Schedule 1 (items 70–76, 81, 82): 1 Sept 2010 (see F2010L02117)
Sch. 1 (items 81, 82)
Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Act (No. 2) 2010
103, 2010 13 July 2010 Schedule 6 (items 1, 141): 1 Jan 2011
—
Acts Interpretation Amendment Act 2011
46, 2011 27 June 2011 Schedule 2 (items 1163, 1164) and Schedule 3 (items 10, 11): 27 Dec 2011
Sch. 3 (items 10, 11)
Trade Marks Amendment (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Act 2011
149, 2011 1 Dec 2011 Schedule 1: 1 Dec 2011 (see s. 2(1)) Remainder: Royal Assent
—
Crimes Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 2011
174, 2011 5 Dec 2011 Schedule 2 (items 240–242): 1 Jan 2012
Sch. 2 (item 242)
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Act 2012
35, 2012 15 Apr 2012 Schedule 3 (items 17–31, 32(7)), Schedule 4 (items 37–58), Schedule 5 (items 17–29) and Schedule 6 (items 109–132): [see Note 2 and Table A]
Sch. 3 (item 32(7))
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Act Notes
178 Trade Marks Act 1995
(a) The Trade Marks Act 1995 was amended by Schedule 1 (items 25–41) only of the Industry, Science and Tourism Legislation Amendment Act 1997, subsection 2(4) of which provides as follows:
(4) The amendments of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by Schedule 1 are taken to have commenced on 1 January 1996.
(b) The Trade Marks Act 1995 was amended by Schedule 2 (items 33–46) only of the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 1998, subsection 2(5) of which provides as follows:
(5) If Schedule 2 does not commence under subsection (4) within the period of 6 months beginning on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, Schedule 2 commences on the first day after the end of that period.
(c) The Trade Marks Act 1995 was amended by Schedule 1 (items 940–943) only of the Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999, subsections 2(1) and (2) of which provide as follows:
(1) In this Act, commencing time means the time when the Public Service Act 1999 commences.
(2) Subject to this section, this Act commences at the commencing time. (d) The Trade Marks Act 1995 was amended by Schedule 1 only of the Trade Marks and Other
Legislation Amendment Act 2001, subsections 2(1) and (2)(a) of which provide as follows: (1) Subject to this section, this Act commences on the 28th day after the day on which
it receives the Royal Assent. (2) Part 2 of Schedule 1 commences at the later of:
(a) the time when Parts 4 to 10 of the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2001 commence; and
The Administrative Review Tribunal Bill has not been enacted. Therefore this amendment does not commence.
(e) Subsection 2(1) (item 15) of the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2006 provides as follows:
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
Commencement information
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Provision(s) Commencement Date/Details
15. Schedule 16, item 2
Immediately after the commencement of section 84 of the Trade Marks Act 1995.
1 January 1996
(f) Subsection 2(1) (item 19) of the Personal Property Securities (Corporations and Other Amendments) Act 2010 provides as follows:
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
Provision(s) Commencement Date/Details
19. Schedule 3, item 30
Immediately after the commencement of item 18 of Schedule 2 to the Personal Property Securities (Consequential Amendments) Act 2009.
30 January 2012
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table of Amendments
Trade Marks Act 1995 179
Table of Amendments
ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted
Provision affected How affected
Reader’s Guide ........................ am. No. 140, 2001; No. 114, 2006 List of terms.............................. am. No. 91, 1997; No. 48, 2003; No. 114, 2006 Part 1 S. 4A ........................................ ad. No. 140, 2001 Part 2 S. 6 .......................................... am. No. 91, 1997; No. 100, 1998; Nos. 144 and 146, 1999;
No. 117, 2000; No. 99, 2001; No. 48, 2003; Nos. 106 and 114, 2006; No. 131, 2009; Nos. 96, 98 and 103, 2010
S. 6A ........................................ ad. No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 6A ............................ rs. No. 46, 2011 S. 15 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Part 3 Note 3 to s. 20(1)...................... ad. No. 117, 2000 S. 22 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006; No. 131, 2009 S. 26 ........................................ am. No. 91, 1997; No. 99, 2001 Part 4 Division 1 S. 27 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 29(1) ........................ ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 31 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 31............................. ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 33 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 33(1) ........................ rs. No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 33(3) ........................ ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 38 ........................................ am. No. 106, 2006 Division 2 S. 41 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Note 4 to s. 44(1)...................... ad. No. 117, 2000 Note 4 to s. 44(2)...................... ad. No. 117, 2000 Division 3 Div. 3 of Part 4 ......................... rs. No. 114, 2006 S. 45 ........................................ am. No. 99, 2001
rs. No. 114, 2006 Notes 1, 2 to s. 45(1) ................ ad. No. 99, 2001
rep. No. 114, 2006 S. 46 ........................................ rep. No. 99, 2001
ad. No. 114, 2006 Ss. 47–50................................. rep. No. 114, 2006 Division 4 S. 51 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table of Amendments
180 Trade Marks Act 1995
ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted
Provision affected How affected
S. 51A ...................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 Part 5 Division 1 S. 52 ........................................ am. No. 99, 2001; No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 52(4) ........................ ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 55 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Division 2 S. 57 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 57............................. ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 58A ...................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 60 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Notes 1, 2 to s. 60 .................... rep. No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 60............................. ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 61 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006; No. 98, 2010 S. 62A ...................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 Part 6 S. 63 ........................................ am. No. 99, 2001; No. 114, 2006 S. 65 ........................................ rs. No. 114, 2006 S. 65A ...................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 66 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 S. 66A ...................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 Part 7 Division 1 S. 68 ........................................ am. No. 99, 2001 S. 73 ........................................ am. No. 99, 2001 Note to s. 73............................. ad. No. 106, 2006 Division 2 Heading to Div. 2 of Part 7........ rs. No. 99, 2001 S. 74A ...................................... ad. No. 99, 2001 S. 78 ........................................ am. No. 99, 2001; No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 78............................. am. No. 114, 2006 Heading to s. 79 ....................... am. No. 114, 2006 S. 79 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 79............................. ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 80 ........................................ am. No. 99, 2001 Division 3 Div. 3 of Part 7 ......................... ad. No. 99, 2001 Ss. 80A–80F ............................ ad. No. 99, 2001 Note to s. 80F........................... ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 80G...................................... ad. No. 99, 2001 Note to s. 80G(1)...................... ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 80H...................................... ad. No. 99, 2001
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table of Amendments
Trade Marks Act 1995 181
ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted
Provision affected How affected
Part 8 Heading to Part 8 ..................... rs. No. 106, 2006 Division 1 Subdivision A Heading to Subdiv. A of............
Div. 1 of Part 8 ad. No. 106, 2006
S. 82A ...................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 83A ...................................... ad. No. 98, 2010 Subdivision B Heading to Subdiv. B of............
Div. 1 of Part 8 ad. No. 106, 2006
S. 84 ........................................ am. No. 106, 2006 Subdivision C Subdiv. C of Div. 1 of................
Part 8 ad. No. 106, 2006
Ss. 84A–84D............................ ad. No. 106, 2006 Division 2 Ss. 86, 87................................. am. No. 114, 2006 S. 88 ........................................ am. No. 99, 2001; No. 114, 2006 Note 2 to s. 88(2)...................... rs. No. 114, 2006 S. 88A ...................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 90 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Part 9 S. 92 ........................................ am. No. 114, 2006 Note to s. 92(4) ........................ rep. No. 114, 2006 Notes 1, 2 to s. 92(4)................ ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 96A ...................................... ad. No. 99, 2001 Note 2 to s. 100(1).................... am. No. 114, 2006 S. 101....................................... am. No. 114, 2006 Part 11 Division 2 S. 113....................................... rs. No. 131, 2009 Division 3 S. 117....................................... rs. No. 131, 2009 Part 12 Note 3 to s. 120(1).................... ad. No. 117, 2000 Note 3 to s. 120(2).................... ad. No. 117, 2000 Note 4 to s. 120(3).................... ad. No. 117, 2000 Note 4 to s. 121(1).................... ad. No. 117, 2000 S. 122....................................... am. No. 99, 2001 S. 127....................................... am. No. 99, 2001 S. 128....................................... am. No. 99, 2001; No. 114, 2006
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table of Amendments
182 Trade Marks Act 1995
ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted
Provision affected How affected
Note to s. 128........................... ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 129....................................... am. No. 100, 1998 Note to s. 129(6)....................... am. No. 100, 1998 Part 13 S. 131....................................... am. No. 91, 1997 Note to s. 131........................... ad. No. 117, 2000 S. 132....................................... am. No. 91, 1997; No. 99, 2001; No. 114, 2006 Heading s. 133 ......................... am. No. 91, 1997 S. 133....................................... am. No. 91, 1997; No. 114, 2006 S. 133A .................................... ad. No. 144, 1997 Ss. 134–136............................. am. No. 91, 1997 S. 137....................................... am. No. 91, 1997; No. 99, 2001 Note 3 to s. 138........................ am. No. 99, 2001 S.139........................................ am. No. 91, 1997 Heading to s. 140 ..................... am. No. 91, 1997 S. 140....................................... am. No. 91, 1997 S. 141....................................... am. No. 91, 1997; No. 114, 2006 S. 141A .................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 142....................................... am. No. 91, 1997 S. 143....................................... am. No. 91, 1997; No. 140, 2001 Note to s. 143(2)
Renumbered Note 1 ............. No. 114, 2006 Note 2 to s. 143(2).................... ad. No. 114, 2006 Part 14 S. 145....................................... am. No. 140, 2001 Note 3 to s. 145(1).................... ad. No. 117, 2000 S. 146....................................... am. No. 140, 2001 Note 3 to s. 146(1).................... ad. No. 117, 2000 S. 147....................................... am. No. 140, 2001 Note 4 to s. 148........................ ad. No. 117, 2000 S. 150....................................... am. No. 140, 2001; No. 4, 2010 S. 151....................................... am. No. 140, 2001 Note 3 to s. 151(4).................... ad. No. 117, 2000 S. 153....................................... am. No. 140, 2001 Note 2 to s. 153(3).................... rs. No. 140, 2001 S. 154....................................... am. No. 140, 2001 Note 2 to s. 154(2).................... rs. No. 140, 2001 S. 155....................................... rep. No. 100, 1998 S. 156....................................... am. No. 100, 1998; No. 140, 2001 Note 2 to s. 156(2).................... am. No. 100, 1998 Note 3 to s. 156(2).................... rep. No. 100, 1998
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table of Amendments
Trade Marks Act 1995 183
ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted
Provision affected How affected
Note 4 to s. 156(2).................... Relocated from s. 155(2)
No. 100, 1998
Note to s. 156(6)....................... rs. No. 140, 2001 Note 2 to s. 157(2).................... rs. No. 140, 2001 S. 158....................................... rep. No. 99, 2001 Heading to s.. 159 .................... am. No. 86, 2002 S. 159....................................... am. No. 99, 2001; No. 86, 2002; No. 174, 2011 Heading to s. 160 ..................... rs. No. 140, 2001 S. 160....................................... am. No. 140, 2001 Note to s. 160(1)....................... ad. No. 140, 2001 Part 15 Note to s. 162........................... rep. No. 114, 2006 Part 16 S. 170....................................... am. No. 99, 2001 S. 173....................................... am. No. 106, 2006 S. 174....................................... rs. No. 106, 2006 S. 175....................................... am. No. 106, 2006 Note 2 to s. 175(2).................... rs. No. 106, 2006 Note 3 to s. 175(2).................... ad. No. 106, 2006 Heading to s. 176 ..................... rs. No. 106, 2006 S. 176....................................... am. No. 106, 2006 Note 2 to s. 177(1).................... am. No. 106, 2006 Note 3 to s. 177(1).................... am. No. 114, 2006 S. 178....................................... am. No. 106, 2006 S. 179....................................... rs. No. 106, 2006 S. 180A .................................... ad. No. 99, 2001 Note 2 to s. 181(2).................... am. No. 106, 2006 S. 181....................................... am. No. 114, 2006 Part 17 S. 186....................................... am. No. 99, 2001 Note to s. 187........................... rs. No. 114, 2006 S. 188....................................... rep. No. 114, 2006 Part 17A Part 17A ................................... ad. No. 117, 2000 S. 189A .................................... ad. No. 117, 2000 Part 18 S. 197....................................... am. No. 114, 2006 Part 19 S. 206....................................... am. No. 146, 1999; No. 48, 2003; No. 106, 2006 Part 20 S. 210....................................... am. No. 131, 2009
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table of Amendments
184 Trade Marks Act 1995
ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted
Provision affected How affected
Part 21 Division 1 S. 212....................................... rs. No. 100, 1998 Note to s. 215(7)....................... am. No. 46, 2011 S. 217A .................................... ad. No. 106, 2006 Division 2 S. 222....................................... am. No. 99, 2001 Division 3 S. 223....................................... am. No. 91, 1997; No. 106, 2006 S. 223A .................................... ad. No. 106, 2006 S. 224....................................... am. No. 48, 2003; No. 106, 2006 Note to s. 224(5)....................... ad. No. 114, 2006 S. 226....................................... am. No. 114, 2006 S. 226A .................................... ad. No. 106, 2006 S. 226B .................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 Ss. 228A, 228B ........................ ad. No. 100, 1998 S. 229....................................... rs. No. 100, 1998 S. 231....................................... am. No. 100, 1998 Note to s. 231(2)....................... ad. No. 149, 2011 S. 231A .................................... ad. No. 149, 2011 Part 22 Division 2 S. 239A .................................... ad. No. 114, 2006 Division 3 Heading to s. 254 ..................... am. No. 99, 2001 Ss. 254A–254C ........................ ad. No. 99, 2001 Division 4 Heading to s. 261 ..................... am. No. 91, 1997 S. 261....................................... am. No. 91, 1997
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 185
Note 2
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Act 2012
(No. 35, 2012)
The following amendments commences on 15 April 2013:
Schedule 3
17 Paragraph 11(1)(a) Omit “section 37”, substitute “sections 37 and 54A”.
18 Subsections 52(2) and (3) Repeal the subsections, substitute:
(2) The notice of opposition must be filed: (a) in the manner and form prescribed by the regulations; and (b) within the prescribed period, or within that period as
extended in accordance with the regulations or in accordance with subsection (5).
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (2)(a) or (b) may make different provision with respect to different components (if any) of the notice of opposition.
(3A) Subsection (3) does not limit subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Note: The heading to section 37 is altered by adding at the end “if not accepted in time”.
19 After section 52 Insert:
52A Notice of intention to defend opposition to registration
(1) If a notice of opposition is filed in accordance with section 52, the applicant may file a notice of intention to defend the application for registration of a trade mark. Note: Failure to file a notice of intention will result in the application
lapsing: see section 54A.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
186 Trade Marks Act 1995
(2) The notice must be filed in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed period, or within that period as extended by the Registrar in accordance with the regulations.
20 At the end of section 54 Add:
(3) Without limiting subsection (2), the regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which the Registrar may dismiss the opposition.
21 After section 54 Insert:
54A Lapsing of opposed application if no notice to defend the application filed
(1) Subject to subsection (2), an application lapses if: (a) a notice of opposition to the registration of the trade mark is
filed (see subsection 52(1)); and (b) the applicant does not file an intention to defend the
application for registration of the trade mark in the prescribed manner or within the prescribed period, or that period as extended (see section 52A).
(2) If, after the prescribed period has expired, the Registrar extends the period within which the notice to defend the application may be filed (see section 52A), the application:
(a) is taken not to have lapsed when the prescribed period expired; and
(b) lapses if the notice to defend the application is not filed within the extended period.
22 Subsection 55(1) Omit “Unless the proceedings are discontinued or dismissed”, substitute “Unless subsection (3) applies to the proceedings”.
23 At the end of section 55 Add:
(3) This subsection applies to the proceedings if: (a) the proceedings are discontinued; or
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 187
(b) the proceedings are dismissed; or (c) the application lapses because of the operation of
section 54A (about lapsing of applications if a notice to defend the application is not filed).
24 Section 66 Before “The”, insert “(1)”.
25 At the end of section 66 Add:
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a notice of opposition filed by an opponent in relation to:
(a) an opposition to the registration of a trade mark under section 52; or
(b) an opposition to an application under section 92. Note: Regulations made for the purposes of subsection 231(3) may make
provision in relation to amendment of documents filed in relation to an opposition.
26 Subparagraph 68(1)(b)(iii) After “section 222”, insert “or the regulations (if any) made for the purposes of subsection 54(2)”.
27 At the end of subsection 68(1) Add:
Note: Applications may also lapse if an application for registration is opposed and a notice to defend the application is not filed: see section 54A.
28 Section 96 Repeal the section, substitute:
96 Notice of opposition
Applications to Registrar
(1) Any person may oppose an application under subsection 92(1) by filing a notice of opposition with the Registrar.
(2) The notice of opposition under subsection (1) must be filed:
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
188 Trade Marks Act 1995
(a) in the manner and form prescribed by the regulations; and (b) within the prescribed period.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (2)(a) or (b) may make different provision with respect to different components (if any) of the notice of opposition.
(4) Subsection (3) does not limit subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.
Applications to prescribed court
(5) Any person may oppose an application under subsection 92(3) by filing a notice of opposition with the court.
(6) A notice of opposition under subsection (5): (a) must be in a form approved by the court; and (b) must be filed in accordance with the rules of court.
29 Subsection 97(1) Repeal the subsection, substitute:
(1) If: (a) there is no opposition to an application to the Registrar under
subsection 92(1); or (b) an opposition to an application under that subsection has
been dismissed (see section 99A); the Registrar must remove the trade mark from the Register in respect of the goods and/or services specified in the application.
Note: The heading to section 97 is altered by adding at the end “etc.”.
30 After section 99 Insert:
99A Dismissal of opposition filed with Registrar
(1) The Registrar may, in prescribed circumstances, dismiss an opposition filed with the Registrar in accordance with subsection 96(1).
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 189
(2) An application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of the Registrar to dismiss an opposition under subsection (1).
31 At the end of section 231 Add:
(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations may prescribe matters relating to oppositions under sections 52 and 92, including the following:
(a) rules about filing and serving documents in relation to an opposition;
(b) rules about the amendment of documents filed in relation to an opposition;
(c) the circumstances in which the Registrar may dismiss an opposition;
(d) provision for review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of decisions of the Registrar made under the regulations.
Schedule 4
37 Readers guide (list of terms defined in section 6) Insert the following terms in their appropriate alphabetical positions: “company” “Designated Manager” “incorporated legal practice” “incorporated trade marks attorney” “intellectual property advice” “Professional Standards Board” “trade marks attorney director” “trade marks work”.
38 Subsection 6(1) Insert:
company means a company registered under the Corporations Act 2001.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
190 Trade Marks Act 1995
39 Subsection 6(1) Insert:
Designated Manager has the same meaning as in the Patents Act 1990.
40 Subsection 6(1) Insert:
incorporated legal practice means a body corporate recognised under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory as an incorporated legal practice (however described).
41 Subsection 6(1) Insert:
incorporated trade marks attorney has the meaning given by subsection 228A(6B).
42 Subsection 6(1) Insert:
intellectual property advice has the meaning given by subsection 229(3).
43 Subsection 6(1) Insert:
Professional Standards Board has the same meaning as in the Patents Act 1990.
44 Subsection 6(1) Insert:
trade marks attorney director has the meaning given by subsection 228A(6C).
45 Subsection 6(1) Insert:
trade marks work has the meaning given by subsection 157A(8).
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 191
46 Subsections 156(1) to (3) Repeal the subsections, substitute:
Individuals
(1) An individual commits an offence if: (a) the individual describes himself or herself, or holds himself
or herself out, or permits himself or herself to be described or held out, as a trade marks attorney; and
(b) the individual is not a registered trade marks attorney.
Penalty: 30 penalty units. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For registered trade marks attorney see section 6.
(2) An individual commits an offence if: (a) the individual describes himself or herself, or holds himself
or herself out, or permits himself or herself to be described or held out, as a trade marks agent; and
(b) the individual is not a registered trade marks attorney, a patent attorney or a lawyer.
Penalty: 30 penalty units. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For registered trade marks attorney, patent attorney and lawyer see section 6.
Companies
(3) A company commits an offence if: (a) the company describes itself, or holds itself out, or permits
itself to be described or held out, as a trade marks attorney; and
(b) the company is not a registered trade marks attorney.
Penalty: 150 penalty units. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For company and registered trade marks attorney see section 6.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
192 Trade Marks Act 1995
(3A) A company commits an offence if the company: (a) the company describes itself, or holds itself out, or permits
itself to be described or held out, as a trade marks agent; and (b) the company is not a registered trade marks attorney, a patent
attorney or an incorporated legal practice.
Penalty: 150 penalty units. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For company, registered trade marks attorney, patent attorney and incorporated legal practice see section 6.
Note: The heading to section 156 is replaced by the heading “Acting or holding out without being registered”.
47 After section 157 Insert:
157A Incorporated trade marks attorney must have a trade marks attorney director
Offence—failing to notify lack of trade marks attorney director
(1) An incorporated trade marks attorney commits an offence if the incorporated trade marks attorney:
(a) does not have a trade marks attorney director; and (b) does not notify the Designated Manager of that within 7
days.
Penalty: 150 penalty units. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For incorporated trade marks attorney, trade marks attorney director and Designated Manager see section 6.
Offence—acting after 7 days without trade marks attorney director
(2) An incorporated trade marks attorney commits an offence if the incorporated trade marks attorney:
(a) does not have a trade marks attorney director; and (b) has not had a trade marks attorney director during the
previous 7 days; and
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 193
(c) describes itself, or holds itself out, or permits itself to be described or held out, as a trade marks attorney.
Penalty: 150 penalty units. Note 1: The Reader’s Guide gives information about penalties (see the
paragraphs under the subheading Crimes Act 1914).
Note 2: For incorporated trade marks attorney and trade marks attorney director see section 6.
Designated Manager may appoint a registered trade marks attorney
(3) If an incorporated trade marks attorney does not have a trade marks attorney director, the Designated Manager may, by writing, appoint another registered trade marks attorney to take charge of the trade marks work of the incorporated trade marks attorney.
(4) The appointment may be made only with the consent of the other registered trade marks attorney.
Effect of appointment
(5) A registered trade marks attorney holding an appointment under subsection (3) (the appointed attorney) is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to be a trade marks attorney director of the incorporated trade marks attorney.
(6) For the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001: (a) the appointed attorney is not a director of the incorporated
trade marks attorney only because: (i) the appointed attorney takes charge of the trade marks
work of the incorporated trade marks attorney; and (ii) the appointed attorney is taken, for the purposes of this
Act, to be a trade marks attorney director of the incorporated trade marks attorney; and
(b) the Designated Manager is not a director of the incorporated trade marks attorney only because the Designated Manager appointed the appointed attorney.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
194 Trade Marks Act 1995
Designated Manager may remove incorporated trade marks attorney from Register
(7) If an incorporated trade marks attorney does not have a trade marks attorney director, the Designated Manager may remove the incorporated trade marks attorney from the Register.
Meaning of trade marks work
(8) Trade marks work means one or more of the following done, on behalf of someone else, for gain:
(a) applying for or obtaining trade marks in Australia or anywhere else;
(b) preparing trade marks applications or other documents for the purposes of this Act or the trade marks law of another country;
(c) giving advice (other than advice of a scientific or technical nature) about the validity, or infringement, of trade marks.
48 Subsection 228A(1) (note) Repeal the note, substitute:
Note: For Designated Manager see section 6.
49 Subsection 228A(4) Omit “a person”, substitute “an individual”.
Note: The following heading to subsection 228A(4) is inserted “Registration of individuals”.
50 After paragraph 228A(4)(d) Insert: ; and (e) meets any other requirements prescribed by the regulations.
51 Subsection 228A(4) Omit “person’s”, substitute “individual’s”.
52 At the end of subsection 228A(5) Add:
Note: For Professional Standards Board see section 6.
53 After subsection 228A(6) Insert:
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 195
Registration of companies
(6A) The Designated Manager must register as a trade marks attorney a company that:
(a) has at least one trade marks attorney director; and (b) has given the Designated Manager written notice in the
approved form of its intention to act as a trade marks attorney; and
(c) meets the requirements (if any) prescribed by the regulations. The registration is to consist of entering the company’s name in the Register of Trade Marks Attorneys. Note: For company and trade marks attorney director see section 6.
(6B) A company registered as a trade marks attorney is an incorporated trade marks attorney.
(6C) A trade marks attorney director of a company is an individual who is both:
(a) a registered trade marks attorney; and (b) a validly appointed director of the company.
54 Subsection 228A(9) Repeal the subsection.
55 Subsection 229(1) Repeal the subsection, substitute:
(1) A communication made for the dominant purpose of a registered trade marks attorney providing intellectual property advice to a client is privileged in the same way, and to the same extent, as a communication made for the dominant purpose of a lawyer providing legal advice to a client.
(1A) A record or document made for the dominant purpose of a registered trade marks attorney providing intellectual property advice to a client is privileged in the same way, and to the same extent, as a record or document made for the dominant purpose of a lawyer providing legal advice to a client.
(1B) A reference in subsection (1) or (1A) to a registered trade marks attorney includes a reference to an individual authorised to do trade marks work under a law of another country or region, to the extent
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
196 Trade Marks Act 1995
to which the individual is authorised to provide intellectual property advice of the kind provided.
56 Subsection 229(3) Repeal the subsection, substitute:
(3) Intellectual property advice means advice in relation to: (a) patents; or (b) trade marks; or (c) designs; or (d) plant breeder’s rights; or (e) any related matters.
(4) Nothing in this section authorises a registered trade marks attorney to prepare a document to be issued from or filed in a court or to transact business, or conduct proceedings, in a court.
57 After section 229 Insert:
229A Designated Manager may disclose information to ASIC
The Designated Manager may disclose to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, information (including personal information within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) that is:
(a) relevant to the functions of the Commission; and (b) obtained by the Designated Manager as a result of the
performance of functions and duties, or the exercise of powers, in relation to incorporated trade marks attorneys.
58 After subparagraph 231(2)(ha)(i) Insert:
(ia) assessing the professional conduct of registered trade marks attorneys by reference to standards of practice established by the Professional Standards Board from time to time;
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 197
Schedule 5
17 Readers guide (list of terms defined in section 6) Insert the following terms in their appropriate alphabetical positions: “action period” “claim period” “personal information”.
18 Section 6 Insert:
action period, in relation to particular seized goods, means the period prescribed by the regulations after notice of a claim for release of the goods is given to the objector under section 136C.
19 Section 6 Insert:
claim period, in relation to particular seized goods, means the period prescribed by the regulations after notice of seizure of the goods is given to the designated owner under section 134.
20 Section 6 Insert:
personal information has the same meaning as in the Privacy Act 1988.
21 Section 134 Repeal the section, substitute:
134 Notice of seizure
(1) As soon as is practicable after goods are seized under section 133, the Customs CEO must give to the designated owner and the objector, either personally or by post, a written notice (the seizure notice) identifying the goods and stating that the identified goods have been seized. Note: For designated owner and objector see section 6.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
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198 Trade Marks Act 1995
(2) The seizure notice must state that the goods will be released to the designated owner if:
(a) the designated owner makes a claim for the release of the goods within the claim period; and
(b) the objector has not, by the end of the action period: (i) instituted an action for infringement of the notified trade
mark in respect of the goods; and (ii) given the Customs CEO written notice of that action.
Note: For claim period, action period and notified trade mark see section 6.
(3) The seizure notice must also: (a) set out the claim period for the goods; and (b) set out the action period for the goods and state that the
action period will begin only if the designated owner makes a claim for the release of the goods; and
(c) if the notice is given to the objector—state the name and the address of the place of business or residence of the designated owner (if known); and
(d) if the notice is given to the designated owner—state the name and the address of the place of business or residence of:
(i) the objector; or (ii) if the objector has nominated a person to be the
objector’s agent or representative for the purposes of this Division—that person.
(4) The Customs CEO may, at any time after the goods are seized, give to the objector:
(a) the name and the address of the place of business or residence of any person or body (whether in or outside Australia) that made arrangements, on behalf of the designated owner of the goods, for the goods to be brought to Australia or any information that the Customs CEO has, and believes on reasonable grounds may help in identifying and locating such a person or body; and
(b) any information (including personal information) that the Customs CEO has and believes on reasonable grounds may be relevant for the purpose of identifying and locating the importer of the goods; and
(c) any information (including personal information) that the Customs CEO has and believes on reasonable grounds may
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 199
be relevant for the purpose of identifying and locating the designated owner of the goods.
134A Inspection, release etc. of seized goods
(1) The Customs CEO may permit the objector or the designated owner to inspect the seized goods. Note: For designated owner, objector and seized goods see section 6.
(2) If the objector gives the Customs CEO the requisite undertakings, the Customs CEO may permit the objector to remove one or more samples of the seized goods from the custody of the Customs CEO for inspection by the objector.
(3) If the designated owner gives the Customs CEO the requisite undertakings, the Customs CEO may permit the designated owner to remove one or more samples of the seized goods from the custody of the Customs CEO for inspection by the designated owner.
(4) The requisite undertakings are undertakings in writing that the person giving the undertaking will:
(a) return the sample goods to the Customs CEO at a specified time that is satisfactory to the Customs CEO; and
(b) take reasonable care to prevent damage to the sample goods.
(5) If the Customs CEO permits inspection of the seized goods, or the removal of sample goods, by the objector in accordance with this section, the Commonwealth is not liable to the designated owner for any loss or damage suffered by the designated owner arising out of:
(a) damage to any of the seized goods incurred during that inspection; or
(b) anything done by the objector or any other person to, or in relation to, sample goods removed from the custody of the Customs CEO or any use made by the objector of such sample goods.
Note: The heading to section 135 is replaced by the heading “Consent to forfeiture of seized goods”.
22 Section 136 Repeal the section, substitute:
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
200 Trade Marks Act 1995
136 Claim for release of seized goods
(1) The designated owner may make a claim to the Customs CEO for the release of seized goods. Note: For designated owner and seized goods see section 6.
(2) The claim must be made before the end of the claim period for the goods. Note: For claim period see section 6.
(3) The claim must: (a) be in the form (if any) prescribed by the regulations; and (b) include the information prescribed by the regulations.
Note: Sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code create offences for providing false or misleading information or documents.
136A Seized goods not claimed are forfeited
(1) Seized goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth if a claim for the release of the goods is not made within the claim period for the goods. Note: For seized goods and claim period see section 6.
(2) However, if the Customs CEO allows a late claim for the goods (see section 136B), the goods are taken not to have been forfeited.
136B Late claim for release of seized goods
(1) The Customs CEO may allow the designated owner to make a claim (the late claim) to the Customs CEO for the release of seized goods after the end of the claim period for the goods. Note: For objector, seized goods and claim period see section 6.
(2) The Customs CEO may allow the late claim only if: (a) an action for infringement of the notified trade mark in
respect of the goods has not been instituted; and (b) the Customs CEO considers it reasonable in the
circumstances; and (c) the goods have not been disposed of under section 139.
(3) An application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of the Customs CEO under
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 201
subsection (1) refusing to allow a late claim for the release of seized goods.
136C Objector to be notified of claim
(1) If the designated owner makes a claim for the release of seized goods, the Customs CEO must, as soon as practicable, give notice of the claim to the objector. Note: For designated owner, objector and seized goods see section 6.
(2) The notice: (a) must be in writing; and (b) may include any information that the Customs CEO has, and
believes on reasonable grounds may be relevant, for the purpose of identifying and locating either or both of the following:
(i) the importer of the goods; (ii) any other person or body (whether in or outside
Australia) that made arrangements for the goods to be brought to Australia.
136D Release of seized goods
(1) The Customs CEO must release seized goods to the designated owner if:
(a) the objector gives written notice to the Customs CEO stating that the objector consents to the release of the seized goods; and
(b) the goods have not been disposed of under section 139. Note: For designated owner, objector and seized goods see section 6.
(2) The Customs CEO may release seized goods to the designated owner at any time if:
(a) the Customs CEO, having regard to information that has come to his or her knowledge after the goods were seized, is satisfied that there are no reasonable grounds for believing that the notified trade mark has been infringed by the importation of the goods; and
(b) the objector has not brought an action for infringement of the notified trade mark in respect of the goods.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
202 Trade Marks Act 1995
(3) The Customs CEO must release seized goods to the designated owner if:
(a) the designated owner has made a claim for the release of the goods; and
(b) the objector has not, by the end of the action period: (i) instituted an action for infringement of the notified trade
mark in respect of the goods; and (ii) given the Customs CEO written notice of that action.
Note: For action period see section 6.
(4) The CEO must release seized goods to the designated owner if: (a) the designated owner has made a claim for the release of the
goods; and (b) action for infringement of the notified trade mark in respect
of the goods has been instituted; and (c) at the end of a period of 20 working days commencing on the
day on which the action was instituted, there is not in force an order of the court in which the action was instituted preventing the release of the goods.
(5) This section has effect subject to section 140.
136E Goods released but not collected are forfeited
Seized goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth if: (a) the goods are released by the Customs CEO to the designated
owner; and (b) the designated owner does not take possession of the goods
within 90 days of the release. Note: For designated owner and seized goods see section 6.
23 Subsection 137(1) Omit all the words after “in respect of seized goods”.
24 Paragraph 137(3)(a) Omit “their”, substitute “the”.
25 Subsection 137(5) Repeal the subsection.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 203
26 Section 139 Repeal the section, substitute:
139 Disposal of seized goods forfeited to the Commonwealth
(1) Seized goods forfeited to the Commonwealth must be disposed of: (a) in the manner prescribed by the regulations; or (b) if no manner of disposal is so prescribed—as the Customs
CEO directs. Note: For seized goods see section 6.
(2) However, goods forfeited under section 136A must not be disposed of until 30 days after their forfeiture. Note: If the Customs CEO allows a late claim under section 136B for goods
that have been forfeited under section 136A, the goods are taken not to have been forfeited.
(3) Subsection (1) does not require the disposal of goods that are required in relation to an action for infringement of a trade mark.
Right of compensation in certain circumstances
(4) Despite the forfeiture of seized goods to the Commonwealth, a person may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction under this section for compensation for the disposal of the goods.
(5) A right to compensation exists if: (a) the goods did not infringe the objector’s notified trade mark;
and (b) the person establishes, to the satisfaction of the court:
(i) that he or she was the owner of the goods immediately before they were forfeited; and
(ii) that there were circumstances providing a reasonable excuse for the failure to make a claim for the release of the goods.
(6) If a right to compensation exists under subsection (4), the court must order the payment by the Commonwealth to the person of an amount equal to the market value of the goods at the time of their disposal.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
204 Trade Marks Act 1995
27 Sections 145 to 149 Repeal the sections, substitute:
145 Falsifying or removing a registered trade mark
Indictable offence
(1) A person commits an offence if: (a) a registered trade mark has been applied to goods, or in
relation to goods or services; and (b) the goods or services are being, or are to be, dealt with or
provided in the course of trade; and (c) the person:
(i) alters or defaces the trade mark; or (ii) makes any addition to the trade mark; or
(iii) wholly or partly removes, erases or obliterates the trade mark; and
(d) the person does so without: (i) the permission of the registered owner, or an authorised
user, of the trade mark; or (ii) being required or authorised to do so by this Act, a
direction of the Registrar or an order of a court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 550 penalty units, or both. Note 1: For registered trade mark and registered owner see section 6.
Note 2: For authorised user see section 8.
Note 3: For applied to goods and applied in relation to goods or services see section 9.
Note 4: International trade marks may be protected under the regulations: see Part 17A.
Summary offence
(2) A person commits an offence if: (a) a registered trade mark has been applied to goods, or in
relation to goods or services; and (b) the goods or services are being, or are to be, dealt with or
provided in the course of trade; and (c) the person:
(i) alters or defaces the trade mark; or
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 205
(ii) makes any addition to the trade mark; or (iii) wholly or partly removes, erases or obliterates the trade
mark; and (d) the person does so without:
(i) the permission of the registered owner, or an authorised user, of the trade mark; or
(ii) being required or authorised to do so by this Act, a direction of the Registrar or an order of a court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 60 penalty units, or both.
(3) The fault element for paragraphs (2)(a), (b) and (d) is negligence.
146 Falsely applying a registered trade mark
Indictable offence
(1) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person applies a mark or sign to goods, or in relation to
goods or services; and (b) the goods or services are being, or are to be, dealt with or
provided in the course of trade; and (c) the mark or sign is, or is substantially identical to, the
registered trade mark; and (d) the person applies the mark or sign without:
(i) the permission of the registered owner, or an authorised user, of the trade mark; or
(ii) being required or authorised to do so by this Act, a direction of the Registrar or an order of a court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 550 penalty units, or both. Note 1: For registered trade mark and registered owner see section 6.
Note 2: For authorised user see section 8.
Note 3: International trade marks may be protected under the regulations: see Part 17A.
Summary offence
(2) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person applies a mark or sign to goods, or in relation to
goods or services; and
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
206 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) the goods or services are being, or are to be, dealt with or provided in the course of trade; and
(c) the mark or sign is, or is substantially identical to, the registered trade mark; and
(d) the person applies the mark or sign without: (i) the permission of the registered owner, or an authorised
user, of the trade mark; or (ii) being required or authorised to do so by this Act, a
direction of the Registrar or an order of a court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 60 penalty units, or both.
(3) The fault element for paragraphs (2)(b), (c) and (d) is negligence.
147 Making a die etc. for use in trade marks offence
Indictable offence
(1) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person makes a die, block, machine or instrument; and (b) the die, block, machine or instrument is likely to be used for,
or in the course of, committing an offence; and (c) the offence is an offence against section 145 or 146.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 550 penalty units, or both.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c). Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
Summary offence
(3) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person makes a die, block, machine or instrument; and (b) the die, block, machine or instrument is likely to be used for,
or in the course of, committing an offence; and (c) the offence is an offence against section 145 or 146.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 60 penalty units, or both.
(4) The fault element for paragraph (3)(b) is negligence.
(5) Strict liability applies to paragraph (3)(c).
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 207
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
147A Drawing etc. trade marks for use in offence
Indictable offence
(1) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person draws, or programs a computer or other device to
draw, a registered trade mark or part of a registered trade mark; and
(b) the registered trade mark or part of the registered trade mark is likely to be used for, or in the course of, an offence; and
(c) the offence is an offence against section 145 or 146.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 550 penalty units, or both. Note: For registered trade mark see section 6.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c). Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
Summary offence
(3) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person draws, or programs a computer or other device to
draw, a registered trade mark or part of a registered trade mark; and
(b) the registered trade mark or part of the registered trade mark is likely to be used for, or in the course of, an offence; and
(c) the offence is an offence against section 145 or 146.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 60 penalty units, or both.
(4) The fault element for paragraph (3)(b) is negligence.
(5) Strict liability applies to paragraph (3)(c). Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
208 Trade Marks Act 1995
147B Possessing or disposing of things for use in trade marks offence
Indictable offence
(1) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person possesses or disposes of:
(i) a die, block, machine or instrument; or (ii) a computer, or other device, programmed to draw a
registered trade mark or part of a registered trade mark; or
(iii) a representation of a registered trade mark or of part of a registered trade mark; and
(b) the die, block, machine, instrument, computer, device or representation is likely to be used for, or in the course of, an offence; and
(c) the offence is an offence against section 145 or 146.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 550 penalty units, or both. Note: For registered trade mark see section 6.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c). Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
Summary offence
(3) A person commits an offence if: (a) the possesses or disposes of:
(i) a die, block, machine or instrument; or (ii) a computer, or other device, programmed to draw a
registered trade mark or part of a registered trade mark; or
(iii) a representation of a registered trade mark or of part of a registered trade mark; and
(b) the die, block, machine, instrument, computer, device or representation is likely to be used for, or in the course of, an offence; and
(c) the offence is an offence against section 145 or 146.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 60 penalty units, or both.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 209
(4) The fault element for paragraph (3)(b) is negligence.
(5) Strict liability applies to paragraph (3)(c). Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
148 Goods with false trade marks
Indictable offence
(1) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person:
(i) sells goods; or (ii) exposes goods for sale; or
(iii) possesses goods for the purpose of trade or manufacture; or
(iv) imports goods into Australia for the purpose of trade or manufacture; and
(b) any of the following applies: (i) there is a registered trade mark on the goods;
(ii) there is a mark or sign on the goods that is substantially identical to a registered trade mark;
(iii) a registered trade mark on the goods has been altered, defaced, added to, wholly or partly removed, erased or obliterated; and
(c) the registered trade mark, or mark or sign, was applied, altered, defaced, added to, wholly or partly removed, erased or obliterated, as the case requires, without:
(i) the permission of the registered owner, or an authorised user, of the trade mark; or
(ii) the application being required or authorised by this Act, a direction of the Registrar or an order of a court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 550 penalty units, or both.
Summary offence
(2) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person:
(i) sells goods; or (ii) exposes goods for sale; or
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
210 Trade Marks Act 1995
(iii) possesses goods for the purpose of trade or manufacture; or
(iv) imports goods into Australia for the purpose of trade or manufacture; and
(b) any of the following applies: (i) there is a registered trade mark applied to the goods;
(ii) there is a mark or sign applied to the goods that is substantially identical to a registered trade mark;
(iii) a registered trade mark applied to the goods has been altered, defaced, added to, wholly or partly removed, erased or obliterated; and
(c) the registered trade mark, or mark or sign, was applied, altered, defaced, added to, wholly or partly removed, erased or obliterated, as the case requires, without:
(i) the permission of the registered owner, or an authorised user, of the trade mark; or
(ii) the application being required or authorised by this Act, a direction of the Registrar or an order of a court.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months or 60 penalty units, or both.
(3) The fault element for paragraphs (2)(b) and (c) is negligence. Note 1: For registered trade mark see section 6.
Note 2: For applied to goods see section 9.
Note 3: International trade marks may be protected under the regulations: see Part 17A.
28 Section 126 Before “The”, insert “(1)”.
29 At the end of section 126 Add:
(2) A court may include an additional amount in an assessment of damages for an infringement of a registered trade mark, if the court considers it appropriate to do so having regard to:
(a) the flagrancy of the infringement; and (b) the need to deter similar infringements of registered trade
marks; and
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 211
(c) the conduct of the party that infringed the registered trade mark that occurred:
(i) after the act constituting the infringement; or (ii) after that party was informed that it had allegedly
infringed the registered trade mark; and (d) any benefit shown to have accrued to that party because of
the infringement; and (e) all other relevant matters.
Schedule 6
109 Subsection 6(1) (definition of Convention country) Repeal the definition, substitute:
Convention country means a foreign country or region of a kind prescribed by the regulations.
110 At the end of section 6 Add:
(3) Despite subsection 14(2) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, regulations made for the purposes of the definition of Convention country in subsection (1) may make provision in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification, any matter contained in any other instrument or other writing as in force or existing from time to time.
111 Subsection 27(4) After “sub-offices”, insert “(if any)”.
112 Section 35 After “Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
113 Section 41 Repeal the section, substitute:
41 Trade mark not distinguishing applicant’s goods or services
(1) An application for the registration of a trade mark must be rejected if the trade mark is not capable of distinguishing the applicant’s goods or services in respect of which the trade mark is sought to be
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
212 Trade Marks Act 1995
registered (the designated goods or services) from the goods or services of other persons. Note: For goods of a person and services of a person see section 6.
(2) A trade mark is taken not to be capable of distinguishing the designated goods or services from the goods or services of other persons only if either subsection (3) or (4) applies to the trade mark.
(3) This subsection applies to a trade mark if: (a) the trade mark is not to any extent inherently adapted to
distinguish the designated goods or services from the goods or services of other persons; and
(b) the applicant has not used the trade mark before the filing date in respect of the application to such an extent that the trade mark does in fact distinguish the designated goods or services as being those of the applicant.
(4) This subsection applies to a trade mark if: (a) the trade mark is, to some extent, but not sufficiently,
inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods or services from the goods or services of other persons; and
(b) the trade mark does not and will not distinguish the designated goods or services as being those of the applicant having regard to the combined effect of the following:
(i) the extent to which the trade mark is inherently adapted to distinguish the goods or services from the goods or services of other persons;
(ii) the use, or intended use, of the trade mark by the applicant;
(iii) any other circumstances. Note 1: Trade marks that are not inherently adapted to distinguish goods or
services are mostly trade marks that consist wholly of a sign that is ordinarily used to indicate: (a) the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical
origin, or some other characteristic, of goods or services; or (b) the time of production of goods or of the rendering of services.
Note 2: For goods of a person and services of a person see section 6.
Note 3: Use of a trade mark by a predecessor in title of an applicant and an authorised use of a trade mark by another person are each taken to be use of the trade mark by the applicant (see subsections (5) and 7(3) and section 8).
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 213
(5) For the purposes of this section, the use of a trade mark by a predecessor in title of an applicant for the registration of the trade mark is taken to be a use of the trade mark by the applicant. Note 1: For applicant and predecessor in title see section 6.
Note 2: If a predecessor in title had authorised another person to use the trade mark, any authorised use of the trade mark by the other person is taken to be a use of the trade mark by the predecessor in title (see subsection 7(3) and section 8).
114 Section 56 After “Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
115 Section 67 After “Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
116 Subsection 83(2) After “Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
117 Subsection 83A(8) After “Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
118 Section 84D After “Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
119 Section 104 After “Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
120 After paragraph 190(a) Insert:
(aa) the Federal Magistrates Court;
121 Subsection 191(2) Repeal the subsection, substitute:
(2) The jurisdiction of the Federal Court to hear and determine appeals against decisions, directions or orders of the Registrar is exclusive of the jurisdiction of any other court except the jurisdiction of:
(a) the Federal Magistrates Court under subsection 191A(2) of this Act; and
(b) the High Court under section 75 of the Constitution.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
214 Trade Marks Act 1995
122 After section 191 Insert:
191A Jurisdiction of the Federal Magistrates Court
(1) The Federal Magistrates Court has jurisdiction with respect to matters arising under this Act.
(2) The jurisdiction of the Federal Magistrates Court to hear and determine appeals against decisions, directions or orders of the Registrar is exclusive of the jurisdiction of any other court except the jurisdiction of:
(a) the Federal Court under subsection 191(2) of this Act; and (b) the High Court under section 75 of the Constitution.
(3) A prosecution for an offence against this Act may not be started in the Federal Magistrates Court.
123 Subsection 192(1) After “Federal Court”, insert “and the Federal Magistrates Court”.
124 Section 193 After “191”, insert “, 191A”.
125 At the end of section 194 Add:
(3) This section does not apply in relation to a transfer of proceedings between the Federal Court and the Federal Magistrates Court. Note: For transfers of proceedings from the Federal Magistrates Court to the
Federal Court, see section 39 of the Federal Magistrates Act 1999. For transfers of proceedings from the Federal Court to the Federal Magistrates Court, see section 32AB of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976.
126 Subsection 195(2) After “single judge of the Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
127 Section 196 After “Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Note 2
Trade Marks Act 1995 215
128 Section 197 After “Federal Court”, insert “or the Federal Magistrates Court”.
Note: The heading to section 197 is altered by inserting “and Federal Magistrates Court” after “Federal Court”.
129 Subsection 199(2) Repeal the subsection, substitute:
(2) The Registrar may establish one or more sub-offices of the Trade Marks Office as the Registrar considers appropriate.
(3) The Registrar may abolish any such sub-offices.
130 Subsections 213(1) and (2) Repeal the subsections, substitute:
A document may be filed with the Trade Marks Office by: (a) delivering the document to the Trade Marks Office or any
sub-office of the Trade Marks Office (if any) either personally or by post; or
(b) any other prescribed means.
131 Subsection 223A(1) After “Trade Marks Office” (second occurring), insert “(if any)”.
132 Subsection 225(1) Repeal the subsection.
As at 3 June 2012 the amendments are not incorporated in this compilation.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
216 Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
Application, saving or transitional provisions
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Border Interception) Act 1999
(No. 144, 1999)
4 Application and saving
(1) The amendments made by this Act to the Sydney 2000 Games (Indicia and Images) Protection Act 1996 and the Trade Marks Act 1995 apply in relation to goods imported into Australia on or after the commencement of this Act.
(2) Despite those amendments, those Acts continue to apply after the commencement of this Act, in relation to goods imported into Australia before the commencement of this Act (the goods), as if those amendments had not been made.
(3) If something was done before the commencement of this Act in relation to the goods:
(a) that thing continues to have effect; and (b) those Acts continue to apply in relation to that thing;
after the commencement of this Act, as if those amendments had not been made.
Trade Marks and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2001 (No. 99, 2001)
Schedule 1
4 Application of amendment—section 26 of the Trade Marks Act 1995
The amendment of section 26 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Schedule applies in relation to a prescribed period that begins at or after the commencement of this item.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
Trade Marks Act 1995 217
5 Transitional—paragraph 26(1)(b) of the Trade Marks Act 1995
(1) This item applies to regulations if: (a) the regulations were made for the purposes of paragraph
26(1)(b) of the Trade Marks Act 1995; and (b) the regulations were in force immediately before the
commencement of this item.
(2) The regulations have effect, after the commencement of this item, as if they were made for the purposes of the corresponding provision of that Act as amended by this Schedule.
12 Application of amendments—section 52 of the Trade Marks Act 1995
The amendments of section 52 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Schedule apply in relation to a right or interest that becomes vested in another person at or after the commencement of this item.
15 Transitional—subsection 68(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1995
(1) This item applies if, before the commencement of this item, the Registrar purported to register a trade mark under subsection 68(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1995 on the basis that there had been an opposition, but:
(a) the opposition had been withdrawn; or (b) the opposition had been dismissed under section 222 of that
Act.
(2) The registration is as valid as it would have been if the amendment of subsection 68(1) of that Act made by this Schedule had been in force at the time of the registration.
23 Transitional—Division 2 of Part 7 of the Trade Marks Act 1995
(1) This item applies if, before the commencement of this item: (a) the Registrar purported to renew registration of a trade mark
under section 77 or 79 of the Trade Marks Act 1995; and
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
218 Trade Marks Act 1995
(b) particulars of registration were entered in the Register under section 69 of that Act after the end of the period of 10 years after the filing date of the application for registration.
(2) In the case of a purported renewal under section 77, the renewal is as valid as it would have been if, at the time of the request for renewal:
(a) the words “, within the prescribed period before the registration of a trade mark expires,” were omitted from subsection 75(1) of the Trade Marks Act 1995; and
(b) the words “of a trade mark” had been added at the end of that subsection.
(3) In the case of a purported renewal under section 79, the renewal is as valid as it would have been if, at the time of the request for renewal, the words “, within 12 months after the registration of a trade mark has expired,” were omitted from that section.
32 Application of amendment—section 132 of the Trade Marks Act 1995
The amendment of section 132 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Schedule applies in relation to a prescribed period that begins at or after the commencement of this item.
33 Transitional—subsection 132(3) of the Trade Marks Act 1995
(1) This item applies to regulations if: (a) the regulations were made for the purposes of subsection
132(3) of the Trade Marks Act 1995; and (b) the regulations were in force immediately before the
commencement of this item.
(2) The regulations have effect, after the commencement of this item, as if they were made for the purposes of the corresponding provision of that Act as amended by this Schedule.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
Trade Marks Act 1995 219
Industry, Science and Resources Legislation Amendment (Application of
Criminal Code) Act 2001 (No. 140, 2001)
4 Application of amendments
(1) Each amendment made by this Act applies to acts and omissions that take place after the amendment commences.
(2) For the purposes of this section, if an act or omission is alleged to have taken place between 2 dates, one before and one on or after the day on which a particular amendment commences, the act or omission is alleged to have taken place before the amendment commences.
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2006 (No. 106, 2006)
Schedule 1
2 Application of amendment of section 38 The amendment of section 38 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Schedule applies in relation to the acceptance of an application for registration of the trade mark whether the acceptance occurred before, on or after the commencement of the amendment.
9 Application of amendments of Part 8 and section 224 The amendments of Part 8 and section 224 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Schedule apply in relation to trade marks that became registered on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
Schedule 2
2 Application The amendment made by this Schedule applies in relation to fees that become payable after the commencement of this Schedule.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
220 Trade Marks Act 1995
Schedule 3
2 Application of amendment of section 173 The amendment of section 173 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Part applies in relation to rules filed on or after the commencement of the amendment.
5 Application of amendments of section 175 The amendments of section 175 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Part apply in relation to decisions to give, or refuse to give, a certificate relating to rules filed on or after the commencement of this Part.
9 Application of new section 174
(1) Section 174 (the new section 174) of the Trade Marks Act 1995 as amended by this Part applies to applications filed before, on or after the commencement of this Part.
(2) However, the new section 174 does not require the Registrar to send to the Commission documents relating to an application if:
(a) the Registrar sent documents relating to the application to the Commission before the commencement of this Part under section 174 (the old section 174) of the Trade Marks Act 1995 as in force before that commencement; or
(b) the old section 174 did not require the Registrar to send a copy of the application to the Commission.
11 Application of new subsection 176(1)
(1) Subsection 176(1) (the new subsection 176(1)) of the Trade Marks Act 1995 as amended by this Part applies to applications filed before, on or after the commencement of this Part.
(2) However, the new subsection 176(1) does not apply to applications accepted or rejected under Part 16 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 before the commencement of this Part.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
Trade Marks Act 1995 221
14 Application of amendments of section 178 The amendments of section 178 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Part apply in relation to decisions made on or after the commencement of this Part to approve or not to approve variations of rules governing the use of certification trade marks.
16 Saving of rules made available under old section 179 The Registrar is not required by section 179 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 as amended by this Part to publish rules that have before the commencement of this Part been, and continue to be, made available as required by section 179 of that Act as in force before the commencement of this Part, unless the rules are varied.
Schedule 4
2 Application of section 217A Section 217A of the Trade Marks Act 1995 applies in relation to applications, made on or after the commencement of that section, for registration of trade marks.
4 Application of section 226A Section 226A of the Trade Marks Act 1995 applies in relation to information in documents filed on or after the commencement of that section in relation to trade marks. It does not matter whether registration of the trade marks was applied for before, on or after that commencement.
Schedule 11
4 Application The amendment of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Schedule applies in relation to applications filed after the commencement of the amendment.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
222 Trade Marks Act 1995
Schedule 13
2 Application The amendment of subsection 224(7) of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by this Schedule applies in relation to decisions made by the Registrar after the commencement of this Schedule.
Trade Marks Amendment Act 2006 (No. 114, 2006)
Schedule 1
5 Application The amendments made by items 3 and 4 apply to:
(a) periods starting after the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent; and
(b) periods that started on or before that day and that have not ended by that day.
8 Transitional The amendment made by item 7 does not apply to rights vested in another person but not appearing in the Register until the end of 6 months after the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.
11 Application and saving
(1) The amendment made by item 10 applies to applications for registration of trade marks made after the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.
(2) That amendment does not affect the validity of the registration of a trade mark:
(a) registered before the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent; or
(b) registered on or after that day as a result of an application made before that day.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
Trade Marks Act 1995 223
13 Application The amendment made by item 12 applies to applications for registration of collective trade marks made after the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.
20 Application The amendments made by items 16 to 19 apply to:
(a) applications for registration of trade marks made after the commencement of this item; and
(b) applications for registration of trade marks pending at that commencement.
26 Application The amendment made by item 25 applies to:
(a) applications for registration of trade marks made after the commencement of this item; and
(b) applications for registration of trade marks pending but not accepted at that commencement.
30 Application The amendment made by item 29 applies to:
(a) applications for registration of trade marks made after the commencement of this item; and
(b) applications for registration of trade marks pending but not accepted at that commencement.
34 Application The amendment made by item 33 applies to:
(a) applications for registration of trade marks made after the commencement of this item; and
(b) applications for registration of trade marks pending but not accepted at that commencement.
36 Application The amendment made by item 35 applies to:
(a) applications for registration of trade marks made after the commencement of this item; and
(b) applications for registration of trade marks pending but not accepted at that commencement.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
224 Trade Marks Act 1995
51 Application The amendments made by item 50 apply to notices given under section 132 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 after the commencement of this item.
62 Application The amendment made by item 61 applies to information published or otherwise made available after the commencement of this item.
69 Application The amendments made by items 66 and 68 apply to applications made after the commencement of this item.
72 Application The amendments made by items 70 and 71 apply to applications for registration made after the commencement of this item.
82 Application The amendments made by items 80 and 81 apply to trade marks whose registration expires at least 12 months after the commencement of this item.
85 Application The amendment made by item 84 applies to trade marks whose registration expires at least 12 months after the commencement of this item.
90 Transitional provision
(1) This item applies if: (a) before the commencement of this item, a notice under
section 132 of the unamended Trade Marks Act was in force in relation to goods; and
(b) before the commencement of this item, a security under subsection 133(3) of that Act was given to the Customs CEO to be applied towards the expenses of the Commonwealth incurred in relation to the goods under Part 13 of that Act; and
(c) after the commencement of this item, the Customs CEO has been given a written undertaking under subsection 133(3) of
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
Trade Marks Act 1995 225
the amended Trade Marks Act to repay those expenses to the Commonwealth; and
(d) the undertaking is in force.
(2) On application in writing to the Customs CEO by the objector or objectors concerned, the Customs CEO must:
(a) if none of the security has been applied towards the expenses mentioned in paragraph (1)(b)—return the security to the person who gave it; or
(b) otherwise—refund the amount of the balance of the security to the person who gave it.
(3) In this item: amended Trade Marks Act means the Trade Marks Act 1995 as in force immediately after the commencement of this item. unamended Trade Marks Act means the Trade Marks Act 1995 as in force immediately before the commencement of this item.
Personal Property Securities (Consequential Amendments) Act 2009
(No. 131, 2009)
Schedule 2
24 Application of amendments of the Trade Marks Act 1995
(1) The amendment of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by item 19 of this Schedule does not apply in relation to a dealing that starts before the time the item commences.
(2) The amendment of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by item 20 of this Schedule does not apply in relation to the enforcement of an equity if the equity starts to be enforced before the time the item commences.
(3) The amendments of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by items 21 and 22 of this Schedule do not apply in relation to applications to the Registrar made under section 113 or 117 of that Act before the time the items commence.
(4) The amendment of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by item 23 of this Schedule does not apply in relation to any proceedings in a court or
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
226 Trade Marks Act 1995
tribunal in relation to trade marks (or interests in trade marks) that are commenced before the time the item commences.
Note: Items 19 to 23 commence at the registration commencement time within the meaning of section 306 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.
Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Amendment Act 2010
(No. 98, 2010)
Schedule 1
81 Application of items 71, 74 and 75 The amendments made by items 71, 74 and 75 of this Schedule apply in relation to:
(a) applications for the registration of trade marks that are made on or after the commencement of this Schedule; and
(b) applications for the registration of trade marks that are, on that commencement, pending; and
(c) applications under section 88 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 that are made on or after that commencement in respect of trade marks registered before, on or after that commencement.
82 Application of item 76 The amendment made by item 76 of this Schedule applies in relation to trade marks registered before, on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
Acts Interpretation Amendment Act 2011 (No. 46, 2011)
Schedule 3
10 Saving—appointments The amendments made by Schedule 2 do not affect the validity of an appointment that was made under an Act before the commencement of this item and that was in force immediately before that commencement.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
Trade Marks Act 1995 227
11 Transitional regulations The Governor-General may make regulations prescribing matters of a transitional nature (including prescribing any saving or application provisions) relating to the amendments and repeals made by Schedules 1 and 2.
Crimes Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 2011 (No. 174, 2011)
Schedule 2
242 Application of amendments—the Trade Marks Act 1995
(1) The amendments of the Trade Marks Act 1995 made by items 240 and 241 of this Schedule apply as set out in this item.
(2) Subject to subitem (3) of this item, the amendment made by item 240 applies in relation to proceedings for the prosecution of a person in respect of an indictable offence against Part 14 of that Act instituted before, at or after the commencement of that item.
(3) However, if Divisions 1 and 2 of Part II of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1987 apply immediately before the commencement of items 240 and 241 of this Schedule in relation to proceedings for the prosecution of a person in respect of an indictable offence against Part 14 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 instituted before that commencement, the Divisions continue to apply in relation to the proceedings as if the amendments made by those items had not been made.
(4) The amendment made by item 241 of this Schedule applies in relation to proceedings for the prosecution of a person in respect of an indictable offence against Part 14 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 instituted at or after the commencement of that item.
(5) The amendments apply under subitems (2) and (4) of this item regardless of whether the conduct giving rise to those proceedings occurred, or is suspected to have occurred, before, at or after the commencement of items 240 and 241.
Notes to the Trade Marks Act 1995
Table A
228 Trade Marks Act 1995
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Act 2012
(No. 35, 2012)
The following provision commences on 15 April 2013:
Schedule 3
32 Application of amendments
(7) The amendments made by items 17 to 31 of this Schedule apply in relation to opposition proceedings commenced by notices of opposition filed on or after the day this Schedule commences.