Official Fee Rises in Australia (Trade Marks)
The Australian Patent and Trade Marks Office (IP Australia) has increased some of its fees relating to Trade Marks.
Filings
From 1 October 2012, the cost of filing an application per class will increase from $160 AU to $200 AU.
IP Australia is introducing a reduced filing fee of $120AU for applications filed using the goods and services classification “pick list”. This allows applicants to choose goods and services specifications from a list of pre-approved designations.
The objective of this reform is to reduce administration costs associated with the processing of applications with incorrect specifications. This is likely to result in an avoidance or at least a reduction of specification issues being raised in examination reports.
We will endeavour to engage with clients and associates on this matter so that any savings can be passed on. However please note that the pick list will not always be appropriate where complex specifications are required.
Registrations
From 1 July 2012, the official registration fee will increase from $250 AU to $300 AU per class.
Our usual practice is to pay the registration fee after the three month opposition period has expired so as to avoid the potential necessity to refund the registration fee after the application has been successfully opposed.
Bearing this in mind, we invite clients and associates to contact us as soon as possible if they would like to bring forward payment of any registration fee to take advantage of the current lower rate.
Click here to see a full account of all official fee increases in Australia.
Please visit EllisTerry.com for further information on all aspects of Intellectual Property, or email Emily Ellis at emily.ellis@ellisterry.com if you have any questions regarding the trade mark official fee increases in Australia.
ENDS