Meta Platforms Inc v Romanoff Roman Borysovych

Meta Platforms, Inc. (the Opponent) opposed the extension of protection for trade mark number 2017338, known as "KarmaBook", registered internationally in the name of Romanoff Roman Borysovych (the Holder). The proceedings were before the Registrar, acting under regulation 17A.33 of the *Trade Marks Regulations 1995* (Cth).

The central legal issue was whether the Opponent had established grounds to oppose the extension of protection for the "KarmaBook" trade mark. Specifically, the Registrar was required to determine, pursuant to regulation 17A.34N of the Regulations, whether to refuse protection entirely or extend it in respect of some or all of the goods and services listed in the International Registration Data Amendment (IRDA), having regard to the grounds of opposition.

The Registrar found that the Opponent had successfully established a ground of opposition under section 60 of the *Trade Marks Act 1995* (Cth). Consequently, the Registrar decided to refuse the extension of protection for the IRDA. The Registrar also addressed costs, awarding them against the Holder in accordance with section 221 of the Act and Schedule 8 of the Regulations, as is usual when costs follow the event.