Trade Marks Act 1994 (Cth)

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Trade Marks Act 1994

No. 156 of 1994

An Act relating to trade marks

[Assented to 13 December 1994]

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

PART 1—PRELIMINARY

Short title

1.This Act may be cited as the Trade Marks Act 1994.

Commencement

2. (1)Subject to subsection (2), this Act commences on a day to be fixed by Proclamation.

(2) If this Act does not commence under subsection (1) before 1 January 1996, it commences on that day.

Trade Marks No. 156, 1994

Act binds the Crown

3.(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.

Application of Act

4.This Act extends to:

(a) each external Territory; and

(b) the Australian continental shelf; and

(c) the waters above the Australian continental shelf; and

(d) the airspace above Australia, each external Territory and the Australian continental shelf.

PART 2—INTERPRETATION

Definitions

5.In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears: “abandon”, in relation to a trade mark, has the meaning given by section 11;

“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 8;

“approved form” means a form approved by the Register forthe 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;

“associated trade marks” has the meaning given by section 10;

“association” does not include a body corporate; “Australia” includes each external Territory;

“Australian continental shelf” means the continental shelf, within the meaning of the Continental Shelf Convention, adjacent to the coast of Australia (including the coast of any island forming part of a State or Territory);

“authorised use”, in relation to a trade mark, has the meaning given by section 7;

“certification trade mark” has the meaning given by section 177;

“collective trade mark” has the meaning given by section 170;

“commencing day” means the day on which this Act commences;

“Commission” means:

(a) the Trade Practices Commission established under the Trade Practices Act 1974; or

(b) a member of the Commission (within the meaning of that Act);

“Comptroller” means the Comptroller-General of Customs;

“Convention country” means a country declared (by regulations made under section 235) to be a Convention country for the purposes of this Act;

“date of registration”, in relation to a registered trade mark, means the day from which the registration of the trade mark is taken to have had effect under subsection 73(1) or (2);

“deceptively similar” has the meaning given by section 9;

“defensive trade mark” has the meaning given by section 193;

“Deputy Registrar” means a Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks;

“Designs Office” means the Designs Office established by the Designs Act 1906;

“designated owner”, in relation to goods imported into Australia, means 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;

“divisional application” means an application made under Division 3 of Part 4 for the registration of a trade mark;

“employee” means a person, other than the Registrar or a Deputy Registrar, who:

(a) is an officer or employee within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1922 and is performing duties in the Trade Marks Office, the Patent Office or the Designs Office; or

(b) is not such an officer or employee but performs services, for or on behalf of the Commonwealth, in the Trade Marks Office, the Patent Office or the Designs Office;

“examine”, in relation to an application for the registration of a trade mark, means to carry out an examination under section 30 in relation to the application;

“existing registered mark” means a mark that was registered in Part A, B, C or D of the old register immediately before the commencement of this Act;

“Federal Court” means the Federal Court of Australia;

“file” means to file at the Trade Marks Office;

Note: See section 222:

“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:

(i) if the Registrar has given a direction under section 50—the day on which the initial application (within the meaning of Division 3 of Part 4) was filed; or

(ii) if subparagraph (i) does not apply—the day on which the divisional application is filed; or

(c) in relation to an application to which section 249 applies—the day referred to in subsection 249(6); or

(d) in relation to an application made under section 251—the day referred to in subsection 251(3);

“geographical indication”, in relation to wine or spirits originating in a particular country or in a region or locality of that country, means a sign recognised in that country as a sign indicating that the wine or spirits:

(a) originated in that country, region or locality; and

(b) have a quality, reputation or other characteristic attributable to their geographical origin;

“goods of a person” means goods dealt with 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 right to the exclusive use of a trade mark given by the registration of the trade mark, including limitations of that right as to:

(a) mode of use;

(b)use within a territorial area within Australia: or

(c) use in relation to goods to be exported;

“notified trade mark” means a trade mark in respect of which a notice under section 141 is in force;

“objector”, in relation to seized goods, means any person who has given under section 141 a notice in respect of those goods that is in force;

Official Journalmeans the Official Journal of Trade Marks mentioned in section 236;

“old register” means the Register of Trade Marks kept under the repealed Act;

“Patent Office” means the Patent Office established by the Patents Act 1990;

“pending”, in relation to an application for the registration of a trade mark, has the meaning given by section 12;

“person” includes a body of persons, whether incorporated or not;

“person’s goods” (see goods of a person);

“person’s services” (see services of a person);

“prescribed court” means a court that is under section 199 a prescribed court for the purposes of this Act;

“Register” means the Register of Trade Marks kept under section 215;

“registered owner”, in relation to a registered trade mark, means the person in whose name the trade mark is registered;

“registered patent attorney” means a person registered as a patent attorney under the Patents Act 1990;

“registered trade mark” means a trade mark whose particulars are entered in the Register under this Act;

“registered user”, in relation to a trade mark, means a person registered as a user of a trade mark under Part 11;

“Registrar” means the Registrar of Trade Marks;

“registration number”, in relation to a registered trade mark, means the number given to it under subsection 69(2);

“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 15;

“restore to the Register”, in relation to a trade mark, has the meaning given by section 14;

“seized goods” means goods seized under section 142;

“services of a person” means services provided in the course of trade by a person;

“sign” includes the following or any combination of the following, namely, any letter, word, name, signature, numeral, device, brand, heading, label, ticket, shape, color, sound or aspect of packaging;

“this Act” includes the regulations;

“trade mark” has the meaning given by section 16;

“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”, in relation to a trade mark, has the meaning given by section 6;

“word” includes an abbreviation of a word.

Use of trade mark

6. (1)In this Act:

(a) a reference to the use of a trade mark is a reference to the use of any visual or aural representation of a trade mark in relation to goods or services; and

(b) a reference to the use of a trade mark in relation to goods is a reference to the use of a representation of a trade mark upon, or in physical or other relation to, the goods.

(2) 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:

(a) has used the trade mark with additions or alterations that do not substantially affect the identity of the trade mark; or

(b) has used an associated trade mark.

(3) If the registered owner of a registered trade mark (“first trade mark”) is also the registered owner of another registered trade mark that contains the first trade mark, the registered owner is taken, when he or she uses the other trade mark, to have also used the first trade mark.

(4) The use of a trade mark by a person authorised to use the trade mark (see section 7) is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to be a use of the trade mark by the owner of the trade mark.

Authorised use of trade mark

7.(1)The use of a trade mark by a person is an authorised use only if the person uses the trade mark under the control of the owner of the trade mark.

Note: A person may bean authorised user of a trade mark even if the person is not a registered user of the trade mark.

(2) If the owner of a trade mark exercises quality control over goods or services:

(a) dealt with or provided by another person; and

(b) in relation to which the trade mark is used;

the trade mark is taken, for the purposes of subsection (1), to have been used by the other person under the control of the owner. This subsection does not, however, limit the meaning of the expression “under the control of” in subsection (1).

Definition of “applied to” and “applied in relation to”

8.(1)For the purposes of this Act:

(a) a representation of 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 representation of 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 representation of a trade mark is taken also to be applied in relation to goods or services if it is used in:

(i) a sign or advertisement, including a televised advertisement; or

(ii) 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 maybe) 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.

Definition of “deceptively similar”

9.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.

Associated trade marks

10.(1)If a trade mark that is registered, or whose registration is being sought, in the name of a person and in respect of particular goods:

(a) is substantially identical with another trade mark that is registered, or whose registration is being sought, in the name of the same person and in respect of,

(i) the same goods; or

(ii) goods of the same description as those goods; or

(iii) services that are closely related to those goods; or

(b) so nearly resembles such a trade mark that the use of the first trade mark by another person would be likely to deceive or cause confusion;

the 2 trade marks are associated trade marks.

(2) If a trade mark that is registered, or whose registration is being sought, in the name of a person and in respect of particular services:

(a) is substantially identical with another trade mark that is registered, or whose registration is being sought, in the name of the same person and in respect of:

(i) the same services; or

(ii) services of the same description as those services; or

(iii) goods that are closely related to those services; or

(b) so nearly resembles such a trade mark that the use of the first trade mark by another person would be likely to deceive or cause confusion;

the 2 trade marks are associated trade marks.

Abandonment of trade mark

11.A trade mark is abandoned if it has not been used for a continuous period of 3 years or more.

Definition of “pending”

12.(1)An application for the registration of a trade mark under this Act is pending if it has not lapsed or been withdrawn and:

(a) the Registrar has not yet made a decision about it under section 32; or

(b) the Registrar has accepted it under subsection 32(3) but has not yet made a decision whether to register the trade mark or not under section 55.

(2) An application for the registration of a trade mark under the repealed Act was pending immediately before the commencement of this Act if:

(a) it had not lapsed or been withdrawn under the repealed Act; and

(b) before the commencing day:

(i) the Registrar had not made a decision about it under subsection 44(1) of that Act; or

(ii) the Registrar had accepted it under that subsection but had not yet made a decision whether to register the trade mark or not under subsection 50(1) of that Act.

Remove from the Register

13.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 particulars relating to the trade mark entered in the Register are taken to have been removed from the Register.

Restore to the Register

14.A trade mark that has been removed from the Register is taken to be restored to the Register if the Registrar makes an entry in the Register to the effect that all particulars relating to the trade mark taken to have been removed from the Register are restored to the Register.

Repealed Act

15.(1)The repealed Act means:

(a) the Trade Marks Act 1955 as In force immediately before its repeal; and

(b) the regulations under that Act as in force immediately before its repeal.

Note: For the repeal of the Trade Marks Act 1955 see section 241.

(2) In this Act, a reference to a particular section of the repealed Act includes a reference to the regulations made for the purposes of that section as in force immediately before that Act was repealed.

PART 3—TRADE MARKS AND TRADE MARK RIGHTS

What is a trade mark?

16.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 provided or dealt with by any other person.

Note: For “sign” see section 5.

Certain signs not to be used as trade marks etc.

17.(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 notified in the Gazette.

Certain trade marks may be registered

18.(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 one or more of the classes prescribed under subsection (3),

(3) The regulations may prescribe the classes into which goods and services are to be divided for the purposes of this Act.

Rights given by registration of trade mark

19.(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 services in respect of which the trade mark is registered.

Note: For “use” see section 6.

(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 13.

(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 5.

(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.

(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.

Nature of registered trade mark as property

20.A registered trade mark is personal property.

Power of registered owner to deal with trade mark

21.(1)The registered owner of a trade mark may, subject only to any rights 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.

(3) Equities in respect of a trade mark may be enforced against the registered owner in the same way as equities in respect of any other personal property.

Limitation on rights if similar trade marks etc. registered by different persons

22.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 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 9.

Trade mark consisting of sign that becomes accepted as sign describing article etc.

23.(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 well known, or becomes accepted generally, as the sign that describes or is the name of an article, substance or service.

(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).

(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).

(4) For the purposes of subsections (2) and (3), a prescribed court may determine the day on which a sign first became well known or generally accepted as the sign that describes or is the name of the article, substance or service.

Trade mark relating to article etc. formerly manufactured under patent

24.(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.

(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 4—APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION

Division 1General

Application—how made

25.(1)A person who claims to be the owner of a trade mark may apply to the register for the registration of the trade mark.

(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.

(3) Without limiting the particulars that may be included in an application, the application must:

(a) include a representation of the trade mark; and

(b) specify the goods and/or services (“relevant goods and services”) in respect of which it is sought to register the trade mark; and

(c) contain:

(i) a statement that the applicant is the owner of the trade mark; and

(ii) a statement of a kind referred to in subsection (4) relating to the use of the trade mark.

(4) The application must contain:

(a) a statement that the applicant:

(i) is using or intends to use; or

(ii) has authorised or intends to authorise another person to use; the trade mark in relation to the relevant goods and services; or

(b) a statement that the applicant intends to assign the trade mark to a body corporate that is about to be constituted and that the body corporate intends to use the trade mark in relation to the relevant goods and services.

Note: For “use” see section 6.

(5) An application may be made in respect of goods and services of one or more of the classes prescribed under subsection 18(3).

Application by joint owners

26.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 or services with which all of them are connected in the course of trade;

the persons may together apply for its registration under subsection 25(1).

Application for registration of trade mark whose registration has been sought in a Convention country—claim for priority

27.(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 that person’s successor in title applies to the Registrar for the registration of the trade mark;

the person or the 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 priority for the application in accordance with the regulations.

(2) 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.

Details of application to be published

28.The Registrar must publish the details of the application in accordance with the regulations.

Application—-trade mark consisting etc. of name etc. of a person other than the applicant

29.(1)If the application is for the registration of a trade mark that consists of, or contains, the name or a representation of a living person, the Registrar may ask the applicant to provide evidence that the person has consented to the name or representation appearing in the trade mark.

(2) If the application is for the registration of a trade mark that consists of, or contains, the name or a representation of a person who has recently died, the Registrar may ask the applicant to provide evidence that the legal representative of the deceased person has consented to the name or representation appearing in the trade mark.

Examination of application

30.(1)The Registrar must examine:

(a) whether the application has been made in accordance with this Act; and

(b) whether there are grounds under Division 2 for rejecting it.

(2) The examination is to be carried out in accordance with the regulations.

Registrar to decide on disputed classification of goods etc.

31.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 accepted or rejected

32.(1)If the Registrar is satisfied that:

(a) the application has not been made in accordance with this Act; or

(b) there are grounds for rejecting it; the Registrar must reject the application.

Note: For the grounds on which an application may be rejected see Division 2.

(2) The Registrar may not reject an application without giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard.

(3) If the Registrar is not satisfied as set out in subsection (1), he or she must accept the application.

(4) The Registrar may accept the application subject to conditions or limitations.

Notice etc. of decision

33.The Registrar must:

(a) notify the applicant in writing of:

(i) his or her findings, and any prescribed matter, arising out of the examination; and

(ii) his or her decision under section 32; and

(b) advertise the decision in the Official Journal.

Appeal

34.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.

Lapsing of application

35.(1)Subject to subsection (2), an application lapses if it is not accepted within the prescribed period.

(2) If, after the prescribed period has expired, the Registrar under section 234 extends 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.

Revocation of acceptance

36.(1)If, before a trade mark is registered, the Registrar is satisfied:

(a) that the application for registration of the trade mark was accepted because of an error or omission in the course of the examination; or

(b) that, in the special circumstances of the case, the trade mark should not be registered, or should be registered subject to conditions or limitations, or to additional or different conditions or limitations;

the Registrar may revoke the acceptance of the application.

(2) If the Registrar revokes the acceptance, the Registrar must examine the application as necessary under section 30.

(3) In every case, sections 32 and 33 again apply in relation to the application.

Division 2Grounds for rejecting an application

Trade mark containing etc. certain signs

37.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 section; or

(b) a sign so nearly resembling such a sign as to be likely to be taken for it.

Trade mark that cannot be represented in writing

38.An application for the registration of a trade mark must be rejected if the trade mark cannot be represented in writing.

Note: “Writing” has the meaning given by section 25 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 which provides as follows: “‘Writing’ includes any mode of representing or reproducing words, figures, drawings or symbols in a visible form.”.

Trade mark consisting of shape of goods

39.An application for the registration of a trade mark in respect of goods must be rejected if the trade mark consists wholly or principally of:

(a) the shape, or some other characteristic, possessed, because of their nature, by the goods; or

(b) a shape, or some other characteristic, that the goods must have if a particular technical result is to be obtained.

Trade mark not distinguishing applicant’s goods or services

40.(1)In this section, a reference to the use of a trade mark by an applicant for the registration of the trade mark includes a reference to the use of the trade mark by a predecessor in title (if any) of the applicant.

(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.

(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 to distinguish the designated goods or services.

(4) Then, if the Registrar is still unable to decide the question, the Registrar is to take into account:

(a) the extent to which the trade mark does in fact so distinguish the designated goods or services because of any or all of the following:

(i) the use made by the applicant of the trade mark;

(ii) the extent to which it is inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods or services;

(iii) any other circumstances; or

(b) the extent to which the trade mark will in fact so distinguish the designated goods or services because of any or all of the following:

(i) the use made, and likely to be made, by the applicant of the trade mark;

(ii) the extent to which it is inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods or services;

(iii) any other circumstances; or

(c) if the applicant has not used the trade mark—the extent to which the trade mark will in fact so distinguish the designated goods or services because of either or both of the following:

(i) the intended use of the trade mark by the applicant together with the extent to which it is inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods or services;

(ii) any other circumstances.

Trade mark consisting of signs designating quality etc.

41.(1)Subject to subsection (2), an application for the registration of a trade mark must be rejected if the trade mark consists wholly or principally of a sign that is ordinarily used to indicate:

(a) the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin, or some other characteristic, of the goods or services; or

(b) the time of production of the goods or of the rendering of the services.

(2) The application must not be rejected if the applicant establishes that, because of the extent to which the applicant has used the trade mark, the trade mark does distinguish the goods or services in relation to which it has been used as being those of the applicant.

Scandalous marks etc.

42.(1)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 or would not be entitled to protection in a court.

(2) An application for the registration of a trade mark in respect of particular goods or services must be rejected if the use of the trade mark in relation to those goods or services would be likely to deceive or cause confusion regarding:

(a) the nature, quality, origin, intended purpose, or some other characteristic, of the goods or services; or

(b) any connection or relationship that they may have with any particular person.

Trade mark consisting etc. of name etc. of person other than the applicant

43.If:

(a) in relation to an application, the Registrar has asked under section 29 that evidence be provided of the consent of a particular person; and

(b) the applicant has not provided the evidence as asked;

the Registrar must reject the application.

Identical etc. trade marks

44.(1)Subject to subsections (3) and (4), an application for the registration of a trade mark in respect of goods (“applicant’s trade mark”) 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; or

(ii) a trade mark in respect of which an application for registration has been made by another person;

that relates to:

(iii) goods that are the same as. or of the same description as that of, the goods (“applicant’s goods”) to which the applicant’s trade mark relates; or

(iv) services that are closely related to the applicant’s goods; and

(b) the priority date for the applicant’s trade mark is not earlier than the priority date for the other trade mark.

Note: For “priority date” see subsection (5).

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), an application for the registration of a trade mark in respect of services (“applicant’s trade mark”) must be rejected if:

(a) it is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to:

(i) a trade mark registered by another person; or

(ii) a trade mark in respect of which an application for registration has been made by another person;

that relates to:

(iii) services that are the same as, or are of the same description as that of, the services (“applicant’s services”) to which the applicant’s trade mark relates; or

(iv) goods that are closely related to the applicant’s services; and

(b) the priority date for the applicant’s trade mark is not earlier than the priority date for the other trade mark.

Note: For “priority date” see subsection (5).

(3) If the Registrar in either case is satisfied:

(a) that there has been an honest concurrent use of the 2 trade marks; or

(b) that, because of the 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 condition or limitation 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.

(4) If the Registrar in either case is satisfied:

(a) that the applicant, or a predecessor in title of the applicant, has continuously used the applicant’s trade mark for a period before the date of registration of the other trade mark: and

(b) that the applicant’s trade mark was never abandoned;

the Registrar may not reject the application because of the existence of the other trade mark.

(5) The “priority date” for a trade mark is:

(a) if the trade mark is registered—the date of registration of the trade mark; or

(b) if the registration of the trade mark is being sought—the day that would be the date of the registration of the trade mark if it were registered.

Division 3Divisional applications

Object of Division

45.This Division provides that a person who has made an application (“initial application”) for the registration of a trade mark in respect of certain goods and services may, in the circumstances set out in the Division, make another application (“divisional application”):

(a) for the registration of a part only of the trade mark in respect of those goods and services; or

(b) for the registration of the trade mark in respect of some only of the goods or services in respect of which registration is sought under the initial application; or

(c) if the initial application has been amended to exclude some of the goods or services in respect of which registration was sought in the first place—for the registration of the trade mark in respect of any or all of the goods or services that have been so excluded.

Divisional application possible only if initial application is pending

46.A divisional application for the registration of a trade mark or a part of a trade mark may be made only if the initial application for the registration of the trade mark is pending.

Divisional application for registration of part of trade mark

47.(1)If a part of a trade mark, by itself, may be registered as a trade mark, the applicant for the registration of the trade mark may, within the prescribed period but subject to subsection (2), make a divisional application for the registration of that part as a trade mark in respect of the goods and services specified in the initial application.

(2) If the initial application has been accepted, the divisional application may not be made after the acceptance is advertised in the Official Journal.

Divisional application for registration of trade mark in respect of some of the goods and servicesspecified in the initial application

48.(1)The applicant for the registration of a trade mark may, subject to subsection (2), make a divisional application for the registration of the trade mark in respect of any (but not all) of:

(a) the goods and services specified in the initial application; or

(b) if the initial application has been amended to exclude some of the goods or services specified in that application before its amendment—the goods and services specified in the initial application as amended.

(2) If the initial application has been accepted, the divisional application may not be made after the acceptance is advertised in the Official Journal.

Divisional application for registration of trade mark in respect of goods or services excluded from the initial application

49.(1)This section applies if the initial application for the registration of a trade mark is amended to exclude some of the goods or services specified in that application before its amendment,

(2) If the initial application is amended:

(a) before a decision is made about it under section 32; or

(b) if the initial application is accepted—before its acceptance is advertised in the Official Journal;

the applicant may, within the prescribed period but subject to subsection (3), make a divisional application for the registration of the trade mark in respect of any or all of the goods or services that have been excluded from the initial application.

(3) If the initial application has been accepted, the divisional application may not be made after the acceptance is advertised in the Official Journal.

(4) If the initial application (whether it has already been amended or not) is amended after its acceptance has been advertised in the Official Journal, the applicant may, within the prescribed period, make a divisional

application for the registration of the trade mark in respect of any or all of the goods or services that have been excluded from the application whose acceptance was advertised in the Official Journal

Filing date

50.If the Registrar so directs, a divisional application is taken to have been filed on the day on which the initial application concerned was filed.

Division 4Application for registration of series of trade marks

Application—series of trade marks

51.(1)A person may make a single application under subsection 25(1) for the registration of several trade marks in respect of any or all of the following:

(a) the same goods within a single class;

(b) the same services within a single class;

(c) goods of the same description within a single class;

(d) services of the same description within a single class;

if the trade marks resemble each other in material particulars and differ only in respect of one or more of the following matters:

(e) statements or representations as to the goods or services in relation to which the trade marks are used or intended to be used;

(f) statements or representations as to number, price, quality or names of places;

(g) colour;

(h) any matter that is not capable of distinguishing the goods or services and does not substantially affect the identity of the trade marks

(2) If the Registrar decides to register the trade marks, he or she may register them as a series in one registration.

PART 5—OPPOSITION TO REGISTRATION

Division 1General

Opposition

52.(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.

(3) The opponent must serve a copy of the notice on the applicant.

(4) The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on any of the grounds specified in Division 2 and on no other grounds.

Re-examination

53.(1)An opponent to the registration of a trade mark may, in accordance with the regulations, ask the Registrar to re-examine the application for the registration of the trade mark on the ground that there has been an error or omission in the course of the examination of the application.

(2) The Registrar may not decide to re-examine the application without:

(a) giving an opportunity to the applicant to make representations (either orally or in writing) on the matter; and

(b) taking into account the representations (if any) made by the applicant.

(3) If the Registrar decides to re-examine the application, the Registrar must revoke the acceptance of the application.

(4) If the Registrar revokes the acceptance of the application:

(a) the notice of opposition is taken to have been withdrawn; and

(b) the Registrar must re-examine the application as necessary to take into account any matter that he or she failed to consider because of the error or omission; and

(c) sections 32 and 33 again apply in relation to the application.

(5) If the Registrar decides not to re-examine the application, the Registrar continues to deal with the opposition under this Division.

Opposition proceedings

54.(1)The. Registrar must give to the opponent and to the applicant an opportunity of being heard on the opposition.

(2) Subject to subsection (1), the proceedings for dealing with the opposition must be in accordance with the regulations.

Decision

55.At the end of the proceedings, the Registrar must decide:

(a) to refuse to register the trade mark; or

(b) to register the trade mark with or without conditions and limitations in respect of the goods and 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.

Appeal

56.The applicant or the opponent may appeal to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar under section 55.

Division 2Grounds for opposing registration

Registration may be opposed on same grounds as for rejection

57.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 Division 2 of Part 4, except the ground that the trade mark cannot be represented in writing.

Applicant not owner of trade mark

58.(1)Subject to subsection (2), the registration of a trade mark may be opposed on the ground that the applicant is not the owner of the trade mark.

(2) The opposition fails if:

(a) in order to establish that the applicant is not the owner of the trade mark, the opponent relies on the fact that another person used the trade mark at an earlier time than the applicant; and

(b) the applicant establishes that:

(i) the application was filed with the consent or approval of the other person; and

(ii) as at the filing date in respect of the application, the other person had ceased to use the trade mark.

Applicant not intending to use trade mark

59.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 or services specified in the application.

Interference with right of opponent to use another trade mark

60.The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on the ground that its registration would prevent the opponent from continuing to use an unregistered trade mark:

(a) that the opponent, or a predecessor in title of the opponent, had previously used; and

(b) that had not been abandoned by either of them on the filing date in respect of the application for the registration of the trade mark.

Trade mark similar to well-known trade mark

61.The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on the ground that:

(a) it is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, a trade mark that, before the filing date in respect of the application for the registration of the first-mentioned trade mark, had 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.

Trade mark in respect of wine etc. containing or consisting of a false geographical indication

62.(1)If the application is for the registration of a trade mark in respect of wine or spirits (“relevant wine or spirits”), the registration may be opposed on the ground that the trade mark contains or consists of a sign that is a geographical indication for wine or spirits (“designated wine or spirits”) originating in:

(a) a country, or in a region or locality in a country, other than the country in which the relevant wine or spirits originated; or

(b) a region or locality in the country in which the relevant wine or spirits originated other than the region or locality in which the relevant wine or spirits originated.

Note: For “geographical indication” see section 5.

(2) The opposition fails if the applicant establishes that:

(a) the relevant wine or spirits originated in the country, region or locality identified by the geographical indication; or

(b) the sign has ceased to be used as a geographical indication for the designated wine or spirits in the country in which the designated wine or spirits originated; or

(c) the applicant, or a predecessor in title of the applicant, used the sign in respect of the relevant wine or spirits, or applied for the registration of the trade mark in respect of the relevant wine or spirits, before:

(i) 1 January 1996; or

(ii) the day on which the sign was recognised as a geographical indication for the designated wine or spirits in their country of origin;

whichever is later; or

(d) 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) The opposition also fails if the applicant establishes that:

(a) although the sign is a geographical indication for the designated wine or spirits, it is also a geographical indication for the relevant wine or spirits; and

(b) the applicant has not used, and does not intend to use, the trade mark in relation to the relevant wine or spirits in a way that is likely to deceive or confuse members of the public as to the origin of the relevant wine or spirits.

Application etc. defective etc.

63.The registration of a trade mark may be opposed on any of the following grounds:

(a) that the application, or a document filed with 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.

PART 6—AMENDMENT OF APPLICATION AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

Amendment of application

64.(1)The Registrar may, at the request of the applicant, amend an application for the registration of a trade mark as provided in this Part.

(2) If:

(a) an application for the registration of a trade mark may be amended under section 66; and

(b) the applicant has not asked that the application be amended;

the Registrar may, in accordance with the regulations, direct that the application be amended as necessary to remove any ground on which the application could be rejected.

Amendment before details of application are published

65.If:

(a) the details of the application have not yet been published under section 28; 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.

Amendment after details of application have been published

66.(1)If the details of the application have been published under section 28, the application may be amended as provided in this section.

(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 details of the application were published.

(3) An amendment may be made to correct a mistake of fact or an error in the classification of any goods or services specified in the application.

(4) 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).

(5) 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.

Amendment of other documents

67.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, 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.

Appeal

68.An appeal lies to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar under this Part.

PART 7—REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS

Division 1Initial registration

Obligation to register

69.(1)The Registrar must, within the prescribed period, register a trade mark that has been accepted for registration:

(a) if there has been no opposition to the registration; or

(b) if there has been an opposition—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.

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.

Registration—how effected

70.(1)The trade mark must be registered:

(a) in the name of the applicant for registration; and

(b) in respect of the goods and 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 representation in writing of the trade mark; and

(b) its registration number; and

(c) any other particulars that are prescribed.

(3) If 2 or more persons applied together for the registration of the trade mark (see section 26), the applicants must be registered as joint owners of the trade mark.

Colours in registered trade marks

71.(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.

Notification of registration

72.As soon as practicable after the registration of a trade mark, 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

Date and term of registration

73.(1)Subject to subsection (2), the registration of a trade mark is taken to have had effect from (and including) the filing date in respect of the application for registration.

(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 for the registration under section 27; and

(c) the trade mark is registered under this Act;

the registration of the trade mark 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.

(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: This is so even for a trade mark whose registration has effect from (and including) the day on which an application was made in a Convention country.

Ceasing of registration

74.The registration of a trade mark ceases if:

(a) the trade mark is taken to have been removed from the Register under section 79 or Part 9; or

(b) the registration of the trade mark is cancelled.

Disclaimers

75.(1)An applicant for the registration of a trade mark, or the registered owner of a registered trade mark, may, by notice given to the Registrar, disclaim any exclusive right to use, or authorise the use of, a specified part of a 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.

(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 in accordance with the regulations.

(4) A disclaimer properly made and remaining in the Register may not be revoked

Division 2Renewal of registration

Request for renewal

76.(1)Any person may, within the prescribed period before the registration of a trade mark expires, request 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.

Notice of renewal due

77.If, at the beginning of the prescribed period, the Registrar has not received a request for the renewal 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.

Renewal

78.(1)If a request for the renewal of the registration of a trade mark is made in accordance with the regulations, the Registrar must renew the 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.

Failure to renew—entry in Register

79.If the registration of a trade mark is not renewed, then:

(a) subject to subsection 80(1), the registration ceases to have effect when it expires; and

(b) the Registrar must remove the trade mark from the Register.

Restoration off trade mark to Register

80.(1)If a trade mark is removed from the Register under section 79, the Registrar may, within the prescribed period:

(a) restore the trade mark to the Register; and

(b) renew the registration of the trade mark for 10 years from the day on which the registration of the trade mark expired;

if the Registrar is satisfied that it is just to do so.

(2) The renewal may be subject to any conditions or limitations that the Registrar thinks fit to impose.

(3) The Registrar must give notice of his or her decision in accordance with the regulations.

(4) An application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of the Registrar tinder this section.

Status of unrenewed trade mark

81.If:

(a) the registration of a trade mark (“unrenewed trade mark”) has not been renewed; and

(b) within the prescribed period after the registration expired, an application for the registration of a trade mark is 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 unless the Registrar is satisfied that:

(c) there has been no use in good faith of the unrenewed trade mark during the 2 years immediately before its registration expired; or

(d) no deception or confusion is likely to arise from the use of the trade mark whose registration is sought because of any previous use of the unrenewed trade mark.

PART 8—AMENDMENT AND CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION

Division 1—Action by Registrar

Correction of Register

82.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.

Adaptation of classification

83.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; For the classification of goods and services see subsection 18(3).

Amendment of particulars of trade mark entered in Register

84.(1)Subject to Parts 11 and 12 the Registrar may, at the 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 details of the trade mark were published under section 28; or

(b) amend particulars of the 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.

(2) An appeal lies to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar under subsection (1).

Cancellation of registration

85.The Registrar must cancel the registration of a trade mark:

(a) if the registered owner asks in writing that the registration be cancelled; or

(b) if:

(i) the application for registration stated that the applicant intended to assign the trade mark to a body corporate about to be constituted; and

(ii) the body corporate has not, within the prescribed period, applied for a record of the assignment to be entered in the Register.

Division 2Action by court

Amendment to correct error or omission

86.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.

Amendment or cancellation on ground of contravention of condition etc.

87.A prescribed court may, on the application of an aggrieved person, 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.

Amendment or cancellation—loss of exclusive rights to use trade mark

88.(1)If section 23 or 24 applies in relation to a registered trade mark, a prescribed court may, on the application of an aggrieved person, but subject to subsection (2), order that the Register be rectified as necessary, either 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 23 or 24 (as the case may be) on the rights 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.

(2) If section 23 or 24 applies in relation to the trade mark because the trade mark contains a sign that:

(a) has become well known, or accepted generally, 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.

Amendment or cancellation—other specified reasons

89.(1)Subject to subsection (2), a prescribed court may, on the application of an aggrieved person, 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 only on the following grounds:

(a) any of the grounds on which the registration of the trade mark could have been opposed under Division 2 of Part 5;

(b) the entry was made, or has been previously amended, as a result of fraud, false suggestion or misrepresentation;

(c) an amendment of the application for the registration of the trade mark was obtained as a result of fraud, false suggestion or misrepresentation;

(d) the trade mark:

(i) is not inherently capable of distinguishing the goods or services; and

(ii) on the day on which the application for rectification was filed, had ceased to be used to a sufficient extent for it to be capable of distinguishing the goods or services of the registered owner from the goods or services of any other person;

(e) the following circumstances apply:

(i) on the filing date in relation to the application for its registration, the trade mark did not distinguish the goods or services of the registered owner from the goods or services of any other person; and

(ii) the application for rectification is made at least 10 years after that filing date; and

(iii) on the day on which the application for rectification is filed, the trade mark still does not so distinguish the goods or services of the registered owner.

(3) The court may decide not to grant an application for rectification made:

(a) under section 88; 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 (2)(a)); or

(c) on the ground referred to in paragraph 2(d);

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.

(4) In making a decision under subsection (3), 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.

Duties and powers of Registrar

90.(1)Aperson applying to a prescribed court under this Division must give notice of the application to the Registrar.

(2) On receiving the notice, the Registrar must appear if directed by the court to do so. Otherwise, the Registrar may appear before the court and be heard at his or her discretion.

(3) The applicant must give to the Registrar a copy of any order made by the court under this Division and the Registrar must comply with the order.

PART 9—REMOVAL OF TRADE MARK FROM REGISTER FOR NON-USE

Object of Part

91.This Part makes provision for;

(a) removing a registered trade mark from the Register; or

(b) not restoring to the Register a trade mark that has been removed because of a failure to renew the registration;

if the registered owner of the trade mark has not used the trade mark in good faith.

Application for removal of trade mark from Register etc.

92.(1)A person aggrieved by the fact that:

(a) a trade mark is or may be registered; or

(b) a trade mark removed from the Register for non-renewal of its registration may be restored to the Register;

may, subject to subsection (3), apply to the Registrar for the trade mark to be removed from, or not to be restored to, 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 or services in respect of which the trade mark may be, is, or was, 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 aggrieved may apply to the court for an order directing the Registrar to remove the trade mark from the Register or not to restore it to the Register.

(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 or services to which the non-use application relates and that the registered owner has not used the trade mark in good faith in Australia in relation to those goods 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, or (if it were restored to the Register) would have 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 used the trade mark in good faith in Australia in relation to the goods or services to which the application relates.

Time for making application

93.(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 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 registration of the trade mark.

Referral to court

94. 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 that court and the court may hear and determine the matter as if an application had been made to it under subsection 92(3).

Notification of application

95.(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) The Registrar must also advertise the application in the Official Journal.

Notice of opposition

96.(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).

Removal of trade mark from the Register etc. if application unopposed

97.(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, or refrain from restoring the trade mark to the Register, in respect of the goods 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, or refrain from restoring the trade mark to the Register, in respect of the goods or services specified in the application.

Trade mark restored to Register if notice of opposition filed within extended time

98.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

(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.

Proceedings before Registrar

99.If an application to the Registrar is opposed, the Registrar must deal with the matter in accordance with the regulations.

Burden on opponent to establish use of trade mark etc.

100.(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 or services to which the opposed application relates; or

(b) any allegation (made under paragraph 92(4)(a) or (b)) that a trade mark has not, at any time before or during a specified period (as the case may be), been used in good faith by its registered owner in relation to the goods or services to which the opposed application relates (“relevant goods or services”).

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), (except if subsection (5) applies) the opponent is taken to have rebutted the allegation that a trade mark has not been used in good faith by its registered owner in relation to the relevant goods or services if the opponent has established:

(a) that the trade mark has been used by its registered owner in relation to the relevant goods or services; or

(b) that the trade mark has been used by its registered owner in relation to goods or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered (“registered goods or services”) that are goods of the same description as, or closely related to, the relevant goods or services; or

(c) that the trade mark with additions or alterations not substantially affecting its identity has been used by its registered owner in relation to:

(i) the relevant goods or services; or

(ii) registered goods or services that are of the same description as, or closely related to, the relevant goods or services; or

(d) the trade mark was not used by its registered owner 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 the specified period.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), (except if subsection (5) applies) the opponent is also taken to have rebutted the allegation that the trade mark has not been used in good faith by its registered owner in relation to the relevant goods or services if the opponent has established:

(a) that the trade mark, or the trade mark with additions or alterations not substantially affecting its identity, has been used by the registered owner in relation to goods or services (other than registered goods or services) that are of the same description as, or closely related to, the relevant goods or services (for example, the relevant goods may be silk ties and the unregistered goods nylon ties); or

(b) that the registered owner of the trade mark has used an associated trade mark;

and 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 registered owner as having used the trade mark in relation to the relevant goods or services.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), (except if subsection (5) applies) the opponent is also taken to have rebutted the allegation that the trade mark has not been used in good faith by the registered owner in relation to the relevant goods or services if the opponent has established that the trade mark, or the trade mark with additions or alterations not substantially affecting its identity, was used by an unregistered assignee of the trade mark in relation to:

(a) the relevant goods or services; or

(b) goods or services (whether registered or not) that are of the same description as, or closely related to, the relevant goods or services;

and 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 registered owner as having used the trade mark in relation to the relevant goods or services if:

(c) the unregistered assignee subsequently becomes the registered owner of the trade mark: and

(d) the use of the trade mark by the assignee is in accordance with the assignment.

(5) The opponent to an application may not rely on paragraph (2)(b), subparagraph (2)(c)(ii) or paragraph (3)(a) or (b):

(a) in the case of an application by the registered owner of a trade mark registered in respect of the relevant goods or services—if the applicant’s trade mark is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, the opponent’s trade mark and:

(i) the applicant was granted registration of his or her trade mark on the ground that there had been honest concurrent use of the trade marks; or

(ii) the applicant was a person in relation to whom subsection 44(4) applied; or

(b) in any other case—if:

(i) the applicant’s trade mark is substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to, the opponent’s trade mark; and

(ii) the Registrar or the court is of the opinion that the applicant’s trade mark could properly be granted registration in respect of the relevant goods or services on the ground that there has been honest concurrent use of the trade marks or on the ground that subsection 44(4) would apply in relation to the applicant.

Determination of opposed application—general

101.(1)Subject to subsection (3) and to section 102, if, at the end of the proceedings relating to an opposed application, 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, or not to restore it to, the Register in respect of any or all of the goods 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, or not to restore it to, the Register in respect of any or all of the goods or services to which the application relates.

(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, or should be restored to, the Register even if the grounds on which the application was made have been established.

Determination of opposed application—localised use of trade mark

102.(1)This section applies if an application 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, that of the opponent and is registered in respect of the goods or services specified in the application subject to the condition or limitation that the use of a trade mark is to be restricted to:

(i) goods to be sold, or otherwise traded in, in a particular place (“specified place”) in Australia (otherwise than for export from Australia); or

(ii) goods to be exported to a particular market (“specified market”); or

(iii) services provided in a particular place in Australia (“specified place”); 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.

(2) If the Registrar or the court is satisfied:

(a) that the opponent’s 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 in good faith of the opponent’s trade mark in relation to:

(i) goods to be sold, or otherwise traded in, in the specified place; or

(ii) goods to be exported to the specified market; or

(iii) services provided in the specified place;

the Registrar or the court may decide that the opponent’s trade mark should not be removed from, or should be restored to, 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 to be sold, or otherwise traded in, in the specified place; or

(d) goods to be exported to the specified market; or

(e) services provided in the specified place.

Registrar to comply with order of court

103.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.

Appeal

104.An appeal lies to the Federal Court from a decision of the Registrar under section 101 or 102.

Certificate—use of trade mark

105.(1)If in any proceedings relating to an opposed application the Registrar or the court has found that:

(a) the trade mark has been used during a particular period; or

(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

Assignment etc. of trade mark

106.(1)A registered trade mark, or a trade mark whose registration is being sought, may be assigned or transmitted under this Part.

(2) The assignment or transmission may be partial, that is, it may apply to some only of the goods 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 or services.

Assignment of associated trade marks

107.(1)Associated trade marks may not be assigned unless they are all assigned to the same person.

(2) If:

(a) associated trade marks have been assigned to a person; and

(b) subsequently it is found that another trade mark associated with those trade marks has not been assigned to the assignee;

229.(1)Costs may be awarded by the Registrar either:

(a) when proceedings before him or her are discontinued; or

(b) when they are over.

(2) 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.

Costs of attendance of patent attorney

230.If:

(a) a patent attorney has attended in court to assist a party at the hearing of an action or proceeding under this Act; and

(b) an order is made for payment of the costs of that party;

those costs may include an allowance for that attendance.

Security for costs

231.If a person who neither resides nor carries on business in Australia:

(a) gives notice of opposition under this Act; or

(b) applies to the Registrar under Part 9 for a trade mark to be removed from, or not to be restored to, the Register; or

(c) appeals to the Federal Court under this Act;

the Registrar or the Federal Court (as the case may be) may require the person to give security for the costs of the proceeding or appeal and may, if security is not given, dismiss the proceeding or appeal.

Passing off actions

232.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 proprietor or a registered user; and

(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.

Division 3General

Fees

233.(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 was done.

(2) Prescribed fees are payable in accordance with the regulations.

(3) If a fee is payable in respect of the doing of an act by the Registrar, the Commission or the Comptroller, the Registrar, Commission or Comptroller must not do the act until the fee has been paid.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), if:

(a) a fee is payable in respect of the doing of an act by a person other than the Registrar, the Commission or the Comptroller; or

(b) a fee is payable in respect of the filing of a document;

the act is taken to have been done, or the document is taken to have been filed, in spite of the failure to pay the fee.

(5) If the Registrar, the Commission or the Comptroller notifies the person concerned, or his or her agent or attorney, in accordance with the regulations, that the fee has not been paid, the act is not taken to have been done, or the document is not taken to have been filed, before the clay on which the fee is paid.

Extension of time

234.(1)If, because of an error or omission by the Registrar, a Deputy Registrar or an employee, a relevant act that is required to be done within a certain time is not, or cannot be, done within that time, the Registrar must extend the time for doing the act.

(2) If. because of:

(a) an error or omission by the person concerned or by his or her agent or attorney; or

(b) circumstances beyond the control of the person concerned; a relevant act that is required 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 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.

(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 for an extension of time for more than 3 months, the Registrar must advertise the application in the Official Journal.

(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 an act.

(8) An action cannot be brought in respect of an infringement of a trade mark committed between:

(a) the day on which the trade mark was removed from the Register because a particular act was not done within a particular period; and

(b) the day on which the trade mark is restored to the Register because the act was done within the period as extended under this section.

(9) In this section:

“relevant act” means:

(a) any act (other than a prescribed act) done in relation to a trade mark; or

(b) the filing of any document (other than a prescribed document) for the purposes of this Act; or

(c) any proceedings under this Act (other than court proceedings).

Convention countries

235.The regulations may declare a foreign country to be a Convention country for the purposes of this Act.

Publication of Official Journal etc.

236.(1)The Registrar must issue 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.

(2) The Registrar must make arrangements for selling copies of the Official Journal.

(3) The Registrar may prepare, publish and sell documents relating to trade marks as the Registrar thinks fit.

Notice regarding review of decision by Administrative Appeals Tribunal

237.(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 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.

Use of trade mark for export trade

238.If:

(a) a trade mark is applied in Australia to goods that are to be exported from Australia (“export goods”); or

(b) any other act is done in Australia to export goods which, if done in relation to goods to be dealt with 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.

Rights etc. of patent attorney

239.(1)A patent attorney:

(a) is entitled to prepare documents, transact business and conduct proceedings for the purposes of this Act: and

(b) has any right or privilege that is prescribed.

(2) This section does not authorise a patent attorney to prepare a document that is to be issued from or filed in a court or to transact business or to conduct proceedings in a court.

Regulations

240.(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.

(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

(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 in respect of the filing of a document; and

(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) 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, or not to be restored to. 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 defendant; and

(g) 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

(h) prescribe as penalties for offences against the regulations fines not exceeding 10 penalty units; and

(i) make transitional or consequential provision as necessary or convenient because of the repeal of the repealed Act and the enactment of this Act; and

(j) provide for regulations made under the repealed Act to continue to have effect (with any prescribed alterations) for specified purposes of this Act.

PART 23—REPEAL AND TRANSITIONAL

Division 1—Repeal

Repeal

241.The Trade Marks Act 1955 is repealed.

Division 2Marks registered under the repealed Act

Automatic registration under this Act

242.(1)All trade marks that, immediately before the commencement of this Act, 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.

(2) All trade marks that, immediately before the commencement of this Act, 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 the commencement of this Act, 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.

Associated trade marks

243.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.

Registration conclusive after 7 years

244.(1)This section applies in relation to:

(a) a registered trade mark that:

(i) immediately before the commencement of this Act, was registered in Part A of the old register; and

(ii) has not at any time after the commencement of this Act 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 before the Registrar immediately before the commencement of this Act; and

(ii) that has not at any time after the commencement of this Act ceased to be registered.

(2) In any legal proceedings:

(a) the original registration under the repealed Act of a trade mark referred to in paragraph (l)(a); or

(b) the original registration under this Act of a trade mark referred to in paragraph (l)(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) an application for the registration of the trade mark would be rejected under section 42; or

(e) the trade mark was not, at the commencement of the proceedings, capable of distinguishing 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.

Term of registration

245.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.

Renewal

246.(1)Subject to subsection (2), Division 2 of Part 7 applies in relation to the renewal of the registration of an existing registered mark.

(2) If the registration of an existing registered mark is due to expire within 6 months after the commencement of this Act and the registration is renewed, the registration is to be renewed for a period of 14 years from the day on which the registration would have expired if it had not been renewed.

Restoration of trade mark removed from old register for non-payment of renewal fee

247.(1)If:

(a) a trade mark was removed from the old register under subsection 70(2) of the repealed Act because the registration of the trade mark had expired and had not been renewed; and

(b) the registration of the trade mark had expired within 12 months before the commencing day;

then, if the Registrar is satisfied that it is just to do so, the Registrar may, within 12 months from the day on which the registration expired:

(c) make an entry inthe Register to the effect that all particulars of the trade mark removed from the old register under the repealed Act are restored to the Register; and

(d) renew the registration of the trade mark for the period beginning on the commencing day that, together with the period immediately before the commencing day during which the trade mark remained unregistered, equals 14 years.

(2) The renewal may be subject to any conditions or limitations that the Registrar thinks fit to impose.

(3) The Registrar must give notice of his or her decision in accordance with the regulations.

(4) An application may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for the review of a decision of the Registrar under this section.

Division 3Matters pending at commencement of Act

Applications, notices etc.—general

248.(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 the commencement of this Act; is to be dealt with as if it had been made under this Act.

(2) The application, notice or request may not be rejected on the ground that it was not filed in accordance with this Act.

Application for registration of trade mark

249.(1)This section applies to an application for the registration of a trade mark in Part A or B of the old register if the application was pending immediately before the commencement of this Act.

(2) Except as provided under subsection 248(2), Parts 3, 4 and 5 apply in relation to the application as if it had not been accepted under the repealed Act.

(3) If the application had been accepted under the repealed Act but the trade mark had not been registered before the commencement of this Act, then, except as provided in subsection (4), the provisions of the repealed Act continue to apply until the Registrar makes a decision to register, or to refuse to register the trade mark,

(4) If, when dealing with the application under the repealed Act as provided by subsection (3), the Registrar withdraws the acceptance of the application under subsection 44(3) of that Act, the Registrar must then continue to deal with the application under this Act as if it were an application whose acceptance had been revoked under subsection 36(1).

(5) If the Registrar decides to register the trade mark, Part 7 applies.

(6) The filing date in respect of the application is the day on which the application was lodged with the Trade Marks Office under the repealed Act.

Divisional application in relation to pending application

250.If an application for the registration of a trade mark in the old register was pending, but had not been accepted, immediately before the commencement of this Act, the applicant may, within 6 months after the commencing day, apply under subsection 47(1) for a part of that trade mark to be registered as a trade mark.

More than one application made on same day for registration of trade mark

251.(1)If:

(a) on the same day before the commencement of this Act, a person made more than one application each seeking the registration of the same trade mark but in respect of goods or services of different classes; and

(b) those applications (“existing applications”) were pending, but had not been accepted, immediately before the commencement of this Act;

the applicant may, at any time before any existing application is accepted, apply to the Registrar to have all the existing 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 the existing applications.

(2) If an application is made under subsection (1), the Registrar must deal with the existing applications as if they were a single application in respect of the trade mark made on the commencing day.

(3) The filing date for the single application taken to have been made under subsection (2) is the day on which the existing applications were lodged, or would be taken to have been lodged (as the case may be), with the Trade Marks Office under the repealed Act.

Application for registration of trade mark whose registration has been sought in Convention country

252.(1)This section applies if:

(a) an application for the registration in Australia of a trade mark whose registration had been sought in a Convention country was made under section 109 of the. repealed Act: and

(b) the application was still pending immediately before the commencement of this Act.

(2) Ifthe application had not been accepted under the repealed Act, the applicant (or the applicant’s successor in title) must, within 6 months after the commencing day but before the application is accepted, claim priority for the registration of the trade mark in accordance with section 27 in order to obtain registration from the date on which an application was made in a Convention country. If priority is so claimed and the trade mark is registered under this Act, subsection 73(2) applies in relation to the registration.

(3) If:

(a) the application had been accepted, but the trade mark had not been registered, under the repealed Act; and

(b) the trade mark is registered under this Act;

subsection 73(2) applies in relation to the registration as if priority had been claimed under section 27.

Application for registration of a mark in Part C of the old register

253.Subject to Part 17, sections 249 to 252 apply to an application for the registration of a mark as a certification trade mark in Part C of the old register if the application was pending immediately before the commencement of this Act.

Application for registration of defensive trade mark in Part D of the old register

254.Subject to Part 18, sections 249 to 252 apply to an application for the registration of a mark as a defensive trade mark in Part D of the old register if the application was pending immediately before the commencement of this Act.

Amendment of application—specification of goods or services

255.(1.)If:

(a) an application for the registration of a mark in Part A, B, C or D of the old register was pending, but had not been accepted, immediately before the commencement of this Act; and

(b) the application had previously been amended; and

(c) the application as amended did not relate to all of the goods or services specified in the application before its amendment;

the applicant may, within 6 months alter the commencing day, apply to the Registrar for the application to be again amended so as to relate to some or all of the goods and services specified in the application before its amendment under the repealed Act, if:

(d) the application is still pending, but has not been accepted, under this Act and

(e) 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 excluded from the original application, if that Act were still in force.

(2) If an application is amended under subsection (1), it must (if necessary) be also amended so as to be in accordance with Part 4.

Term of registration if filing date is earlier than commencement of this Act

256.If:

(a) a trade mark, collective trade mark, certification trade mark or defensive trade mark is registered under this Act; and

(b) the filing date in respect of the application for the registration of the trade mark is a date before the commencement of this Act;

the registration or the trade mark is to expire 7 years after the filing date.

Application for registration of assignment etc.

257.If an application for the registration in the old register of the assignment or transmission of an existing registered mark is pending on the commencement of this Act, 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 the commencement of this Act.

Rectification of Register

258.If proceedings arising from an application to a court under section 22 (Rectification of Register) of the repealed Act are pending immediately before the commencement of this Act, 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.

Action for removal of trade mark from Register for non-use

259.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 are pending immediately before the commencement of this Act, the repealed Act continues to apply:

(a) in relation to those proceedings; and

(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,

Action for infringement of trade mark etc.

260.Sections 62 to 67 and section 78 of the repealed Act continue to apply in relation to an action for the infringement of an existing registered mark that was pending immediately before the commencement of this Act.

Action under this Act for infringement of trade mark under repealed Act

261.If:

(a) before the commencement of this Act 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 the commencement of this Act; 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. The registered owner (or a registered user) of the existing trade mark is not, however, entitled under this Act to any injunction or other relief to which he or she would not have been entitled under the repealed Act.

Acts not constituting infringement of trade mark:

262.(1)This section applies if:

(a) immediately before the commencement of this Act, 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, since the commencement of this Act, continuously engaged in, and is engaging in, that conduct; and

(d) that conduct is an infringement of the existing registered mark under this Act.

(2) In spite of section 129, the person does not infringe the existing registered mark by engaging in that conduct.

Application of this Act—general

263.(1)Except as otherwise provided by this Division or the regulations, this Act applies in relation to any action or proceeding validly brought for the purposes of the repealed Act that were still pending immediately before the commencement of this Act as if it were an action or proceeding validly brought on the commencing day 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 the commencing day; and

(b) in accordance with this Act.

Fees

264.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.

Division 4General

The Registrar and Deputy Registrar

265.Persons holding office as Registrar of Trade Marks and Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks immediately before the commencement of this Act continue to hold those respective offices on and after that day.

Address for service

266.(1)If, immediately before the commencement of this Act, 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 224.

(2) If the address appearing in the old register immediately before the commencement of this Act as the address of the proprietor or of a registered user of an existing registered mark (“existing address”) is an address in Australia, that address is the address for service of the registered owner of that mark or of the registered user for the purposes of this Act until the registered owner or registered user notifies another address to the Registrar under section 224.

(3) If the existing address of a person immediately before the commencement of this Act was not an address in Australia, the person must give in writing to the Registrar an address in Australia as his or her address for service.

Notices to Comptroller objecting to importation of goods

267.(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 the commencement of this Act, then, subject to subsection (2), the notice continues to have effect for the purposes of Part 14 of this Act as if it were a notice given under section 141 of this Act.

(2) The notice ceases to have effect:

(a) it the Comptroller is given a notice under section 141 objecting to any importation of goods infringing the trade mark; or

(b) at the end of 3 months from the commencing day;

whichever first occurs.

[Minister’s second reading speech made in—House of Representatives on 18 October 1994 Senate on 7 November 1994

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