Australian Design Unit » — Contracts and IP

Katie versus Katy – why it pays to protect your ideas (and your name)

madeleineh — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:21:08 +0000

“It’s not enough to come up with ideas; these days, even names can be contentious. Designers are turning to legal action to protect their intellectual property – but it’s not an automatic fix. In July, Sydney designer Katie Perry had a firsthand experience when she came up against a claim by pop singer Katy Perry through her US lawyers. The local fashion designer had trademarked her name locally, but this didn’t deter the other party.” Read on

Julianne Dowling Small Business, The Sydney Morning Herald

A small business guide to intellectual property

madeleineh — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:49:15 +0000

“The two most precious resources for any small business owner are time and money. That’s why when the subject of intellectual property comes up, many owners run in the other direction. They see images of expensive lawyers and use that as an excuse to ignore the topic, reasoning that it is a problem for big companies to worry about. The trouble is, with the rise of competition through the Internet and on the global market, understanding intellectual property is more critical than ever for small business owners.” Read on

Darren Dahl The New York Times

Know your worth and stay positive

madeleineh — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:03:51 +0000

“Novice entrepreneurs should be realistic, prepared and focused on what they can offer, writes Anneli Knight. Starting a small business requires an act of courage at any time and during an economic downturn it’s an even braver leap that should be made with diligence, planning and optimism, experts say. The chief of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia, Jaye Radisich, says the most important steps in starting a business are to write a thorough business plan and secure funding.”
Read on

Anneli Knight Small Business, The Sydney Morning Herald

Dude, you stole my business idea! Confidentiality agreements 101

madeleineh — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:38:39 +0000

“An issue close to the heart (and start) of any creative venture is how to protect your valuable idea or concept if you need to disclose it to others… While there are limits to confidentiality agreements, they do offer a useful way to protect ideas or work, especially if you disclose strategically and work on building trust and respect in the process.” Read on

Michael Tucak Australian Anthill

For worse or better

madeleineh — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:37:10 +0000

“Why is finding the right business partner so hard? Why do so many start-up ventures come unstuck because partners cannot get along? And that’s just in good times… Part of the problem is too many start-up entrepreneurs treat going into business like getting married in a Las Vegas chapel with Elvis presiding.” Read on

Tony Featherstone Small Business, The Sydney Morning Herald