Freehills Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys offers crafty legal advice

Representatives from Freehills Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys spoke in a pro bono capacity at Craft Victoria as part of Law Week, 11–15 May 2009. ‘Expression, authenticity and appearance’ focused on protecting the intellectual property of artists and designers through copyright, trade marks and registered designs.

‘Pro bono work is really important to us because we want to educate people around general intellectual property issues who normally would not have access to knowledge on the subject,’ said Ike Papageorge, Consultant, Trade Marks.

‘Grassroots education means that people can then protect their own rights and ensure one’s work stays one’s work,’ said Thor North, Senior Associate, Freehills Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys. ‘It’s also important to avoid infringement. Explaining the law from a corporate viewpoint means individuals won’t get stung.’

Ike Papageorge spoke on intellectual property rights and trade marks. ‘People really want to know what their IP rights are,’ said Mr Papageorge. ‘Rights are there to protect your knowledge and the products of your knowledge from unauthorised use by others. It’s likewise with trade marks. Trade marks are a badge of origin and they allow you to protect the goodwill you generate through your works.’

Emma Iles spoke on copyright, the risks and potential infringements. Thor North closed by discussing registered designs and how they protect the appearance of a product.

‘Speaking at Craft Victoria was a pleasure because people now know the “what, why and how” for protecting their intellectual property,’ concluded Mr North.

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