SERVICES

Trade Mark Opposition & Non-Use

Trade Mark Opposition & Non-Use

Facing an opposition or dealing with a trade mark that’s blocking your brand? We’ll assess your position, explain your options and help you take the right next step.

Received an opposition or non-use application? Don’t leave it sitting in your inbox. The applicable deadlines can be short, and missing a procedural step can affect your position.

Defending an opposition

If someone opposes your trade mark application, you’ll need to respond within the applicable deadlines if you want to defend it. We’ll assess the grounds of opposition, advise you on your options and manage the evidence, submissions and negotiations required to protect your application.

Removing an unused trade mark

If an existing trade mark is blocking your application, we can assess whether it may be vulnerable to removal for non-use. We’ll review the circumstances, explain whether a non-use action is available and help you assess the commercial and legal risks before you proceed.

Weighing up your options

Not every opposition or non-use matter needs to run all the way through the formal process. Depending on the circumstances, negotiation, settlement or a targeted response may provide a more practical way forward. We’ll explain your options and help you decide how to proceed.

How we help

Every opposition and non-use matter is different. We’ll:

  • assess the position and the relevant trade marks

  • explain the grounds, risks and available options

  • advise on the evidence and information you may need

  • prepare and manage the necessary documents

  • deal with IP Australia and the other party where appropriate

  • keep you informed about deadlines and what happens next

The aim is to resolve the issue in a way that makes sense for your business.

Received an opposition or non-use application? Don’t leave it sitting in your inbox. The applicable deadlines can be short, and missing a procedural step can affect your position.

Defending an opposition

If someone opposes your trade mark application, you’ll need to respond within the applicable deadlines if you want to defend it. We’ll assess the grounds of opposition, advise you on your options and manage the evidence, submissions and negotiations required to protect your application.

Removing an unused trade mark

If an existing trade mark is blocking your application, we can assess whether it may be vulnerable to removal for non-use. We’ll review the circumstances, explain whether a non-use action is available and help you assess the commercial and legal risks before you proceed.

Weighing up your options

Not every opposition or non-use matter needs to run all the way through the formal process. Depending on the circumstances, negotiation, settlement or a targeted response may provide a more practical way forward. We’ll explain your options and help you decide how to proceed.

How we help

Every opposition and non-use matter is different. We’ll:

  • assess the position and the relevant trade marks

  • explain the grounds, risks and available options

  • advise on the evidence and information you may need

  • prepare and manage the necessary documents

  • deal with IP Australia and the other party where appropriate

  • keep you informed about deadlines and what happens next

The aim is to resolve the issue in a way that makes sense for your business.

FAQ

Common questions

How long do I have to respond to an opposition?
What is a non-use removal action?
Can opposition proceedings be settled?
What happens if I lose an opposition?

Facing an opposition or non-use action?

The deadlines can be short. Tell us what you’ve received and we’ll explain your options and the next step.