Protecting your IP in Asia

The final step in the process is to file the trade mark application at the earliest opportunity, which in some countries may be relatively easy.

However, it usually pays to move as quickly as possible, since the timing of your application can be very important, given that some countries have ‘first-to-file’ systems. Others may also require documents such as powers of attorney or authorisation documents, which may need to be legalised or be translated, all of which adds to the length of the process.

Armed with the right advice to save time, frustration and the potential cost of compromised trade marks, the opportunities for Australian exporters are very promising as the Asian Tigers voracious demand for foreign products and services continues to grow.

Joanne Martin is partner at FB Rice & Co, Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys.