Expert Analysis

The decision in Kenman Kandy to allow the registration of a three-dimensional, bug-shaped sweet will have significant implications for existing and future shape trade mark applications in Australia. Colin Oberin and Ben Arnall examine the consequences for brand owners

Scents, sounds, colours and shapes have become more and more popular ways of representing a product. New procedures and systems for registering marks have made the job of the trade mark owner even more complicated. Ralph Cunningham reports

Following last year's Baby-Dry decision, trade mark attorneys in Europe have been exploring how to protect novel marks. The new Community Design gives them another tool. Ingrid Hering reports

Alice Turinas and Bart Showalter compare data protection regulations in the US and Europe and reveal some of the pitfalls that await companies doing business internationally

As European politicians consider fundamental reforms to patent protection, one of the key questions they have to address is how to make the system more efficient. In particular, some critics believe Europe needs to look to the US model to improve its effectiveness. In a special MIP debate, Koos Rasser argues that the European patent system as it exists today is substantially inferior to that of the US, while Simon Mounteney says that, though not perfect, Europe offers many benefits to applicants

Rosella L Fernandez, assistant director, and Emma C Francisco, director general, Philippines Bureau of Patents