Fees associated with filing trademark applications in Australia as well as other trademark fees are available in the fee calculator.
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Multiple-class applications
Multiple-class trademark applications are possible in Australia.
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Filing requirements in Australia
An application must be filed in English and contain at least the following:
- a representation of the trademark;
- the specification of goods/services;
- applicant's name and address;
- priority claim, if any;
- confirmation that the application fee was paid.
Convention priority is to be claimed on filing the application or within two days thereof. A certified copy of the Priority Document may be required during examination; and an English translation of the document (if in another language) with a certificate of verification relating to the translation.
Submission of the Power of Attorney is not required for trademark registration in Australia.
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Examination, publication and opposition of a trademark application in Australia
The process of examination consists of a formal examination, an examination of distinctiveness and a search for prior trademarks.
If accepted for registration, the trademark application is published in the “Australian Official Journal of Trade Marks”.
An opposition against a trademark in Australia may be filed within two months from the publication of acceptance date.
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Grant, validity term and trademark renewal
There are no official registration fees for trademarks in Australia. The trademark registration in Australia is valid for ten years from the filing date. Trademarks may be renewed for consecutive periods of ten years within 12 months before the expiry of the validity term. Late payment is possible within a six-month grace period by paying a corresponding surcharge for each lapsed month or part thereof.
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Duration of registration procedure
Once the application is filed, it takes approximately 7 to 24 months to register a trademark.
If a trademark in Australia has not been used within a continuous period of 3 years since registration, the registration may be cancelled on the basis of a third party’s request filed not earlier than 3 years from the filing date.
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Representation by a patent attorney
For foreign applicants, it is recommended to perform trademark registration in Australia using an agent - a registered Australian and New Zealand trademark attorney.
1. Online Search Databases: Australian Trademarks, International Trademarks.
2. The response to a provisional refusal of an international trademark registration can be filed within 15 months from the date of issuance of the refusal by IP Australia. Extension of the time for response can be requested within the first 21 months from the first provisional refusal by the filing of a written request and by the filing of a declaration if beyond 21 months from the date of the first provisional refusal. The response must be filed in the English language. Representation by an Australian patent attorney is recommended. A hearing or a decision on the written record, relating to the examination, may be requested at any stage during the examination so long as it occurs within 15 months from the date of the first provisional refusal.
Brief summary is based on the information provided by PIPERS on 23.02.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Australian IP Laws