IP…what the?
17 June 2010 
New brand, slogan, unique design, technical innovation…how do I properly protect these rights? Well you may ask yourself this and wonder who you can talk to about making the right decisions for your business.
The boost in the number of businesses being established or set up in regional Australia has brought an increased impetus to innovate. Intellectual property (commonly known as IP) is the collection of legal rights that can protect original ideas, new products and processes, and distinctive brands. Developing and commercialising innovative new products and services can be challenging and risky; maximizing your chances of success may just come down to having access to high quality professional services and the support of a range of specialist advisers.
Speaking to Peter Gretton from specialist IP firm Davies Collison Cave made me realise that while these services may be taken for granted in capital cities, often they are not readily available in regional areas.
Peter has plenty to keep him busy in his Melbourne office, however he recognises the considerable contribution of the rural and regional sector to Australia’s economic wellbeing. Peter is a patent and trade mark attorney and leads the firm’s business development activities in the Murray region and other regional areas.
Peter provides complimentary preliminary advice on intellectual property matters. When asked about the type of enquiry he deals with, his response (with a chuckle) was quite interesting, “everything and anything, from basic trade mark questions like the difference between trade marks and business names, the sort of things you can patent or can’t patent, copyright questions, and even questions about genetic patents!”
While Peter has a broad knowledge of all the services Davies Collison Cave delivers, he describes himself as somewhat of an interface. Peter will identify what sort of issues business owners may face, what options are available, talk about the costs involved and how they will balance against the benefits. Then if they want to take it further, Peter will introduce them to the relevant specialists within the firm e.g. the firm’s Patents Group covers virtually every technical discipline from mechanical, electronic engineering, biotechnology etc… The firm also has specialist groups dealing with trade marks, IP licensing and commercialisation, and IP litigation.
Peter explains, “Coming out to regional areas and meeting people is very important, developing a good reputation with business people and referral groups. I take it as a two pronged strategy, educating the market through workshops and seminars on the one hand, and developing our referral networks with people like Murray Now.”
For further information, or to talk to Peter contact Nicole Doughty at the Murray Now office.
