International Agency
With the ever-increasing globalisation of commercial and corporate interests, the pressure has never been greater to have effective representation across significant global markets; by 2007 estimates, with its GDP ranked in purchasing power parity terms (exlcuding the world as a whole) at 18th globally and with foreign direct investment at home and overseas ranked at 13th globally, Australia is, clearly, in that category (source: CIA World Factbook as 22 January 2008).
Yet, at the same time, for all but the largest law firms, patent attorney firms and trade mark attorney firms, maintaining local affiliations, satellite offices or permanent alliance arrangements is usually not possible because of the time and expense. In order to meet the need for expert Australian assistance or representation, we are willing and able to provide a range of services from within our practice areas, either for a one-off matter or, we hope, on a longer term basis to our mutual advantage in referral of work as it becomes available.
In relation to our trade mark services specifically, in addition to a broad range of search and report activities, we have considerable experience handling both direct applications on behalf of overseas principals and, also, matters arising from Madrid Protocol designations for Australia. Our team is also willing and able to act in relation to oppositions, whether on paper or in person at hearings as required, and it has significant expertise across strategic filing and portfolio management issues.
To conclude, we are always happy to discuss international agency requirements within our practice areas and to formulate costing proposals for services tailored to those requirements. Please do not hesitate to contact us.