SENATOR Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, earlier this week launched a national seminar series aimed at reducing the risks faced by Australian small businesses trying to protect their intellectual property (IP) when exporting.
The IP Passport — Helping Your Business Take Off Overseas seminars, will visit all states and territories and encourage Australian businesses to protect their valuable IP, including patents, trade marks and designs, before they export their goods and services.
IP is a valuable business asset and should be protected to ensure business owners are able to exploit its value domestically and overseas.
Senator Carr welcomed the seminars as a tool for businesses unsure how to approach IP protection when venturing overseas with their products and services.
“IP protection overseas can be a minefield for businesses, particularly in Asia” Senator Carr said.
“I encourage small businesses to familiarise themselves with the IP laws in export markets so they can effectively manage their IP assets when dealing with overseas business partners.”
Recent research estimates there are over 40 000 exporting businesses, with around 15 per cent of all small to medium enterprises (SMEs) now actively engaged in exporting.
Many SMEs are also moving beyond traditional exporting and importing and are globally engaged through licensing, franchising, strategic alliances and global supply chainsi.
IP can be an integral bargaining chip in negotiating deals to access new markets overseas.
“In the current economic climate it is imperative businesses understand the importance of IP protection overseas,” Senator Carr said.
“The IP Passport seminars provide a sound basis for business when entering these markets for the first time. The initiative demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment in assisting Australian businesses to achieve export success.”
The seminars are a joint venture between IP Australia, the Federal Government agency responsible for patents, trade marks, designs and plant breeders’ rights systems, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the State and Territory Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
IP Passport will feature expert speakers from IP Australia, IP lawyers and attorneys and include case studies from successful exporters who have made an impact on the world stage with their innovative products and services.
Some home-grown examples of successful Australian exporters include [yellowtail]® wines, an export success in the US borne from Casella Wines in the NSW Riverina region, and Cochlear Limited, inventors of the ‘bionic’ ear, whose hearing implant technology has helped people around the world.
“Intellectual property is something that a business needs to get right from the start if they want to be successful,” says Phillip Noonan, IP Australia Director General.
“If you make an IP mistake when you first commence exporting, it can be virtually impossible to recover.”
The seminar series will run from Monday 18 February until Friday 29 February.
For a full list of locations and dates, and for registration information, visit www.ipaustralia.gov.au/ippassport/
.jpg)
