The auDRP and the UDRP are Dispute Resolution procedures available to prevent “cybersquatting”. The auDRP is specific to “.au” domain names, and the UDRP covers generic top-level domain names (.com, .net, .info, and similar).

Federal Court Practice Note No 30: Fast Track Directions was recently issued, heralding the introduction of the “Fast Track” litigation process to all Federal Courts Australia-wide.

The saga continues as another famous brand accuses eBay of selling counterfeit goods.

In the Federal Court case of World of Technologies (Aust) Pty Ltd v Tempo (Aust) Pty Ltd 2007 FCA 114 it has held that a threat of infringement made by the Applicant against the Respondent was unjustified. In this case, the World of Technologies was the holder of an Australian Design Registration for a bagless vacuum cleaner. World of Technologies’ solicitors issued a letter of demand alleging infringement by Tempo of the Design Registration. At the time of sending the letter of demand the Design Registration had not as yet been certified.

In the recent Federal Court decision of University of Western Australia v Gray 2008 FCA 498 it was held by Justice French that an invention developed by an employee academic researcher was not the property of the University. The employment contract of Dr Gray described his job duty description to be that of undertaking research and organising such research with University staff and students. The Court also acknowledged that Dr Gray’s position with the University also encompassed a teaching role.