Intellectual Property Law is all about the protection of one’s knowledge or intellect.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) defines intellectual property to include the rights relating to:

“ 1.   literary, artistic and scientific works;

• performances of performing artists, phonograms and broadcasts;
• inventions in all fields of human endeavour;
• scientific discoveries;
• industrial designs;
• trademarks, service marks and commercial names and designations;
• protection against unfair competition;

and all other rights resulting from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary or artistic fields.” 

In a practical sense this means protecting your inventions (patents), the identity of your goods and services (trade marks), the visual appearance of your products (registered designs), your internet site (domain names), your original literary or performance work (copyright) and new varieties of plants (plant breeders right).

In business the protection of your identity and knowledge are all important to your success. In many businesses the only real product one has to sell is the knowledge that the business and its proprietors and staff have developed over years of training and trading. Our Intellectual Property team can provide advice on:

• Conducting an audit of your intellectual property
• Attending to the registration of appropriate trade marks
• Preparing confidentiality agreements
• Licences and assignments of your rights
• Representing you in litigation to enforce your rights with IP Australia or before the Courts.

In the areas of Arts and Entertainment, McKays are experienced in advising writers, artists, musicians, performers and producers in all areas of artistic and entertainment endeavours ranging from community dance groups and first time authors to the producers of national touring musical productions.