IP Pointers

IP Pointers

Since a 2014 High Court ruling, it’s been acceptable for companies using Google AdWords to select competitor trade marks as their ‘keywords’ (not only their own trade marks).  Google AdWords is Google’s advertising system in which advertisers bid on certain keywords in order for their clickable ads to appear alongside Google’s organic search results.

 

Narly Kalupahana from Potter IP gave Level One residents some IP pointers around the use of Google AdWords at a recent Friday afternoon Tenant Talk.  Here’s a summary:

 

  • Selecting a competitor’s trade mark or name as a keyword for your campaign isn’t considered an infringement per se of their trade mark rights
  • BUT be careful how you use it — and don’t complain if someone does it back to you
  • If someone can show actual (or likely) confusion resulting from your Google AdWords campaign, it’s time to reign it in (it could potentially constitute trade mark infringement, or be a breach of the Fair Trading Act)
  • Use it or lose it:  Although in theory a trade mark registration can last forever (assuming that the renewal fees are always paid), if you don’t use a registered trade mark for a period of time (in New Zealand it’s three years), then a third party can apply to have it removed from the trade mark register on the grounds of “non-use”
  • As soon as you know you’re going to operate in a country, register the trademark
Business-Youth mentoring scheme kicks off right here

Business-Youth mentoring scheme kicks off right here

Level One recently hosted the launch of Devonport’s first business-youth mentoring scheme, instigated by local businesswoman Anna Yallop.  The 17-week programme matches five final-year university students with local businesspeople and entrepreneurs, providing advice and guidance on topics including networking, professionalism, job interview skills and what employers are looking for.  Three of the students — Hamish Buckley, Brittany Mark and Mona Harnett — have known each other since Vauxhall Primary School days, while the other two — Nina Wieland and Andre Botha — are both relative newcomers to Devonport.  They’re all hoping to get advice on how to make themselves as employable as possible, and to pick their mentors’ brains on career choices.  

Two of the students: Nina Wieland and Hamish Buckley
Two of the students: Nina Wieland and Hamish Buckley
Mentoring programme co-ordinator Anna Yallop with Devonport Rotary president Phil Le Gros at the recent launch
Mentoring programme co-ordinator Anna Yallop with Devonport Rotary president Phil Le Gros at the recent launch