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Intellectual
Property & Technology
Change is the defining characteristic of intellectual
property and technology - changing technology, changing laws and changing
business. This creates complex legal and technological ramifications that
companies and government agencies must understand to ensure commercial
success.
As the ground shifts and new risks and opportunities emerge, clients need
lawyers with exceptional intellectual property and technology knowledge
in order to develop solutions that maximise every new opportunity.
Maddocks' intellectual property and technology
group assembles lawyers in both disciplines. They are also practising
commercial lawyers who assist clients across a range of e-business applications:
from developing an online presence, to implementing e-commerce initiatives,
acquiring hardware and software solutions and, in the case of the private
sector, sourcing venture capital and eventual listings and floats.
Our approach is defined by a profound commitment to the projects we undertake
and the clients we work with. Open communication, responsiveness, accessibility
and teamwork underpin our approach, as well as an overriding focus on
achieving beneficial client outcomes.
Maddocks specialises in Internet domain names and their related infrastructure.
The firm's ability was recognised when it was appointed to be the sole
legal adviser to auDA, the nation's regulating body for Australia's domain
name industry (all domain names with an .au suffix).
The firm is described as 'highly competent, efficient, and abreast of
current issues' and 'able to communicate complex subject matter in simple
terms'.
We regularly advise private and government clients on:
E-business
Online transactions
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electronic offers and acceptances |
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enforceability of electronic transactions |
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electronic signatures, cryptography and other security issues |
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collection of taxes including GST |
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Australian Business Number |
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digital signature certificates |
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terms and conditions for online trading |
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legislative compliance (for example, under the Electronic Transactions
Acts) |
Web sites
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intellectual property rights issues relevant to the digital age
(for example, relating to hyperlinking, framing, meta-tagging) |
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legal disclaimers |
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internal policies and protocols |
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web site development agreement |
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domain names acquisition and disputes |
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trade marks |
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'cyber-squatting' and other trade practices issues |
Privacy
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data protection |
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collation of public information by public bodies |
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legislative compliance |
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credit records and information |
Online content
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authorisation of infringing materials |
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content hosting arrangements |
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obligations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 |
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defamation |
Use of enabling legislation
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use of electronic documents and media |
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electronic production and retention of documents, 'in writing' and
signature requirements under the Electronic Transactions Acts |
'Excellent knowledge. Easy to work with. Imparts learning.'
Client Response, Legal Profiles
Technology Contracts
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EOI, RFP, RFT and RTT |
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software and hardware acquisitions |
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financing |
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consultancy agreements |
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outsourcing |
Technology transfer and licensing
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technology joint venture |
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development projects |
Protection of intellectual property rights
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copyright |
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trade mark registration |
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design registration |
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patent registration |
Infringement
Licensing
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IP licensing |
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technology/know how licensing |
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technical assistance agreements |
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research & development agreements |
Communications
Legislative compliance
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access regime (including Internet access) |
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service provider obligations |
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telecommunications legislation and regulations |
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misuse of market powers |
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broadcasting and content regulations |
Contracts
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interconnection issues |
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service provider arrangements |
Contact Partners
Michelle Dixon
Peter Francis
Robert Gregory
Craig Ng
Kevin Phelan
James Smart
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