Latest news with #IPAustralia
1News
08-05-2025
- Business
- 1News
Lord of the Rings says Australian burger chain name shall not pass
In a battle between a fantasy book franchise and an Australian vegan fast-food chain, who will be named "Lord of the" courtroom? The rights holder of the Lord of the Rings novels and films, Middle-earth Enterprises, has launched another attack to take its precious title. It follows an unsuccessful bid in March, where the franchise attempted to block an Australian vegan hamburger chain from trademarking the words "Lord of the" in its name. Lord of the Fries has been selling items under its name since 2004 and sought to offer plant-based macaroni and cheese under the trademark in 2022. The franchise was in New Zealand from 2016 until last June when its franchisor, Chip Lord NZ, went into liquidation. The case came before a registrar of trademarks in the federal government agency, IP Australia. Middle-earth argued it had been successful in other similar trademark applications made globally, and used the mark to sell various items including boardgames, clothing and toys. But Lord of the Fries said there were many examples of similar marks including Lord of the Pies and the business operated as a niche in an entirely different reputation to the Middle-earth franchise. The registrar delegate, Nicholas Smith, found the names were not deceptively similar and that Middle-earth had cherry-picked evidence in suggesting the connection. The matter has since been escalated to Sydney's Federal Court, after Middle-earth's lawyers filed an appeal against the IP Australia decision on March 25. The grounds for appeal were many and varied, the franchise's lawyer Shauna Ross told Justice Michael Lee. "My client's case is that Your Honour find the mark should be refused," she said today. The grounds for appeal included that Lord of the Fries does not own the trademark and that the IP Australia decision was adverse to Middle-earth, who is the true owner of the mark, Ross said. Justice Lee ordered both parties attend a mediation before June 20. If the case is not resolved through mediation, Justice Lee said he would assign the matter to a referee, who would then prepare a report for the decision. "The reality is, I don't have time to look at this matter this year," he said. Lord of the Fries and Middle-earth Enterprises have been contacted for comment.
The Advertiser
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Lord of the Rings says burger chain name shall not pass
In a battle between a fantasy book franchise and a vegan fast-food chain, who will be named "Lord of the" courtroom? The rights holder of the Lord of the Rings novels and films, Middle-earth Enterprises, has launched another attack to take its precious title. It follows an unsuccessful bid in March, where the franchise attempted to block an Australian vegan hamburger chain from trademarking the words "Lord of the" in its name. Lord of the Fries has been selling items under its name since 2004 and sought to offer plant-based macaroni and cheese under the trademark in 2022. The case came before a registrar of trademarks in the federal government agency, IP Australia. Middle-earth argued it had been successful in other similar trademark applications made globally, and used the mark to sell various items including boardgames, clothing and toys. But Lord of the Fries said there were many examples of similar marks including Lord of the Pies and the business operated as a niche in an entirely different reputation to the Middle-earth franchise. The registrar delegate, Nicholas Smith, found the names were not deceptively similar and that Middle-earth had cherry-picked evidence in suggesting the connection. The matter has since been escalated to Sydney's Federal Court, after Middle-earth's lawyers filed an appeal against the IP Australia decision on March 25. The grounds for appeal were many and varied, the franchise's lawyer Shauna Ross told Justice Michael Lee. "My client's case is that Your Honour find the mark should be refused," she said on Thursday. The grounds for appeal included that Lord of the Fries does not own the trademark and that the IP Australia decision was adverse to Middle-earth, who is the true owner of the mark, Ms Ross said. Justice Lee ordered both parties attend a mediation before June 20. If the case is not resolved through mediation, Justice Lee said he would assign the matter to a referee, who would then prepare a report for the decision. "The reality is I don't have time to look at this matter this year," he said. Lord of the Fries and Middle-earth Enterprises have been contacted for comment. In a battle between a fantasy book franchise and a vegan fast-food chain, who will be named "Lord of the" courtroom? The rights holder of the Lord of the Rings novels and films, Middle-earth Enterprises, has launched another attack to take its precious title. It follows an unsuccessful bid in March, where the franchise attempted to block an Australian vegan hamburger chain from trademarking the words "Lord of the" in its name. Lord of the Fries has been selling items under its name since 2004 and sought to offer plant-based macaroni and cheese under the trademark in 2022. The case came before a registrar of trademarks in the federal government agency, IP Australia. Middle-earth argued it had been successful in other similar trademark applications made globally, and used the mark to sell various items including boardgames, clothing and toys. But Lord of the Fries said there were many examples of similar marks including Lord of the Pies and the business operated as a niche in an entirely different reputation to the Middle-earth franchise. The registrar delegate, Nicholas Smith, found the names were not deceptively similar and that Middle-earth had cherry-picked evidence in suggesting the connection. The matter has since been escalated to Sydney's Federal Court, after Middle-earth's lawyers filed an appeal against the IP Australia decision on March 25. The grounds for appeal were many and varied, the franchise's lawyer Shauna Ross told Justice Michael Lee. "My client's case is that Your Honour find the mark should be refused," she said on Thursday. The grounds for appeal included that Lord of the Fries does not own the trademark and that the IP Australia decision was adverse to Middle-earth, who is the true owner of the mark, Ms Ross said. Justice Lee ordered both parties attend a mediation before June 20. If the case is not resolved through mediation, Justice Lee said he would assign the matter to a referee, who would then prepare a report for the decision. "The reality is I don't have time to look at this matter this year," he said. Lord of the Fries and Middle-earth Enterprises have been contacted for comment. In a battle between a fantasy book franchise and a vegan fast-food chain, who will be named "Lord of the" courtroom? The rights holder of the Lord of the Rings novels and films, Middle-earth Enterprises, has launched another attack to take its precious title. It follows an unsuccessful bid in March, where the franchise attempted to block an Australian vegan hamburger chain from trademarking the words "Lord of the" in its name. Lord of the Fries has been selling items under its name since 2004 and sought to offer plant-based macaroni and cheese under the trademark in 2022. The case came before a registrar of trademarks in the federal government agency, IP Australia. Middle-earth argued it had been successful in other similar trademark applications made globally, and used the mark to sell various items including boardgames, clothing and toys. But Lord of the Fries said there were many examples of similar marks including Lord of the Pies and the business operated as a niche in an entirely different reputation to the Middle-earth franchise. The registrar delegate, Nicholas Smith, found the names were not deceptively similar and that Middle-earth had cherry-picked evidence in suggesting the connection. The matter has since been escalated to Sydney's Federal Court, after Middle-earth's lawyers filed an appeal against the IP Australia decision on March 25. The grounds for appeal were many and varied, the franchise's lawyer Shauna Ross told Justice Michael Lee. "My client's case is that Your Honour find the mark should be refused," she said on Thursday. The grounds for appeal included that Lord of the Fries does not own the trademark and that the IP Australia decision was adverse to Middle-earth, who is the true owner of the mark, Ms Ross said. Justice Lee ordered both parties attend a mediation before June 20. If the case is not resolved through mediation, Justice Lee said he would assign the matter to a referee, who would then prepare a report for the decision. "The reality is I don't have time to look at this matter this year," he said. Lord of the Fries and Middle-earth Enterprises have been contacted for comment. In a battle between a fantasy book franchise and a vegan fast-food chain, who will be named "Lord of the" courtroom? The rights holder of the Lord of the Rings novels and films, Middle-earth Enterprises, has launched another attack to take its precious title. It follows an unsuccessful bid in March, where the franchise attempted to block an Australian vegan hamburger chain from trademarking the words "Lord of the" in its name. Lord of the Fries has been selling items under its name since 2004 and sought to offer plant-based macaroni and cheese under the trademark in 2022. The case came before a registrar of trademarks in the federal government agency, IP Australia. Middle-earth argued it had been successful in other similar trademark applications made globally, and used the mark to sell various items including boardgames, clothing and toys. But Lord of the Fries said there were many examples of similar marks including Lord of the Pies and the business operated as a niche in an entirely different reputation to the Middle-earth franchise. The registrar delegate, Nicholas Smith, found the names were not deceptively similar and that Middle-earth had cherry-picked evidence in suggesting the connection. The matter has since been escalated to Sydney's Federal Court, after Middle-earth's lawyers filed an appeal against the IP Australia decision on March 25. The grounds for appeal were many and varied, the franchise's lawyer Shauna Ross told Justice Michael Lee. "My client's case is that Your Honour find the mark should be refused," she said on Thursday. The grounds for appeal included that Lord of the Fries does not own the trademark and that the IP Australia decision was adverse to Middle-earth, who is the true owner of the mark, Ms Ross said. Justice Lee ordered both parties attend a mediation before June 20. If the case is not resolved through mediation, Justice Lee said he would assign the matter to a referee, who would then prepare a report for the decision. "The reality is I don't have time to look at this matter this year," he said. Lord of the Fries and Middle-earth Enterprises have been contacted for comment.
Perth Now
08-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Lord of the Rings says burger chain name shall not pass
In a battle between a fantasy book franchise and a vegan fast-food chain, who will be named "Lord of the" courtroom? The rights holder of the Lord of the Rings novels and films, Middle-earth Enterprises, has launched another attack to take its precious title. It follows an unsuccessful bid in March, where the franchise attempted to block an Australian vegan hamburger chain from trademarking the words "Lord of the" in its name. Lord of the Fries has been selling items under its name since 2004 and sought to offer plant-based macaroni and cheese under the trademark in 2022. The case came before a registrar of trademarks in the federal government agency, IP Australia. Middle-earth argued it had been successful in other similar trademark applications made globally, and used the mark to sell various items including boardgames, clothing and toys. But Lord of the Fries said there were many examples of similar marks including Lord of the Pies and the business operated as a niche in an entirely different reputation to the Middle-earth franchise. The registrar delegate, Nicholas Smith, found the names were not deceptively similar and that Middle-earth had cherry-picked evidence in suggesting the connection. The matter has since been escalated to Sydney's Federal Court, after Middle-earth's lawyers filed an appeal against the IP Australia decision on March 25. The grounds for appeal were many and varied, the franchise's lawyer Shauna Ross told Justice Michael Lee. "My client's case is that Your Honour find the mark should be refused," she said on Thursday. The grounds for appeal included that Lord of the Fries does not own the trademark and that the IP Australia decision was adverse to Middle-earth, who is the true owner of the mark, Ms Ross said. Justice Lee ordered both parties attend a mediation before June 20. If the case is not resolved through mediation, Justice Lee said he would assign the matter to a referee, who would then prepare a report for the decision. "The reality is I don't have time to look at this matter this year," he said. Lord of the Fries and Middle-earth Enterprises have been contacted for comment.
Sydney Morning Herald
29-04-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Olympic stadium logo revealed as work starts on Victoria Park plan
Five weeks since Victoria Park was rubber-stamped as Brisbane's main Olympic stadium, the independent delivery authority's work has mostly been behind the scenes. But the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority does have at least one piece of public-facing progress to show for its work – a new corporate logo for the planned Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park. The logo design was submitted for trademark protection to IP Australia on April 11. In a possible hint to the stadium's final design, the logo includes light towers, which have not featured in any conceptual renders released so far. The image description submitted to IP Australia states the logo includes a 'sun disc rising atop stadium with lights, all stylised'. 'In support of the 100-day review proposal that the new stadium should be named Brisbane Stadium in perpetuity, GIICA has begun the process to secure the trademark on that name,' a GIICA spokesman said. 'It's a standard practice for protecting unique identity and branding.' While the logo has been submitted for trademark protection, the GIICA spokesman suggested it was a placeholder that may evolve before being put into use.
The Age
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Age
Olympic stadium logo revealed as work starts on Victoria Park plan
Five weeks since Victoria Park was rubber-stamped as Brisbane's main Olympic stadium, the independent delivery authority's work has mostly been behind the scenes. But the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority does have at least one piece of public-facing progress to show for its work – a new corporate logo for the planned Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park. The logo design was submitted for trademark protection to IP Australia on April 11. In a possible hint to the stadium's final design, the logo includes light towers, which have not featured in any conceptual renders released so far. The image description submitted to IP Australia states the logo includes a 'sun disc rising atop stadium with lights, all stylised'. 'In support of the 100-day review proposal that the new stadium should be named Brisbane Stadium in perpetuity, GIICA has begun the process to secure the trademark on that name,' a GIICA spokesman said. 'It's a standard practice for protecting unique identity and branding.' While the logo has been submitted for trademark protection, the GIICA spokesman suggested it was a placeholder that may evolve before being put into use.
