Trade mark registration is intended to protect the brand of one trader's goods or services from that of another trader. Despite this, businesses in the food industry have increasingly sought trade mark registration for signs that inherently describe the food for which trade mark registration is sought. ...

'SEEK Limited received strong support for its debut subordinated note issuance, and we were delighted to assist the SEEK team structure and execute a successful trade,' said Allens Head of Debt ...

The office tower, which is due to be completed in 2020, will include first-class amenities, a rooftop terrace and lobby café. 'We were pleased to advise leading global asset manager, CBRE Global ...

There is more M&A activity in data across all sectors, and data opportunities and risks are impacting headline price, post-completion deal value and risk-allocation profile of investments and M&A transactions. For both buyers and sellers, this playbook helps in-house counsel and dealmakers navigate the data issues that arise in the context of mergers, acquisitions, demergers and investments to maximise the value in these transactions. ...

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued guidance on advertising to the public for businesses involved with medicinal cannabis products and therapies. Along with advertising restrictions, ...

In his recent address to the RBB Economics Forum, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims identified a number of key focus areas for the regulator. The Chairman offered valuable insight into potential future developments in the competition and consumer law space, including the ACCC's approach to mergers, the possible introduction of a prohibition against unfair trading practices, and further scrutiny of the agricultural sector. We explore the impact of the ACCC's agenda on the food and beverage sector. ...

The healthcare team at Allens reports on some key trends and sectors to look out for in 2020. ...

We are currently at a fascinating time in Australia, where the data space has seen an enormous amount of new regulation over the last few years and faces significant potential regulation on the horizon. The likely impact of these changes on the way in which we deal with data and, in turn, the way in which we might deal with ethics raises a number of compelling (and complicated) questions - particularly as they relate to AI. Technology, Media & Telecommunications Partner Michael Park sat down with Dr Maria Rosario Todao, Deputy Director of the Digital Ethics Lab at Oxford University, to discuss the intersection of these themes and the emerging trends around the world. ...

The Equator Principles Association unveiled the finalised fourth version of the Equator Principles (EP4) on 18 November 2019. Set for an effective date of 1 July 2020, EP4 heightens requirements for designated OECD countries and tightens due diligence assessments with a greater focus on human rights, climate change and biodiversity. While there are many improvements and refinements from the draft we reviewed in June, the only potentially material change is a compromise on the 'free prior and informed consent' requirement for affected Indigenous communities. ...

This insight examines the Product Stewardship Amendment (Packaging and Plastics) Bill 2019 which aims to combat the use of single-use elastics in Australia by establishing a mandatory product stewardship scheme for manufacturers, importers and distributors. ...