News

For optimal protection of AWA® IP, it is ultimately preferable to have the AWA® Trade Mark registered in each separate market jurisdiction that we supply product into. ACA Ltd applied some time ago via its Japanese agent for full registration of the AWA® Certification Mark in Japan.

ACA Ltd recently received notification that the Japanese Government granted full registration status for the AWA® logo on 24/9/21. This is fantastic news and now means that the AWA® logo and associated products enjoy a more secure future within the important Japanese market.

While the AWA® Certification Trade Mark provides IP protection within the Australian domestic market, it has limited applicability in overseas markets. The best way to protect an industry brand is to register it in the key markets that our product is sold into. If an overseas entity tries to use our AWA® logo to sell substitute (fake) product, we then have the option to take legal action within that country. International registration is all about protecting the brand – there is little point in developing a brand if it is not protected against fraud.

As a first step in this process, ACA has successfully registered the AWA® Certification Trade Mark with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO – www.wipo.int). WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property (IP) services, policy, information and cooperation. WIPO is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 193 member states. The international trade mark is registered and the next renewal deadline is 24 September 2028.

IP Australia has written to Abalone Council Australia Ltd confirming the renewal of the Australian Wild Abalone® Industry Certification Trademark for a further 10 year period to July 2030.