When many young entrepreneurs and start-ups turn their minds to business assets, matters such as finances, office accommodation, computers, equipment and staff are among the first things that come to mind.But protecting your business assets, and the profits that flow from them, also encompasses intellectual property (IP).Australia's framework of IP laws are designed to … [Read more...]
Laws Of The Political Jungle: The Marriage Equality Bill
To everyday Australians, the inner workings of Parliament House can seem complex and confusing.When it comes to making Australian laws:what role do politicians play in the life cycle of a Bill? what rules govern whether a proposed Bill lives or dies? how are laws actually made?In the first of our Laws Of The Political Jungle series, we provide a … [Read more...]
Could Regina George Be Sued In Australia For Writing The ‘Burn Book’?
The ease of communication and relative anonymity afforded by the internet has left most of us quite complacent about the information we post and share.Ideas, opinions and impressions about colleagues, friends, politicians or public figures are all readily published online with little regard to the possible impact or consequences.But what you might not know is that by … [Read more...]
Why You Break It You Buy It Is The Biggest Urban Myth Of Them All
Many stores around the country display large signs with the words "you break it you buy it."But if you break a store item in Australia, you are not legally required to purchase it.A binding contract only forms when one person makes an offer and another communicates an intention to accept it. When you select a product in a shop and pay for it at the counter you enter a … [Read more...]
Crimes Of Fashion: Fighting Back Against Design Theft
There is also a difference between borrowing and stealing.No one wants to be seen in the same outfit at a party.Equally, designers do not want their original work replicated for the benefit of an individual or company without their knowledge or approval.Design theft has always made up a portion of lost revenue for fashion brands. But a shifting dialogue in … [Read more...]
Spock Your Fives: Why It Doesn’t Pay To Be A ‘Trekkie’ In Australia
By now you might be starting to think that Canadians have all the fun.The latest trend lighting up the Twitter-sphere is not a weasel / woodpecker death match or even Nickelback’s colossally awful new single.It’s Dr Spock.“Spocking a $5 bill” has seen Trekkies from all walks of life pay tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy (who passed away last week) in an … [Read more...]
“The Bubble” is Real: The Surprising Reason the Law Favours Beautiful People
Do you want the good news or the bad news?The good news is that if you’re among the genetic elite blessed with flawless bone structure and a perfect pout, society will grant you a free pass from just about any wrongdoing.The bad news is that if you’re born with The Stephen Tyler Giant Mouth then the only thing you can look forward to is shoving a Double Bacon Deluxe … [Read more...]
#bucketOpinion: Should it be considered a sex crime if it happened online? The pathology of revenge porn
The breakdown of any relationship is a traumatic experience.But what if the person you once trusted intentionally reposted intimate pictures or videos of you without your consent? The misuse of technology as an emergent tool of degradation and punishment has become alarmingly common in Australia.It's a devious and perverted form of post-breakup warfare that is being … [Read more...]
Corporate Stockholm Syndrome – 6 Signs You’re Working for the Wrong Start Up
“Will you walk into my parlor?” said the spider to the fly.Expectations and reality are two very different things.For many employees, working for a start up company can seem like a dream: complete creative freedom, constant brainstorming sessions, flexible work hours and a dynamic, out-of-the-box team environment.While the possibilities of a start up role are … [Read more...]
Someone Used Your Photo Without Permission? Here’s What You Do
How protecting your images is a lot like surviving a wild bear attack. "Bears are opportunistic animals, they take food at the easiest place to get it" - Marko Jonozovic The internet is littered with bears.The difference is that web bears are not after your food.They’re after your content.A seemingly harmless way to access and download pictures, Google Image … [Read more...]