No. 119, 1995
Compilation No. 41
Compilation date: 1 September 2021
Includes amendments up to: Act No. 13, 2021
Registered: 22 October 2021
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Trade Marks Act 1995 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 1 September 2021 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.
Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.
Self-repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
Part 1--Preliminary 9
1............ Short title............................................................................................. 9
2............ Commencement................................................................................... 9
3............ Act binds the Crown........................................................................... 9
4............ Application of Act............................................................................... 9
4A......... Application of the Criminal Code..................................................... 10
5............ Repeal of Trade Marks Act 1994...................................................... 10
Part 2--Interpretation 11
6............ Definitions........................................................................................ 11
6A......... Periods expressed in months............................................................. 19
7............ Use of trade mark.............................................................................. 19
8............ Definitions of authorised user and authorised use........................... 20
9............ Definition of applied to and applied in relation to............................ 21
10.......... Definition of deceptively similar....................................................... 21
11.......... Definition of pending........................................................................ 22
12.......... Definition of priority date................................................................. 23
13.......... Definition of remove from the Register............................................. 23
14.......... Definition of similar goods and similar services.............................. 23
15.......... Definition of originate in relation to wine......................................... 23
16.......... Definition of repealed Act................................................................. 24
Part 3--Trade marks and trade mark rights 25
17.......... What is a trade mark?........................................................................ 25
18.......... Certain signs not to be used as trade marks etc................................. 25
19.......... Certain trade marks may be registered............................................... 25
20.......... Rights given by registration of trade mark........................................ 26
21.......... Nature of registered trade mark as property...................................... 26
22.......... Power of registered owner to deal with trade mark........................... 27
23.......... Limitation on rights if similar trade marks etc. registered by different persons 28
24.......... Trade mark consisting of sign that becomes accepted as sign describing article etc. 28
25.......... Trade mark relating to article etc. formerly manufactured under patent 29
26.......... Powers of authorised user of registered trade mark.......................... 30
Part 4--Application for registration 32
Division 1--General 32
27.......... Application--how made................................................................... 32
28.......... Application by joint owners.............................................................. 33
29.......... Application for registration of trade mark whose registration has been sought in a Convention country--claim for priority.............................................................................................. 33
30.......... Particulars of application to be published.......................................... 34
31.......... Registrar to examine, and report on, application................................ 34
32.......... Registrar to decide on disputed classification of goods etc................ 35
33.......... Application accepted or rejected........................................................ 35
34.......... Notification of decision..................................................................... 35
35.......... Appeal............................................................................................... 36
36.......... Deferment of acceptance................................................................... 36
37.......... Lapsing of application if not accepted in time.................................... 36
38.......... Revocation of acceptance.................................................................. 37
Division 2--Grounds for rejecting an application 38
39.......... Trade mark containing etc. certain signs............................................ 38
40.......... Trade mark that cannot be represented graphically............................ 38
41.......... Trade mark not distinguishing applicant's goods or services............ 38
42.......... Trade mark scandalous or its use contrary to law.............................. 40
43.......... Trade mark likely to deceive or cause confusion............................... 40
44.......... Identical etc. trade marks................................................................... 40
Division 3--Divisional applications 43
45.......... Divisional applications...................................................................... 43
46.......... Rules relating to divisional applications............................................ 43
Division 4--Application for registration of series of trade marks 44
51.......... Application--series of trade marks................................................... 44
51A....... Linking series applications................................................................ 44
Part 5--Opposition to registration 46
Division 1--General 46
52.......... Opposition........................................................................................ 46
52A....... Notice of intention to defend opposition to registration..................... 47
53.......... Circumstances in which opposition may proceed in name of a person other than the person who filed the notice 47
54.......... Opposition proceedings.................................................................... 47
54A....... Lapsing of opposed application if no notice to defend the application filed 48
55.......... Decision............................................................................................ 48
56.......... Appeal............................................................................................... 49
Division 2--Grounds for opposing registration 50
57.......... Registration may be opposed on same grounds as for rejection........ 50
58.......... Applicant not owner of trade mark.................................................... 50
58A....... Opponent's earlier use of similar trade mark..................................... 50
59.......... Applicant not intending to use trade mark......................................... 51
60.......... Trade mark similar to trade mark that has acquired a reputation in Australia 51
61.......... Trade mark containing or consisting of a false geographical indication 51
62.......... Application etc. defective etc............................................................. 53
62A....... Application made in bad faith............................................................ 54
Part 6--Amendment of application for registration of a trade mark and other documents 55
63.......... Amendment of application for registration of trade mark.................. 55
64.......... Amendment before particulars of application are published.............. 55
65.......... Amendment after particulars of application have been published--request for amendment not advertised 56
65A....... Amendment after particulars of application have been published--request for amendment advertised 57
66.......... Amendment of other documents....................................................... 57
66A....... Registrar may require certain requests to be in writing...................... 58
67.......... Appeal............................................................................................... 58
Part 7--Registration of trade marks 59
Division 1--Initial registration 59
68.......... Obligation to register......................................................................... 59
69.......... Registration--how effected............................................................... 59
70.......... Colours in registered trade marks...................................................... 60
71.......... Notification of registration................................................................ 60
72.......... Date and term of registration............................................................. 61
73.......... Ceasing of registration...................................................................... 62
74.......... Disclaimers....................................................................................... 62
Division 2--Renewal of registration (general) 63
74A....... Application of this Division.............................................................. 63
75.......... Request for renewal.......................................................................... 63
76.......... Notice of renewal due....................................................................... 63
77.......... Renewal before registration expires.................................................. 64
78.......... Failure to renew................................................................................ 64
79.......... Renewal within 6 months after registration expires........................... 64
80.......... Status of unrenewed trade mark........................................................ 64
Division 3--Renewal of registration (registration delayed for 10 or more years after filing date) 66
80A....... Application of this Division.............................................................. 66
80B....... Expiry of registration........................................................................ 66
80C....... Notification about renewal................................................................ 66
80D....... Request for renewal.......................................................................... 67
80E........ Renewal within prescribed period..................................................... 67
80F........ Failure to renew................................................................................ 67
80G....... Renewal within 10 months after end of prescribed period................ 68
80H....... Status of unrenewed trade mark........................................................ 69
Part 8--Amendment, cancellation and revocation of registration 70
Division 1--Action by Registrar 70
Subdivision A--Amending Register 70
81.......... Correction of Register....................................................................... 70
82.......... Adaptation of classification............................................................... 70
82A....... Linking series registrations............................................................... 70
83.......... Amendment of particulars of trade mark entered in Register............. 71
83A....... Amendment of registered trade mark--inconsistency with international agreements 72
Subdivision B--Cancelling registration 74
84.......... Cancellation of registration................................................................ 74
Subdivision C--Revoking registration 74
84A....... Registration may be revoked............................................................. 74
84B....... Registration must be revoked if opposition was ignored in registration process 76
84C....... Effect of revocation of registration.................................................... 77
84D....... Appeal from revocation of registration.............................................. 78
Division 2--Action by court 79
85.......... Amendment to correct error or omission........................................... 79
86.......... Amendment or cancellation on ground of contravention of condition etc. 79
87.......... Amendment or cancellation--loss of exclusive rights to use trade mark 79
88.......... Amendment or cancellation--other specified grounds...................... 80
88A....... Applications by Registrar.................................................................. 81
89.......... Rectification may not be granted in certain cases if registered owner not at fault etc. 81
90.......... Duties and powers of Registrar......................................................... 82
Division 3--Amendment of certificate of registration 83
91.......... Amendment of certificate of registration........................................... 83
Part 9--Removal of trade mark from Register for non-use 84
92.......... Application for removal of trade mark from Register etc.................. 84
93.......... Time for making application.............................................................. 85
94.......... Referral to court................................................................................ 86
95.......... Notification of application................................................................. 86
96.......... Notice of opposition.......................................................................... 86
96A....... Circumstances in which opposition may proceed in name of a person other than the person who filed the notice 87
97.......... Removal of trade mark from the Register etc. if application unopposed etc. 87
98.......... Trade mark restored to Register if notice of opposition filed within extended time 88
99.......... Proceedings before Registrar............................................................ 88
99A....... Dismissal of opposition filed with Registrar..................................... 89
100........ Burden on opponent to establish use of trade mark etc..................... 89
101........ Determination of opposed application--general................................ 91
102........ Determination of opposed application--localised use of trade mark. 92
103........ Registrar to comply with order of court............................................ 94
104........ Appeal............................................................................................... 94
105........ Certificate--use of trade mark........................................................... 94
Part 10--Assignment and transmission of trade marks 95
106........ Assignment etc. of trade mark........................................................... 95
107........ Applications for record to be made of assignment etc. of trade mark whose registration is sought 95
108........ Recording of assignment etc. of trade mark whose registration is sought 96
109........ Application for record of assignment etc. of registered trade mark to be entered in Register 96
110........ Recording of assignment etc. of registered trade mark...................... 96
111........ Notification of application to be given to person recorded as claiming interest in trade mark etc. 97
Part 11--Voluntary recording of claims to interests in and rights in respect of trade marks 98
Division 1--Preliminary 98
112........ Object of Part.................................................................................... 98
Division 2--Interests in, and rights in respect of, registered trade marks 99
113........ Application for registration of interest or right in trade mark............ 99
114........ Record of claims to interest etc.......................................................... 99
115........ Amendment and cancellation........................................................... 100
116........ Record not proof etc. of existence of right etc................................. 100
Division 3--Interests in, and rights in respect of, unregistered trade marks 101
117........ Application for recording of interest or right in trade mark............. 101
118........ Record of claims to interest etc........................................................ 101
119........ Amendment and cancellation........................................................... 101
Part 12--Infringement of trade marks 102
120........ When is a registered trade mark infringed?..................................... 102
121........ Infringement of trade mark by breach of certain restrictions........... 103
122........ When is a trade mark not infringed?................................................ 105
122A..... Exhaustion of a registered trade mark in relation to goods.............. 106
123........ Services to which registered trade mark has been applied by or with consent of registered owner 108
124........ Prior use of identical trade mark etc................................................ 108
125........ What courts may hear action for infringement of registered trade mark 109
126........ What relief can be obtained from court............................................ 109
127........ Special case--plaintiff not entitled to damages etc.......................... 110
128........ Circumstances in which action may not be brought........................ 110
129........ Application for relief from unjustified threats................................. 111
130........ Counterclaim for infringement........................................................ 112
130A..... Mere notification of registered trade mark not a threat.................... 113
Part 13--Importation of goods infringing Australian trade marks 114
131........ Object of Part.................................................................................. 114
132........ Notice of objection to importation................................................... 114
133........ Comptroller-General of Customs may seize goods infringing trade mark 115
133A..... Determinations about owners of goods........................................... 117
134........ Notice of seizure............................................................................. 117
134A..... Inspection, release etc. of seized goods........................................... 119
135........ Consent to forfeiture of seized goods.............................................. 120
136........ Claim for release of seized goods.................................................... 120
136A..... Seized goods not claimed are forfeited............................................ 121
136B..... Late claim for release of seized goods............................................. 121
136C..... Objector to be notified of claim....................................................... 121
136D..... Release of seized goods.................................................................. 122
136E...... Goods released but not collected are forfeited................................. 123
137........ Action for infringement of trade mark............................................. 123
138........ Action for infringement by authorised user..................................... 124
139........ Disposal of seized goods forfeited to the Commonwealth.............. 125
140........ Power of Comptroller-General of Customs to retain control of goods 126
141........ Insufficient security......................................................................... 126
141A..... Failure to comply with undertaking etc........................................... 126
142........ Commonwealth not liable for loss etc. suffered because of seizure. 127
143........ Power to require information.......................................................... 127
144........ Modification in relation to Norfolk Island etc................................. 128
Part 14--Offences 129
145........ Falsifying or removing a registered trade mark............................... 129
146........ Falsely applying a registered trade mark......................................... 130
147........ Making a die etc. for use in trade marks offence............................. 131
147A..... Drawing etc. trade marks for use in offence.................................... 132
147B..... Possessing or disposing of things for use in trade marks offence... 133
148........ Goods with false trade marks.......................................................... 134
150........ Aiding and abetting offences........................................................... 136
151........ False representations regarding trade marks.................................... 136
152........ False entries in Register etc............................................................. 138
153........ Disobeying summons etc................................................................ 138
154........ Refusing to give evidence etc.......................................................... 139
156........ Acting or holding out without being registered............................... 140
157........ False representation about Trade Marks Office............................... 141
157A..... Incorporated trade marks attorney must have a trade marks attorney director 142
159........ Forfeiture orders under the proceeds of crime legislation................ 144
160........ Conduct of employees and agents of natural persons...................... 145
Part 15--Collective trade marks 147
161........ Object of Part.................................................................................. 147
162........ What is a collective trade mark?...................................................... 147
163........ Application of Act........................................................................... 147
164........ Application for registration............................................................. 148
165........ Limitation on rights given by registered collective trade mark......... 148
166........ Assignment etc. of collective trade mark......................................... 148
167........ Infringement of collective trade mark.............................................. 148
Part 16--Certification trade marks 149
168........ Object of Part.................................................................................. 149
169........ What is a certification trade mark?................................................... 149
170........ Application of Act........................................................................... 149
171........ Rights given by registration of a certification trade mark................ 150
172........ Rights of persons allowed to use certification trade mark............... 150
173........ Rules governing the use of certification trade marks....................... 150
174........ Registrar to send documents to Commission.................................. 151
175........ Certificate by Commission.............................................................. 151
176........ Acceptance or rejection of application............................................. 152
177........ Additional ground for rejecting an application or opposing registration--certification trade mark not distinguishing certified goods or services............................................................... 153
178........ Variation of rules............................................................................ 154
179........ Registrar must publish rules............................................................ 154
180........ Assignment of registered certification trade mark........................... 154
180A..... Assignment of unregistered certification trade mark....................... 155
181........ Rectification of the Register by order of court................................. 155
182........ Variation of rules by order of court................................................. 156
183........ Delegation of Commission's powers and functions........................ 157
Part 17--Defensive trade marks 158
184........ Object of Part.................................................................................. 158
185........ Defensive trade marks..................................................................... 158
186........ Application of Act........................................................................... 159
187........ Additional grounds for rejecting application for registration or opposing registration 159
189........ Cancellation of registration by Registrar......................................... 160
Part 17A--Protected international trade marks under the Madrid Protocol 161
189A..... Regulations implementing the Madrid Protocol.............................. 161
Part 18--Jurisdiction and powers of courts 163
190........ Prescribed courts............................................................................. 163
191........ Jurisdiction of the Federal Court..................................................... 163
191A..... Jurisdiction of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) 163
192........ Jurisdiction of other prescribed courts............................................ 164
193........ Exercise of jurisdiction.................................................................... 165
194........ Transfer of proceedings.................................................................. 165
195........ Appeals........................................................................................... 166
196........ Registrar may appear in appeals...................................................... 166
197........ Powers of Federal Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) on hearing an appeal 166
198........ Practice and procedure of prescribed courts.................................... 167
Part 19--Administration 168
199........ Trade Marks Office and sub-offices............................................... 168
200........ Seal of Trade Marks Office............................................................. 168
201........ Registrar of Trade Marks................................................................ 168
202........ Registrar's powers.......................................................................... 168
203........ Exercise of power by Registrar....................................................... 169
204........ Registrar to act as soon as practicable............................................. 169
205........ Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks................................................... 169
206........ Delegation of Registrar's powers and functions............................. 170
Part 20--The Register and official documents 171
207........ The Register.................................................................................... 171
208........ Register may be kept on computer.................................................. 171
209........ Inspection of Register..................................................................... 172
210........ Evidence--the Register................................................................... 172
211........ Evidence--certified copies of documents........................................ 173
Part 21--Miscellaneous 174
Division 1--Applications and other documents 174
212........ Making and signing applications etc............................................... 174
213........ Filing of documents........................................................................ 174
213A..... Approved means of filing documents............................................. 174
213B..... Directions by Registrar for filing of documents.............................. 175
213C..... Directions by Registrar for filing of evidence................................. 175
214........ Withdrawal of application etc.......................................................... 176
214A..... Notifications by Registrar under this Act........................................ 176
215........ Address for service......................................................................... 176
216........ Change of name.............................................................................. 179
217........ Death of applicant etc...................................................................... 179
217A..... Prescribed documents relating to trade marks to be made available for public inspection 179
Division 2--Proceedings before the Registrar or a court 181
218........ Description of registered trade mark............................................... 181
219........ Evidence of trade usage................................................................... 181
220........ Death of party to proceeding before Registrar................................. 181
221........ Costs awarded by Registrar............................................................ 181
222........ Security for costs............................................................................ 182
Division 2A--Computerised decision-making 183
222A..... Computerised decision-making....................................................... 183
Division 3--General 185
223........ Fees................................................................................................. 185
223AA.. Approved means of paying a fee..................................................... 186
223A..... Doing act when Trade Marks Office reopens after end of period otherwise provided for doing act 186
224........ Extension of time............................................................................ 187
225........ Convention countries...................................................................... 187
226........ Publication of Official Journal etc................................................... 187
226A..... Requirements for confidential treatment of information held in the Trade Marks Office 187
226B..... Certain proceedings do not lie......................................................... 187
227........ Notice regarding review of decision by Administrative Appeals Tribunal 187
228........ Use of trade mark for export trade.................................................. 187
228A..... Registration of trade marks attorneys.............................................. 187
228B..... Deregistration of trade marks attorneys........................................... 187
229........ Privileges of trade marks attorney and patent attorney.................... 187
229AA.. Designated Manager may disclose information to Board................ 187
229A..... Designated Manager may disclose information to ASIC................ 187
229B..... Publishing personal information of registered trade marks attorneys 187
230........ Passing off actions.......................................................................... 187
231........ Regulations..................................................................................... 187
231A..... Regulations may make provision in relation to the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011 187
Part 22--Repeal and transitional 187
Division 1--Repeal 187
232........ Repeal............................................................................................. 187
Division 2--Marks registered under the repealed Act 187
233........ Automatic registration under this Act.............................................. 187
234........ Registration conclusive after 7 years............................................... 187
235........ Term of registration......................................................................... 187
236........ Renewal.......................................................................................... 187
237........ Restoration of particulars to Register and renewal of registration where registration expired within 12 months before 1 January 1996................................................................................ 187
238........ Disclaimers..................................................................................... 187
239........ Rules governing the use of certification trade marks registered in Part C of the old register 187
239A..... Linked trade marks.......................................................................... 187
Division 3--Matters pending immediately before repeal of repealed Act 187
240........ Applications, notices etc.--general................................................. 187
241........ Application for registration of trade mark....................................... 187
242........ Divisional application in relation to pending application................. 187
243........ More than one application lodged on same day for registration of same trade mark 187
244........ Application for registration of trade mark whose registration has been sought in Convention country 187
245........ Application for registration of a mark in Part C of the old register.. 187
246........ Application for registration of a mark in Part D of the old register. 187
247........ Amendment of application--specification of goods or services...... 187
248........ Revival of application for registration of trade mark that had lapsed before 1 January 1996 187
249........ Application for registration of assignment etc................................. 187
250........ Rectification of Register.................................................................. 187
251........ Action for removal of trade mark from Register for non-use.......... 187
252........ Action for infringement of trade mark etc....................................... 187
253........ Action under this Act for infringement of trade mark under repealed Act 187
254........ Acts not constituting infringement of existing registered mark....... 187
254A..... Acts not constituting infringement of trade mark--pending application under the repealed Act 187
254B..... Part B defence--infringement of existing registered mark.............. 187
254C..... Part B defence--infringement of trade mark (pending application under the repealed Act) 187
255........ Application of this Act--general..................................................... 187
256........ Fees................................................................................................. 187
Division 4--General 187
257........ The Registrar and Deputy Registrar................................................ 187
258........ Confidential information received by Registrar under section 74 of the repealed Act 187
259........ Documents kept under repealed Act................................................ 187
260........ Address for service......................................................................... 187
Endnotes 187
Endnote 1--About the endnotes 187
Endnote 2--Abbreviation key 187
Endnote 3--Legislation history 187
Endnote 4--Amendment history 187
READER'S GUIDE
This guide aims to give you a general idea of the purpose of this Act and some information about its structure. It also explains briefly how the operation and interpretation of this Act is affected by other Acts.
Purpose of this Act
This Act provides for the registration of trade marks, collective trade marks, certification trade marks and defensive trade marks (for a definition of these terms, see sections 17, 162, 169 and 185 respectively) and sets out and protects the rights deriving from registration.
It is a rewrite of the legislation relating to trade marks, certification trade marks and defensive trade marks. The previous Act did not deal with collective trade marks.
In rewriting the legislation, some changes have been made to reflect international trends towards greater uniformity in that field of law. In particular, this Act conforms with the minimum standards and principles prescribed for trade marks in the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization.
An attempt has also been made to simplify the language as much as possible to make it easier for readers to understand the law. For that reason, a number of terms used in the old legislation have been replaced by simpler ones. For example, the word "owner" has been used where the previous Act referred to the proprietor of a trade mark. No difference in meaning is intended when simpler terms have thus been used.
Summary of this Act
Part 1: Deals with formal matters such as the commencement of this Act and its general application.
Part 2: Contains definitions and terms that are used frequently throughout this Act.
Part 3: Explains what is a trade mark and sets out the rights given by this Act to the registered owner and any authorised user of a registered trade mark.
Parts 4 and 5: Deal with the steps that you have to take to have a trade mark registered.
Part 6: Sets out how and why an application for registration and other documents may be amended.
Parts 7, 8 and 9: Deal with the registration of trade marks and how and why particulars of the registration of a trade mark may be amended, cancelled or removed from the Register.
Parts 10 and 11: Deal with the assignment of trade marks, the registration of assignments of registered trade marks and the recording of the rights and interests that persons (other than registered owners) may have in registered trade marks or trade marks whose registration is being sought.
Parts 12, 13 and 14: Deal with the protection of trade marks. Part 12 sets out what constitutes an infringement of a trade mark and how to obtain redress and relief in cases of infringement. Part 13 provides for a special regime to deal with any importation of goods that would infringe a registered trade mark. Part 14 makes certain types of conduct offences against this Act.
Parts 15, 16 and 17: Explain what are collective trade marks, certification trade marks and defensive trade marks and apply to them, with necessary alterations, the provisions of this Act relating to trade marks.
Part 17A: Enables the making of regulations to enable the performance of the obligations of Australia, or to obtain for Australia any advantage or benefit, under the Madrid Protocol. Those regulations prevail over this Act to the extent of any inconsistency.
Part 18: Deals with the jurisdiction of the courts to hear and determine matters arising under this Act.
Parts 19 and 20: Deal with the Trade Marks Office, the officials responsible for its administration and the keeping of the Register of Trade Marks.
Part 21: Deals with miscellaneous matters such as the payment of fees, the service of documents and the making of regulations.
Part 22: Repeals the Trade Marks Act 1955 and explains how matters that were being dealt with under that Act at the time of its repeal are to be dealt with when this Act is in force.
How to use this Act
Definitions: Section 6 contains definitions of terms that have special meanings and are used frequently in this Act. A list of terms defined in section 6 appears after the Table of Provisions. Notes: Notes are to be found throughout the text. They are designed to help you find your way through the Act. They may tell you that certain words or terms are defined and where to find the definition; they may alert you to other provisions in this Act and in other legislation that are relevant to the text you are reading; or they may draw your attention to information that may help you to understand the contents or legal consequences of certain provisions or how to comply with them.
Chart: The appendix to this Guide contains a chart showing the main steps involved in obtaining the registration of a trade mark. The chart is intended to be used only as an illustration and is not intended to have any other effect. If there is any inconsistency between any matter contained in the chart and a provision of this Act or the regulations, the provision prevails.
Related legislation
The following Acts are directly relevant to the operation or interpretation of this Act.
That Act contains general rules about the meaning or effect of many terms and provisions that are commonly used in Commonwealth Acts. Some of the notes used in this Act draw your attention to some of them, but it is not possible to refer to all of them.
In Parts 13 and 14, you will find that a penalty, expressed as imprisonment for a particular period or a number of penalty units, is set out at the foot of some sections or subsections. Section 4D of the Crimes Act 1914 provides that this indicates that any contravention of the section or subsection is an offence against this Act punishable upon conviction by a penalty not exceeding the penalty set out.
If only a term of imprisonment is provided as the penalty for an offence, subsections 4B(2) and 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 allow a court to impose an appropriate fine instead of, or in addition to, the term of imprisonment.
Section 4AA of the Crimes Act 1914 sets out the amount of a penalty unit. Under subsection 4B(3) of that Act a court may impose on a body corporate convicted of an offence a fine of up to 5 times the amount of the fine that could be imposed on a natural person convicted of that offence.
Criminal Code
The Criminal Code is set out in the Schedule to the Criminal Code Act 1995. It contains many general rules that apply to offences. Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility. For example, it has default fault elements that apply to offences that do not specify a fault element and provides the consequences of an offence being an offence of strict liability.
Trade Marks Act 1955
That Act is repealed by this Act. It contained the legislation that previously applied to trade marks, certification trade marks and defensive trade marks. Even though it is repealed, this Act provides that some of the provisions of that Act are to continue to apply to certain matters that were being dealt with under that Act immediately before it was repealed.
The list of Acts cited above is not exhaustive. Other Acts may also affect the operation or interpretation of this Act.
List of terms defined in section 6
applied to applied in relation to |
The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.
The following endnotes are included in every compilation:
Endnote 1--About the endnotes
Endnote 2--Abbreviation key
Endnote 3--Legislation history
Endnote 4--Amendment history
Abbreviation key--Endnote 2
The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.
Legislation history and amendment history--Endnotes 3 and 4
Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.
The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.
The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.
If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
Misdescribed amendments
A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation "(md)" added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.
If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation "(md not incorp)" is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.
ad = added or inserted |
o = order(s) |
am = amended |
Ord = Ordinance |
amdt = amendment |
orig = original |
c = clause(s) |
par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s) |
C[x] = Compilation No. x |
/sub-subparagraph(s) |
Ch = Chapter(s) |
pres = present |
def = definition(s) |
prev = previous |
Dict = Dictionary |
(prev ... ) = previously |
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament |
Pt = Part(s) |
Div = Division(s) |
r = regulation(s)/rule(s) |
ed = editorial change |
reloc = relocated |
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have |
renum = renumbered |
effect |
rep = repealed |
F = Federal Register of Legislation |
rs = repealed and substituted |
gaz = gazette |
s = section(s)/subsection(s) |
LA = Legislation Act 2003 |
Sch = Schedule(s) |
Sdiv = Subdivision(s) |
|
(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given |
SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |
effect |
SR = Statutory Rules |
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment |
Sub-Ch = Sub-Chapter(s) |
cannot be given effect |
SubPt = Subpart(s) |
mod = modified/modification |
underlining = whole or part not |
No. = Number(s) |
commenced or to be commenced |
Endnote 3--Legislation history
Act |
Number and year |
Assent |
Commencement |
Application, saving and transitional provisions |
119, 1995 |
17 Oct 1995 |
|
||
Industry, Science and Tourism Legislation Amendment Act 1997 |
91, 1997 |
30 June 1997 |
Sch 1 (items 25-41): 1 Jan 1996 (s 2(4)) |
-- |
100, 1998 |
27 July 1998 |
Sch 2 (items 33-46): 27 Jan 1999 (s 2(5)) |
-- |
|
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Border Interception) Act 1999 |
144, 1999 |
3 Nov 1999 |
||
Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999 |
146, 1999 |
11 Nov 1999 |
Sch 1 (items 940-943): 5 Dec 1999 (s 2(1), (2)) |
-- |
117, 2000 |
7 Sept 2000 |
11 July 2001 (s 2(1) and gaz 2001, No. GN24) |
-- |
|
99, 2001 |
22 Aug 2001 |
Sch 1 (items 1-46): 19 Sept 2001 (s 2(1)) |
Sch 1 (items 4, 5, 12, 15, 23, 32, 33) |
|
Industry, Science and Resources Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Act 2001 |
140, 2001 |
1 Oct 2001 |
||
Proceeds of Crime (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act 2002 |
86, 2002 |
11 Oct 2002 |
Sch 6 (item 48): 1 Jan2003 (s 2(1) item 5) |
-- |
48, 2003 |
26 June 2003 |
Sch 1 (items 3-5) and Sch 2 (items 6, 7): 24 July 2003 (s 2(1) items 2, 4) |
-- |
|
106, 2006 |
27 Sept 2006 |
Sch 1, 2, Sch 3 (items 8-16), Sch 4 and Sch 12 (item 8): 27 Mar 2007 (s 2(1) items 2, 3, 5, 6, 12) |
Sch 1 (items 2, 9), Sch 2 (item 2), Sch 3 (items 2, 5, 9, 11, 14, 16), Sch 4 (items 2, 4), Sch 11 (item 4) and Sch 13 (item 2) |
|
114, 2006 |
23 Oct 2006 |
Sch 1 (items 63-92): 27 Mar 2007 (s 2(1) item 3) |
Sch 1 (items 5, 8, 11, 13, 20, 26, 30, 34, 36, 51, 62, 69, 72, 82, 85, 90) |
|
Personal Property Securities (Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 |
131, 2009 |
14 Dec 2009 |
Sch 2 (items 18-24): 30 Jan 2012 (s 2(1) item 1) |
Sch 2 (item 24) |
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Act (No. 2) 2010 |
4, 2010 |
19 Feb 2010 |
Sch 10 (item 30): 20 Feb 2010 (s 2(1) item 13) |
-- |
Personal Property Securities (Corporations and Other Amendments) Act 2010 |
96, 2010 |
6 July 2010 |
Sch 3 (item 30): 30 Jan 2012 (s 2(1) item 19) |
-- |
98, 2010 |
6 July 2010 |
Sch 1 (items 70-76, 81, 82): 1 Sept 2010 (s 2(1) item 2) |
Sch 1 (items 81, 82) |
|
Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Act (No. 2) 2010 |
103, 2010 |
13 July 2010 |
Sch 6 (items 1, 141): 1 Jan 2011 (s 2(1) items 3, 5) |
-- |
46, 2011 |
27 June 2011 |
Sch 2 (items 1163, 1164) and Sch 3 (items 10, 11): 27 Dec 2011 (s 2(1) items 11, 12) |
Sch 3 (items 10, 11) |
|
149, 2011 |
1 Dec 2011 |
Sch 1: 1 Dec 2011 (s 2(2)) |
-- |
|
174, 2011 |
5 Dec 2011 |
Sch 2 (items 240-242): 1 Jan 2012 (s 2(1) item 5) |
Sch 2 (item 242) |
|
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Act 2012 |
35, 2012 |
15 Apr 2012 |
Sch 3 (items 17-31, 32(7)), Sch 4 (items 37-58), Sch 5 (items 17-29) and Sch 6 (items 109-132): 15 Apr 2013 (s 2(1) items 4, 7) |
Sch 3 (item 32(7)) |
197, 2012 |
12 Dec 2012 |
Sch 5 (item 99) and Sch 6 (items 15-19): 12 Mar 2014 (s 2(1) items 3, 19) |
Sch 6 (items 1, 15-19) |
|
Federal Circuit Court of Australia (Consequential Amendments) Act 2013 |
13, 2013 |
14 Mar 2013 |
Sch 3 (items 22-42): (s 2(1) item 4) |
-- |
8, 2015 |
25 Feb 2015 |
Sch 4 (items 68-84): 24 Feb 2017 (s 2(1) item 5) |
Sch 4 (items 81-84) and Sch 5 (item 7) |
|
10, 2015 |
5 Mar 2015 |
Sch 1 (items 164-179): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) |
Sch 1 (items 166-179) |
|
as amended by |
|
|
|
|
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015 |
126, 2015 |
10 Sept 2015 |
Sch 3 (item 1): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 8) |
-- |
Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Australian Border Force) Act 2015 |
41, 2015 |
20 May 2015 |
Sch 5 (item 172), Sch 6 (items 198-232) and Sch 9: 1 July 2015 (s 2(1) items 2, 7) |
Sch 6 (item 232) and Sch 9 |
as amended by |
|
|
|
|
Australian Border Force Amendment (Protected Information) Act 2017 |
115, 2017 |
30 Oct 2017 |
Sch 1 (item 26): 1 July 2015 (s 2(1) item 2) |
-- |
59, 2015 |
26 May 2015 |
Sch 2 (item 349): 1 July 2016 (s 2(1) item 5) |
Sch 2 (items 356-396) |
|
as amended by |
|
|
|
|
33, 2016 |
23 Mar 2016 |
Sch 2: 24 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) |
-- |
|
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015 |
126, 2015 |
10 Sept 2015 |
Sch 1 (item 675): 24 Feb 2017 (s 2(1) item 3) |
-- |
4, 2016 |
11 Feb 2016 |
Sch 4 (items 1, 322): 10 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 6) |
-- |
|
61, 2016 |
23 Sept 2016 |
Sch 3 (item 40): 21 Oct 2016 (s 2(1) item 1) |
-- |
|
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Productivity Commission Response Part 1 and Other Measures) Act 2018 |
77, 2018 |
24 Aug 2018 |
Sch 1 (items 2-6) and Sch 2 (items 1, 168, 240-242, 304-306, 309-312): 25 Aug 2018 (s 2(1) items 2, 5, 7, 9, 11) |
Sch 1 (items 6, 46) and Sch 2 (items 113, 153, 209, 220, 242, 306, 312) |
9, 2020 |
26 Feb 2020 |
Sch 5 (items 3, 4): 27 Feb 2020 (s 2(1) item 4) |
-- |
|
154, 2020 |
17 Dec 2020 |
Sch 1 (items 92-96, 99): 18 Dec 2020 (s 2(1) item 2) |
Sch 1 (items 93-96, 99) |
|
13, 2021 |
1 Mar 2021 |
Sch 2 (items 777-790): 1 Sept 2021 (s 2(1) item 5) |
-- |
Provision affected |
How affected |
Reader's Guide.................... |
am No 140, 2001; No 114, 2006; No 8, 2015 |
List of terms........................ |
am No 91, 1997; No 48, 2003; No 114, 2006; No 35, 2012; No 41, 2015; No 77, 2018 |
Part 1 |
|
am No 59, 2015 |
|
ad No 140, 2001 |
|
Part 2 |
|
am No 91, 1997; No 100, 1998; No 144, 1999; No 146, 1999; No 117, 2000; No 99, 2001; No 48, 2003; No 106, 2006; No 114, 2006; No 131, 2009; No 96, 2010; No 98, 2010; No 103, 2010; No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 8, 2015; No 10, 2015; No 41, 2015; No 77, 2018; No 13, 2021 |
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
|
am No 46, 2011 |
am No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
Part 3 |
|
am No 10, 2015 |
|
am No 117, 2000 |
|
am No 114, 2006; No 131, 2009 |
|
am No 91, 1997; No 99, 2001; No 41, 2015 |
|
Part 4 |
|
Division 1 |
|
am No 114, 2006; No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
am No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 106, 2006 |
|
Division 2 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
|
rs No 35, 2012 |
am No 117, 2000 |
|
Division 3 |
|
Division 3............................ |
rs No 114, 2006 |
am No 99, 2001 |
|
|
rs No 114, 2006 |
rep No 99, 2001 |
|
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
s 47-50................................ |
rep No 114, 2006 |
Division 4 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
Part 5 |
|
Division 1 |
|
am No 99, 2001; No 114, 2006; No 35, 2012; No 77, 2018 |
|
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 77, 2018 |
am No 35, 2012 |
|
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 77, 2018 |
am No 114, 2006; No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
Division 2 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 114, 2006; No 98, 2010 |
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
Part 6 |
|
am No 99, 2001; No 114, 2006 |
|
rs No 114, 2006 |
|
|
am No 77, 2018 |
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 114, 2006; No 35, 2012 |
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
Part 7 |
|
Division 1 |
|
am No 99, 2001; No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 99, 2001; No 106, 2006 |
|
Division 2 |
|
Division 2 heading............... |
rs No 99, 2001 |
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
am No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 99, 2001; No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 99, 2001 |
|
Division 3 |
|
Division 3............................ |
ad No 99, 2001 |
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
|
am No 77, 2018 |
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
|
am No 77, 2018 |
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
|
am No 114, 2006 |
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
|
am No 114, 2006 |
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
Part 8 |
|
Part 8 heading...................... |
rs No 106, 2006 |
Division 1 |
|
Subdivision A |
|
Subdivision A heading......... |
ad No 106, 2006 |
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
ad No 98, 2010 |
|
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
Subdivision B |
|
Subdivision B heading......... |
ad No 106, 2006 |
am No 106, 2006 |
|
Subdivision C |
|
Subdivision C...................... |
ad No 106, 2006 |
ad No 106, 2006 |
|
|
am No 77, 2018 |
ad No 106, 2006 |
|
ad No 106, 2006 |
|
|
am No 41, 2015 |
ad No 106, 2006 |
|
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
Division 2 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 99, 2001; No 114, 2006 |
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
Part 9 |
|
am No 114, 2006; No 77, 2018 |
|
rs No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 77, 2018 |
|
rs No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 77, 2018 |
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
am No 35, 2012 |
|
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
Part 10 |
|
am No 77, 2018 |
|
Part 11 |
|
Division 2 |
|
rs No 131, 2009 |
|
Division 3 |
|
rs No 131, 2009 |
|
Part 12 |
|
am No 117, 2000 |
|
am No 117, 2000 |
|
am No 99, 2001 |
|
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
|
ed C37 |
am No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 99, 2001 |
|
am No 99, 2001; No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 100, 1998; No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 77, 2018 |
|
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
Part 13 |
|
am No 91, 1997; No 117, 2000; No 41, 2015 |
|
am No 91, 1997; No 99, 2001; No 114, 2006; No 41, 2015 |
|
am No 91, 1997; No 114, 2006; No 41, 2015 |
|
ad No 144, 1997 |
|
|
am No 41, 2015 |
am No 91, 1997 |
|
|
rs No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 41, 2015; No 77, 2018 |
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 41, 2015 |
am No 91, 1997; No 35, 2012; No 41, 2015 |
|
am No 91, 1997 |
|
|
rs No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 41, 2015 |
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 41, 2015 |
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 41, 2015 |
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 41, 2015 |
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 41, 2015 |
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 41, 2015 |
am No 91, 1997; No 99, 2001; No 35, 2012; No 41, 2015 |
|
am No 99, 2001 |
|
am No 91, 1997 |
|
|
rs No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 41, 2015 |
am No 91, 1997; No 41, 2015 |
|
am No 91, 1997; No 114, 2006; No 41, 2015 |
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
|
am No 41, 2015 |
am No 91, 1997; No 41, 2015 |
|
am No 91, 1997; No 140, 2001; No 114, 2006; No 41, 2015; No 4, 2016 |
|
Part 14 |
|
am No 117, 2000; No 140, 2001 |
|
|
rs No 35, 2012 |
am No 117, 2000; No 140, 2001 |
|
|
rs No 35, 2012 |
am No 140, 2001 |
|
|
rs No 35, 2012 |
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
ed C36 |
am No 117, 2000 |
|
|
rs No 35, 2012 |
|
rep No 35, 2012 |
s 149.................................... |
rep No 35, 2012 |
am No 140, 2001; No 4, 2010 |
|
am No 117, 2000; No 140, 2001 |
|
am No 140, 2001 |
|
am No 140, 2001 |
|
s 155.................................... |
rep No 100, 1998 |
am No 100, 1998; No 140, 2001; No 35, 2012; No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 140, 2001 |
|
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 77, 2018 |
s 158.................................... |
rep No 99, 2001 |
am No 99, 2001; No 86, 2002; No 174, 2011 |
|
am No 140, 2001 |
|
Part 15 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
Part 16 |
|
am No 99, 2001 |
|
am No 106, 2006 |
|
rs No 106, 2006 |
|
am No 106, 2006 |
|
am No 106, 2006; No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 106, 2006; No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 106, 2006 |
|
rs No 106, 2006 |
|
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
am No 106, 2006; No 114, 2006 |
|
Part 17 |
|
am No 99, 2001 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
s 188.................................... |
rep No 114, 2006 |
Part 17A |
|
Part 17A............................... |
ad No 117, 2000 |
ad No 117, 2000 |
|
Part 18 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
|
am No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 154, 2020; No 13, 2021 |
|
am No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
am No 114, 2006; No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
|
Part 19 |
|
am No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 9, 2020 |
|
am No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 146, 1999; No 48, 2003; No 106, 2006 |
|
Part 20 |
|
am No 131, 2009; No 61, 2016 |
|
|
ed C35 |
ed C35 |
|
Part 21 |
|
Division 1 |
|
rs No 100, 1998 |
|
am No 35, 2012 |
|
|
rs No 77, 2018 |
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 46, 2011; No 8, 2015; No 126, 2015 |
|
ad No 106, 2006 |
|
Division 2 |
|
am No 99, 2001; No 77, 2018 |
|
Division 2A |
|
Division 2A......................... |
ad No 77, 2018 |
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
Division 3 |
|
am No 91, 1997; No 106, 2006; No 77, 2018 |
|
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
ad No 106, 2006 |
|
|
am No 35, 2012 |
am No 48, 2003; No 106, 2006; No 114, 2006 |
|
am No 35, 2012 |
|
am No 114, 2006 |
|
ad No 106, 2006 |
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
ad No 100, 1998 |
|
|
am No 35, 2012; No 8, 2015 |
ad No 100, 1998 |
|
rs No 100, 1998 |
|
|
am No 35, 2012 |
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
ad No 35, 2012 |
|
ad No 77, 2018 |
|
am No 100, 1998; No 149, 2011; No 35, 2012; No 8, 2015; No 77, 2018 |
|
ad No 149, 2011 |
|
Part 22 |
|
Division 2 |
|
ad No 114, 2006 |
|
Division 3 |
|
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
ad No 99, 2001 |
|
Division 4 |
|
s 261.................................... |
am No 91, 1997 |
|
rep No 41, 2015 |