WE HAVE MOVED!

We are excited to announce that we have moved to a brand new office!

Darren Sanicki Lawyers is now located at:

71A Grosvenor Street (off Chapel St)

South Yarra, Australia 3141

(03) 9824 2244 (same number)

 
Come and check out our new space!

FRIENDS OF AIR!

We are excited to announce that we are officially 'Friends of AIR' (Australian Independent Record Labels Association).

To celebrate this partnership, we are offering all AIR Members a free one hour legal session. Just click here to read about the offer.

AIR is a non profit, non government association dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Australia s independent recording sector. AIR represents Australian owned record labels and independent artists based in Australia.
AIR's primary purpose is to foster an increasing marketplace for Australian independent music and assist in the long-term development, growth and success of Australia 's independent recording industry.

To find out more and to become a member, head to the AIR website.

MUSIC INDUSTRY LEGAL PACK

AMIN (Australian Music Industry Network) has released a great free legal package containing fact sheets and checklists to equip local artists and industry folk with some of the basic legal knowledge.

"Covering everything from management contracts to producer and remixer agreements, these fact sheets and checklists are aimed at equiping artists with some of the basic legal knowledge they need to deal with an increasingly complex industry'(AMIN).

Remember these fact sheets don't substitute for real legal advice but are a good way to get your head around confusing legal issues!

To view or download head to the AMIN website here.

2011 SO FAR!

It's been a busy few months here at Darren Sanicki Lawyers. 

Early this year we welcomed solicitor Ben Strong to the firm. Admitted to practice in 2004, Ben joins Darren Sanicki and Jennifer Tutty at the firm after a recent full time lecturing role at Victoria University.  Ben has taught and researched extensively in the fields of media law, intellectual property law, and internet and telecommunications law. He also provides ongoing legal training sessions to community radio broadcasters 3RRR and 3CR.

In addition to being a lawyer, Ben is also an accomplished musician with a wealth of music industry experience. Currently a member of the band Gosteleradio, Ben has previously been in bands that have signed to “majors”, toured nationally, played festivals and released records independently.

Ben can be contacted at ben@dslawyers.com.au

February saw Darren, Jen and Ben jet-set to Fuse Festival in Adelaide. Darren spoke on the Management…If You Build It They Will Come! panel with some of Australia's leading managers including Philip Stevens, Gregg Donovan, Bill Cullen and Catherine Hardy giving the audience a point to point guide on how they would work with a new band. A must for any manager or self managed artist. 

The FReeZACentral mentoring program has kicked off for another year. Darren is once again a mentor and looks forward to passing on his music industry advice and knowledge to his newest mentee Liam Dixon. We look forward to meeting Liam here in the office. 

We are also happy to welcome an array of new client's to the family including  360 Agency, the lovely Bertie Blackman, Australia Got Talent winners Justice Crew, indie record label Two Bright Lakes, Australian Burlesque Festival, Mexican restaurant Mamasita (nominated for best new restaurant in The Age Good Food guide 2011), Xelon Entertainment and up and coming young artists Gold Fields. 

Check out Justice Crew doing what they do best!

Choosing a new business name?

 Source: IP Australia
 

So you are on the hunt for a new business name but don't know the difference between Business Names, Company Names, Domain Names and Trade Marks? We came across a handy fact sheet at IP Australia that explains these terms in simple words:

What is a business name?

"A business name is the name under which a business operates and registration identifies the owners of that business. Registration is compulsory, in every state and territory from which a business operates, and must be completed before the business starts trading. Unlike Trade Marks, business names do not necessarily provide proprietary rights for the use of the trading name. Business names are administered by the local Business Names Office in your State or Territory."

What is a company name?

"A company name, or registrable body, must be registered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). If a company wishes to trade using a name other than its registered company name, it must register that trading name as a business name. Unlike Trade Marks, company names do not necessarily provide proprietary rights for the use of the trading name. ASIC is responsible for the administration of company names – see www.asic.gov.au".

What is a Trade Mark?

"A trade mark can be a letter, number, word, phrase, sound, smell, shape, logo, picture, aspect of packaging or any combination of these. Once you register a Trade Mark in Australia, you have exclusive legal right to use, license or sell it. Even if you do not register a trade mark, you can still use it. There is protection against unauthorised use of your trade mark under the trade practices or fair trading legislation and it is possible to take action under common law. However, trade mark registration is advisable because it can be an expensive and time consuming exercise to take action under common law."

What is a domain name?

"A domain name is the unique name is both intuitive and easy to remember.

To register a domain name or to view the rules and policies for registration of domain names in com.au, visit the .au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA) website, www.auda.org.au. You can also register a domain name as a word trade mark, provided that it meets the requirements of the Trade Marks Act."

Your Intellectual Property and other intangible assets are your most valuable businesses assets. Is your business name or brand protected? If not – why not?

Intellectual property gives the owner particualr rights. It's property in the original creation, brand or invention! As stated by IP Australia your identity distinguishes your goods and services from your competitors so it is important that it is memorable, meaningful and protected. Business, company names and domain names are best protected when they are also registered as Trade Marks.  

Read more about Trade Marks here.

Get on top of protecting your brand!

If you have any questions about IP law, please feel free to contact us.




ALTIYAN WINS X-FACTOR!

 A big congratulations to our client Altiyan Childs for winning X-Factor Australia 2010!

His debut single Somewhwre In The World is already number one on i-Tunes!

FACE THE MUSIC CONFERENCE

Last week, as the chairman of The Push Darren delivered the welcoming address at the 2010 Face The Music Conference held at the Arts Centre!

Hundreds of music industry professionals and like minded people came together to talk about the state of the music industry. It was a great two days of networking and sharing ideas! 

We are already looking forward to Face The Music 2011!

*photo by Carbie Warbie