Four new appointments announced today by the Industry and Innovation Minister, Greg Combet, will provide further rigour and strategic advice to the Gillard Government's decisions on intellectual property.
The Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP) is an independent body that provides strategic advice and direction to the Government on registrable intellectual property.
"These three-year appointments provide ACIP and the Gillard Government with broad expertise across the business sector, the IP profession, and public and private research bodies," Mr Combet said.
The new appointments are:
- Professor Mark Davison of Monash University's Law Faculty, with more than 20 years expertise in the IP arena as a lecturer, researcher, and legal practitioner;
- Professor Mary O'Kane, NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, with comprehensive expertise advising governments, universities and the private sector on innovation, research, education and development;
- Associate Professor Kimberlee Weatherall, teaching and researching IP law at Sydney Law School; and
- Mr Greg Munt, a registered patent and trade mark attorney involved in intellectual property for nearly 30 years, with significant experience in Asian IP.
"I wish to thank the three retiring Members Ms Vicki Tutungi, Dr Derek Rogers, and Ms Julia Banks for their hard work and lasting contribution to the Council from 2010-2012," Mr Combet said.
Professor Jim Butler, appointed in November 2012, will continue as Chair and Professor Brian Fitzgerald of the Australian Catholic University's Law Faculty continues for a second term.
Since its establishment in 1994, ACIP has completed 14 reviews into Australia's IP system. It is currently reviewing the Innovation Patent System and the Designs System.
Further information regarding ACIP is available at www.acip.gov.au.
For information on registrable intellectual property (patents, trademarks, designs and plant breeder's rights), visit www.ipaustralia.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister's office 02 6277 7920