Katie Pote

Whilst succession planning plays a major role in securing the future of family businesses, protecting their intellectual property can often be just as important, yet is something that is regularly overlooked – often with devastating consequences. As the success of a business grows and strengthens, so does the brand and the various elements that customers and business associates align with the recognition and experience of that brand. It takes years to develop a business and brand recognition – but only a moment to lose if it’s not protected. In 2022, after two years of proceedings, Australian manufacturer of timber-look aluminium building products and family business, DECO Australia, was successful in its Federal Court action against Chinese company Aliwood Pty Ltd. The case involved the alleged infringement by Aliwood of DECO’s certified Innovation Patent for DecoClad, DECO’s solid aluminium wall cladding. In this session DECO Australia’s Director Ross Doonan will share how their family business came under threat of losing their unique designs that the business has invested time, resources and money into developing in order to meet the needs of their customers. He will explain how DECO protects these innovative designs through Patents and Design Registrations and their fight to protect their innovations from those who seek to play outside of the rules. DECO Australia is an innovative leader in product design within Australia’s manufacturing and construction industries and is dedicated to both protecting intellectual property and strengthening the Australian manufacturing industry. Their victory in the Patent Infringement Case showcases the importance of intellectual property to Australian businesses, Australian manufacturing, Australian jobs and the legacy of Australian family businesses. This session will begin with a presentation by Katie Pote on understanding the different types of business IP and IP protection.