During February 2008 IP Australia held a national seminars series called IP Passport - Helping Your Business Take Off Overseas. The half day seminars provided information on the basics of intellectual property (IP) for small businesses, including those who were considering exporting their products or services to overseas markets. The seminars also featured IP lawyers and advisers who specialised in IP protection in the US and Asia in particular. A highlight of the seminars were the interesting and varies case studies of small businesses who had 'made it' overseas by using their IP as a business asset.

The seminar in Melbourne was filmed - click on the links below to see a snapshot of each speaker's presentation.

As State Office Manager for IP Australia, John Jenkins is responsible for the entire area of Victoria. This involves implementing public education and awareness activities throughout the area, liaison with key government and industry stakeholders on IP issues and overseeing enquiries on patent, trade mark, design and plant breeder's rights applications. John's presentation focusses on each of the IP rights managed by IP Australia and how IP Australia can help you protect the valuable IP in your business.

Steve White is the Principal and founder of White SW Computer Law, a law firm which practices in the areas of Intellectual Property and Information Technology law. Steve's presentation outlines the key areas to cover off (including IP protection) when thinking about exporting, and provides examples and stories from the many years Steve has spent working on IP deals in overseas markets.

Footage from 'Your Business Success' TV show (Channel Nine, April 22 2007) may help you better understand why protecting trade marks and designs is crucial to your business. In this episode, IP lawyer Trevor Choy helps a jewellery store owner with business branding and jewellery design issues.