Two Competitors Fighting Over “Ready Business” Trade Mark

In a competition over the 4.5 billion dollar Australian medium sized business market two companies, Telstra and Vodafone, are caught up in a Trade Mark dispute over the use of the phrase “READY BUSINESS” (TM:1640915). Vodafone, who has used this marketing phrase in neighbouring New Zealand, and Europe, is attempting to break into the Australian business market as well. However, Telstra Corporation Limited is already using the phrase “Ready for Business” in its own marketing efforts of a Digital Office Technology product set. Trade Mark actions have been filed, but both companies are currently in a cooling off period and hoping to resolve the issue. Update: The Trade Mark opposition by Telstra has now been withdrawn (on the 22nd Sept 2015). Vodafone know owns the “Ready Business” Trade Mark

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This shows that no matter how big you are as a company, superior Trade Mark rights (including rights in overseas similar Trade Marks) are the strongest protection, and sometimes can even help you secure your Trade Marks.