Shows
Elise Explains IPcastDistinctive matters - What makes a trade mark ”distinctive”? - Ep 5Episode Summary
In this episode of Elise Explains IP, host Elise Steegstra breaks down a core concept in trade mark law: distinctiveness. Understanding whether a trade mark is distinctive — and at what level — can mean the difference between strong legal protection and a trade mark that’s vulnerable or unregistrable.
Elise explains:
What distinctiveness means in trade mark law
The spectrum of distinctiveness, from weak (descriptive) to strong (invented) marks
Why descriptive marks are problematic and how they differ from suggestive, arbitrary, or invented marks
The limits of logo protec...
2025-12-3108 minElise Explains IPcastBeyond NDAs: Proactive Protection Strategies - Ep 3Beyond NDAs: Proactive Protection Strategies | Elise Explains IP
In this episode of Elise Explains IP, Elise Steegstra breaks down what it really takes to protect your confidential information and IP assets — far beyond relying on a standard NDA.
Many businesses assume an NDA alone will protect their secrets. In practice, courts expect more. Elise explores the legal, technical, and operational steps that actually make your confidentiality obligations enforceable and your commercial advantage defensible.
Whether you're a founder, CTO, product lead, investor, or in-house counsel, this episode provides essential guidance on how to strengthen yo...
2025-12-1707 minElise Explains IPcastTrademark Basics for Brands: A Founder’s Crash Course - Ep 2Trade Mark Basics: What Every Business Needs to Know | Elise Explains IP
If you’re building a brand in Australia, understanding trade marks is essential. In this episode of Elise Explains IP, Elise Steegstra (lawyer & trade marks attorney) breaks down the fundamentals: what a trade mark is, why you need one, and how the registration process actually works.
Whether you’re a founder, creator, small business owner, or marketer, this is your practical crash course in protecting your brand and avoiding costly mistakes.
⭐ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What you can and can’t register...
2025-12-1008 min