Invest
New trademark for tobacco a win for ethical investors
Australian ethical investors may soon be able to differentiate fund managers or financial institutions that are ‘tobacco-free’.
New trademark for tobacco a win for ethical investors
Australian ethical investors may soon be able to differentiate fund managers or financial institutions that are ‘tobacco-free’.
Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission has proposed to accept a charitable organisation’s application to create certified trademarks that can be used by fund managers and financial institutions to signify their investment status in tobacco products.
Tobacco Free Portfolios Limited, a public company and charity, has submitted a request to the ACCC for the recognition of three trademarks that highlight to investors whether a fund manger or financial institution is directly or indirectly invested in tobacco holdings, or if they are committed to divesting from such investments within a two-year timeframe.
ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said the Tobacco Free trademarks were important in allowing investors to pursue investment opportunities that align with their personal ethics.
“Many investors want to invest in funds that are tobacco free, and this mark will help them to make informed investment decisions,” he said.
“Our initial assessment is that this trademark and the underlying rules meet the legal test for registration in that they are clear and not misleading or anti-competitive. Additionally, as the approved certifier, Tobacco Free Portfolios is able to competently assess whether funds and fund managers meet the certification requirements.”
Trademark laws in Australia
In Australia, the ACCC works together with IP Australia, the agency that oversees intellectual property rights, patents and trademarks, to assess and approve the use of a certification trademark.
In their assessment, it is considered whether a potential trademark could be to the detriment of the public through restricting competition, promoting harmful or immoral behaviour, allowing for unfair practices or being unsafe and/or misleading.
Interested parties are able to make submissions to the ACCC regarding a potential new trademark up to one month after the commission releases its initial assessment.
Consumers can provide written or oral submissions regarding the ACCC’s decision on the Tobacco Free Portfolios Limited Trademark by clicking here before 22 February 2019.
RELATED ARTICLES
Property
Retirement communities: a pivotal element in meeting Australia's housing targets
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has recommended that retirement communities should be considered a vital part in the Australian Government's initiative to fulfill the Housing Australia Future Fund ...Read more
Property
Australians adjust financial strategies amid changing property market dynamics
The 2023 calendar year saw Australian borrowers acquiring a total of $300.9 billion in new loans for property purchases, marking a 12.7% decrease from the previous year. Read more
Property
Split home loans unlocking doors for Aussie buyers
Australians are teaming up to dive into the real estate market and seize the advantages of home ownership, with the trend of split home loans surging as family and friends unite to buy properties ...Read more
Property
Real estate investment: Spotting high-growth potentials
Investing in real estate has long been a favoured approach for Australians looking to grow their wealth. Read more
Property
Granny flats become Aussie families' cost-effective solution to soaring living costs
As the cost of living skyrockets, a forward-thinking trend is sweeping across Australia – granny flats are becoming a favoured living arrangement for older Aussies seeking comfort and proximity to ...Read more
Property
Homebuyers grapple with extended savings period amid affordability crisis
Gone are the days when an Australian dream home seemed just within reach. The path to homeownership in Australia has extended by at least two arduous years, as revealed by the latest insights from ...Read more
Property
Hybrid development unlocks new potential for NDIS housing in metro hotspots
In a ground-breaking strategy aimed at addressing the stark imbalance between the location of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) developments and the actual areas of demand, Aligned Disability ...Read more
Property
Property prices boosted by housing policies: RBA
The central bank has outlined the “pervasive” impact that policy has on property. Read more
Property
Retirement communities: a pivotal element in meeting Australia's housing targets
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has recommended that retirement communities should be considered a vital part in the Australian Government's initiative to fulfill the Housing Australia Future Fund ...Read more
Property
Australians adjust financial strategies amid changing property market dynamics
The 2023 calendar year saw Australian borrowers acquiring a total of $300.9 billion in new loans for property purchases, marking a 12.7% decrease from the previous year. Read more
Property
Split home loans unlocking doors for Aussie buyers
Australians are teaming up to dive into the real estate market and seize the advantages of home ownership, with the trend of split home loans surging as family and friends unite to buy properties ...Read more
Property
Real estate investment: Spotting high-growth potentials
Investing in real estate has long been a favoured approach for Australians looking to grow their wealth. Read more
Property
Granny flats become Aussie families' cost-effective solution to soaring living costs
As the cost of living skyrockets, a forward-thinking trend is sweeping across Australia – granny flats are becoming a favoured living arrangement for older Aussies seeking comfort and proximity to ...Read more
Property
Homebuyers grapple with extended savings period amid affordability crisis
Gone are the days when an Australian dream home seemed just within reach. The path to homeownership in Australia has extended by at least two arduous years, as revealed by the latest insights from ...Read more
Property
Hybrid development unlocks new potential for NDIS housing in metro hotspots
In a ground-breaking strategy aimed at addressing the stark imbalance between the location of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) developments and the actual areas of demand, Aligned Disability ...Read more
Property
Property prices boosted by housing policies: RBA
The central bank has outlined the “pervasive” impact that policy has on property. Read more
