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.

Property
Property prices boosted by housing policies: RBA
The central bank has outlined the “pervasive” impact that policy has on property. ...Read more

Property
Labor’s ‘Help to Buy’ scheme not without its risks
With Anthony Albanese sworn in as Australia’s 31st PM, home buyers are excited at the prospect of accessing the new ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, but a property expert has warned that the risks may be g...Read more

Property
Australia's housing market is entering a ‘broad-based correction phase’
Westpac believes the housing market downturn is now underway. ...Read more

Property
ANZ now expects house prices will end the year lower
With higher interest rates on the horizon, the bank is forecasting larger house price declines than previously expected. ...Read more

Property
Which capital cities are most attractive to property investors?
A new survey has suggested that investor attention is shifting away from Australia’s two largest capital cities. ...Read more

Property
Market uncertainty fails to discourage foreign property investors
While interest from foreign investors in Australian property has remained strong, HLB Mann Judd warned that tax increases could see demand shift to other markets. ...Read more

Property
Regional renters forced to spend more of their income than ever before
Renters in regional areas are spending nearly as much on rent as home owners are spending on mortgage repayments. ...Read more

Property
Aussie home buyers now need to save for over 11 years for a deposit
Since early 2020, the time needed to save for a deposit has increased by more than two years. ...Read more

Wrapping up an eventful 2021
Listen now

What Omicron means for property, and are units right for first-time buyers? What is equity crowdfunding? Are industry super funds tapping into member funds to save their skins?
Listen now

Will housing affordability improve in 2022? Will buy now, pay later become the norm? Why are Aussies staying in failing super products?
Listen now

Who really benefits from crypto ETFs? How will the RBA respond to rising inflation? Could a mandate help address unpaid super?
Listen now

Property
Property prices boosted by housing policies: RBA
The central bank has outlined the “pervasive” impact that policy has on property. ...Read more

Property
Labor’s ‘Help to Buy’ scheme not without its risks
With Anthony Albanese sworn in as Australia’s 31st PM, home buyers are excited at the prospect of accessing the new ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, but a property expert has warned that the risks may be g...Read more

Property
Australia's housing market is entering a ‘broad-based correction phase’
Westpac believes the housing market downturn is now underway. ...Read more

Property
ANZ now expects house prices will end the year lower
With higher interest rates on the horizon, the bank is forecasting larger house price declines than previously expected. ...Read more

Property
Which capital cities are most attractive to property investors?
A new survey has suggested that investor attention is shifting away from Australia’s two largest capital cities. ...Read more

Property
Market uncertainty fails to discourage foreign property investors
While interest from foreign investors in Australian property has remained strong, HLB Mann Judd warned that tax increases could see demand shift to other markets. ...Read more

Property
Regional renters forced to spend more of their income than ever before
Renters in regional areas are spending nearly as much on rent as home owners are spending on mortgage repayments. ...Read more

Property
Aussie home buyers now need to save for over 11 years for a deposit
Since early 2020, the time needed to save for a deposit has increased by more than two years. ...Read more