MEDIA RELEASE
Global Multinational Challenges Trademark of Small Melbourne Business
Melbourne, 13 November 2024 – In a situation that raises concerns about the protection of small business trademarks, US based multinational PPG Industries, who owns Taubmans and Autothane paints in Australia, filed to challenge the trademark of a small Melbourne based Human Resources consultancy Linq HR.
Linq HR, a small Human Resources consultancy specialising in Supply Chain Logistics recruitment and HR brokering services, followed the recommended step for start-ups and trademarked its name when it's business was founded during 2019.
In early 2024, IP Australia raised concerns about the similarity between PPG’s application for the “PPG LINQ” trademark and the existing “LINQ HR” trademarks. PPG subsequently approached Linq HR, requesting it consent to the passage of its trademark application through IP Australia for future use. Linq HR respectfully declined, citing the critical importance of its established trademark to both its current operations and future recognition of its brand as it grows and matures.
Consequently during May 2024, PPG through its lawyers made a minimal financial offer for consent, but Linq HR once again declined, highlighting the long-term value its trademark represents to its business.
Following this, PPG submitted an application to IP Australia for removal of trade mark for alleged non-use.
Linq HR has made continuous investments in its brand, maintaining an active online presence across its website, social media platforms, and professional partnerships. This includes publishing over 60 expert blogs on human resources topics and cultivating a strong following on LinkedIn.
Small Business Facing Trademark Challenge
As a small business, Linq HR has already faced significant challenges, particularly during Victoria's COVID-19 restrictions which commenced as the business was starting up. Despite this, the company continued to invest in its brand, steadily growing awareness of its services. By contrast, PPG Industries, a multinational corporation with USD 2.4 billion in cash generated in 2023, has significant resources at its disposal.
“We understand that large companies have their global strategies and product roll outs, but for small Australian businesses like ours, a trademark represents more than just a name - it’s the foundation of our existence and everything we do,” says Darren Cutts, Founder of Linq HR. “Our business is founded on the Linq HR name, and it's important for us to retain as much control over it as possible as we continue to grow and get further established.”
A Call for Small Business Support
PPG Industries has established a strong reputation for ethical business practices, with its Global Code of Ethics emphasising acting with integrity and high ethical standards. The current situation offers an opportunity for PPG to reflect on the value of supporting small businesses, especially given that its Chairman and CEO, Tim Knavish, previously served as Managing Director of PPG’s Australian operations from 2005 to 2007, a period during which he likely gained a first-hand feel and understanding of the Australian business landscape.
“As a small business, we are committed to following the right processes and building our brand in a way that supports long term success,” adds Cutts. “We hope that PPG can recognise the importance of respecting the efforts of small businesses and the steps we’ve taken to protect our intellectual property.”
Looking Forward
With small businesses playing a critical role in the Australian economy, this case highlights the importance of trademark protection. Linq HR remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached that supports the goals of both businesses while respecting the value of established trademarks already in place.
About PPG Industries
In its 140th year and headquartered in Ohio, USA, PPG Industries operates in 70 countries and generated USD 2.4 billion in cash in 2023. The company employs over 50,000 people worldwide and upholds a strong commitment to ethical business practices, as outlined in its Global Code of Ethics. PPG announced the launch of its PPG LINQ product on September 2, 2021.
About Linq HR
Founded in 2019, Linq HR is a Melbourne based HR consulting startup providing Supply Chain Logistics recruitment services, HR product brokering, and HR advisory services. The trademarked Linq HR name is central to its mission of connecting businesses with the right talent and HR solutions. Founder Darren Cutts can be reached at 0433566126 or through LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/darrencutts.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Darren Cutts
Founder, Linq HR
Phone: 0433566126
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/darrencutts
Website: www.linqhr.com
Key Facts:
PPG Industries, a multinational company, is challenging the trademark of Melbourne based small business Linq HR, which registered its trademark upfront as it's business was founded during 2019.
-
IP Australia raised concerns about PPG's "PPG LINQ" trademark application due to its similarity to "LINQ HR's" existing trademarks.
-
PPG requested Linq HR consent to the passage and future use of their proposed trademark PPG LINQ which was respectfully declined, citing the importance of the established trademark to its current and future business.
-
PPG consequently submitted an appplication to IP Australia for removal of trade mark for alleged non-use.
-
Linq HR, a small HR consulting firm which specialises in Supply Chain Logistics Recruitment, faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic as a newly opened business but survived and has continued investing in its brand as it tries to grow and get further established.
-
The situation raises concerns about protecting small business trademarks from large multinationals with significant resources at their disposal.
About us:
Founded in 2019, Linq HR is a Melbourne based HR consulting startup offering Supply Chain Logistics recruitment services, HR product brokering, and HR advisory services. The trademarked Linq HR name is central to its mission of connecting businesses with the right Supply Chain Logistics talent and HR solutions. Founder Darren Cutts can be reached at 0433566126 or through LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/darrencutts.
Contact details:
Darren Cutts
Founder, Linq HR
Phone: 0433 566 126
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/darrencutts
Website: www.linqhr.com
