# Brands Hawker is NOT a Firm which charges based on hourly rates.

We ESTIMATE costs at the START in $DOLLARS $ – not in units if time.

In every matter we take on for you we prepare – as soon as it is appropriate – an estimate of fees and a time line showing WHAT costs will be incurred, WHY and WHEN. We understand budgets and cash flow.

We know that there will be phone calls and we anticipate them in the estimate – so you don’t need to ask “Is the clock running?”

LIKELY COSTS

A scale of charges for local and International clients is on this site. This scale sets out the average costs for most common trade mark and design matters. These scales have been carefully drawn taking into account competitors charges, the importance of the work being done and the risks taken in undertaking the work.

If your matter does not fit neatly into one of these items under the scale, and even if it does then, we analyse what is involved, what form you want the advice to take, how quickly you want it and what you want the advice for. This analysis should result in us agreeing on a cost estimate which is – to use a quaint old term -“value for money”.

SPECIALIST PACKAGES - if you are an overseas ASSOCIATE (1) or in ADVERTISING or GRAPHIC DESIGN (2) or an Innovation oriented SME/Start Up (3) then these packages have been created for you.

(1) ASSOCIATES - Frequent Filers

You know what we need to file a trade mark and / or a design – your instructions are concise and rarely do we need to spend time explaining procedures and timing. You benefit from that – please contact jh@brandshawker.com.au for details of the cost savings which are possible under this plan.

(2 )ADVERTISING Agents and GRAPHIC Designers – Frequent Searchers

The FIRST thing creative's should be doing when starting work on a new brand or “re-brand” is checking that the mark is not going to infringe existing trade marks. Searching is VITAL – it not only gives you the “clearance” you need to keep working on the project confidently it also anticipates likely problems during the trade mark application process and gives you and your client a reliable guide as to whether the mark can be registered.

A Trade Mark Clearance Search– the costs is $440 (inclusive of GST). Contact jh@brandshawker.com.au to discuss your needs.

(3) INNOVATORS /Start Ups/SME’s – “VIRTUAL IN-HOUSE LAWYER”

This plan is for those of you who have lots of questions and lots of issues to confront in starting up a new venture or continuing an innovation program.

Some questions can be answered with a two minute phone call – but you don’t know until you have asked the question.

This package allows you continuous access to our resources and experience with none of the bureaucracy. The idea is for you to have your own “In-House” lawyer on tap – so you don’t need to ask if the clock is running and we can get on with solving your problem.

This plan can cost as little as A$440 a month.

Please email John Hawker on jh@brandshawker.com.au to discuss your requirements and see if this plan can work for you.