permaculture

[David Holmgren & Su Dennett <holmgren@netconnect.com.au>]

As indicated in message from Michael Dehan, I was a late opponent of 
a previous, now withdrawn attempt to trademark Permaculture in 
Australia by persons unconnected with the movement. I am not 
surprised by this current claim by Bill and Lisa Mollison although it 
is obviously most unfortunate.

Various contributors this these list serves have made useful 
practical and philosphical points and Toby Hemmingway's  and Scott 
Pitman's stories are particularly instructive.

I am head down on completing the manuscript of my own book which 
could infringe Bill's sense of copyright/trademark even more than 
Toby's. I have no intention of engaging in any such exchanges and 
will publish my work regardless.

I agree that the work goes on whether it is called permaculture or 
not and as long ago as 1980 considered not associating myself with 
the promotion of permaculture. Over time the good work emerging from 
the movement convinced me the term permaculture was more useful than 
not and have become more solid in that conviction.

My main concern it that others who have devoted so much to promoting 
and developing permaculture are being treated in this way.

Although I think Intellectual Property Australia should reject this 
application as invalid by their own assessment, a formal opposition 
would greatly increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome and 
provide an insurance that any future claims are rejected.

Ideally the opposition should come from the widest representative 
body in Australia such as Permaculture International Limited.

I would like to acknowledge the work of permaculture colleage Michael 
Dahan in mounting my previous objection which was done  at very short 
notice. I am prepared to submit an  objection  to this current 
application if necessary.

David Holmgren


--
David Holmgren & Su Dennett
Holmgren Design Services
Hepburn Permaculture Gardens
16 Fourteenth St,
Hepburn. 3461.
Australia.
Ph/fax 0353483636
Email holmgren@netconnect.com.au
Website http://www.spacountry.net.au/holmgren