Refunds and waivers
Refunds and waivers are only available in limited circumstances.
We will consistently apply the same rules for refunds and waivers to all of our customers in accordance with our corporate guidelines for refunds and waivers.
Underpayment
In general, if the amount of money paid for an action is less than the prescribed fee, the action will not be performed until the fee is paid in full.
Depending on the particular transaction, we may issue you with an Invitation to Pay any unpaid money, or inform you that we have treated the underpaid request as not having been filed, refunding any partial payment.
Automatically granted refunds
We will automatically refund money when:
- you have submitted a payment and request for something we don't do (e.g. car registrations)
- you have submitted a payment and request for something that is not legally or practically capable of being done (e.g. opposing a newly filed application)
- you have overpaid the fee or paid the fee twice.
In all other cases you must make a request in writing for a refund.
Other refunds
Where a fee has been paid to lodge a document or to do an action and the document has not been lodged, or, the required action has not been performed, then the fee may be refunded if a request is made in writing.
Refund not possible
Where a fee has been paid to lodge a document or to do an action and the document has been lodged, or the required action has been performed, then the fee cannot be refunded.
Waiver or exemption
We will waive fees in part or in full only in rare circumstances.
IP Australia error
Where we have made an error, given incorrect advice or failed to provide a notification, in such a way as will make you liable for a fee that you would not otherwise have needed to pay, we will waive or refund the fee as appropriate.
Last Updated: 10/12/2012
