Australian Government - IP Australia

Types of patents

Understanding Intellectual Property Learn about IP and how it applies to you and your business
- IP in everyday life
  Use our interactive web page to learn how you encounter IP in everyday life
  
  Every day you come into contact with products that have protected intellectual property (IP). Whether it is your brand of bread, or the armchair you sit in, the car you drive, or the shoes you wear. IP is everywhere.
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- What is IP
  
  IP stands for 'intellectual property'. Understanding IP is critical to protecting your unique ideas. The IP glossary will help explain the most important IP words, terms and concepts.
- Why use IP
  
  IP rights are an incentive to encourage and reward innovation. Understand the values and attributes that go into an IP right and the business benefits.
- How to use IP
  
  There are a number of ways you can protect your IP, including the how, what and alternative protection methods. Make sure you get the right advice about IP.
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  IP rights establish ownership and rights to use intellectual property. Learn how you document the ownership of your IP and the crown use of IP.
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  IP activities for schools and information resources for higher education. Web interactives showcasing IP in everyday life and a history of Aussie innovations.
- Case studies
  
  Case studies are a fascinating way to understand IP and how it applies to you and your business.
Get The Right IP Information about the right IP protection for you
- eServices
  Use our online system to apply and manage your intellectual property
  
  eServices is a secure, reliable and convenient way to access a range of IP Australia's transactions and services. With eServices, you can apply for an IP right or make a payment to renew your IP right.
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- Choosing the right IP
  
  Having trouble figuring out which IP right is suitable for you? Try our interactive assistant to guide you to the most appropriate choice.
- Patents
  
  A patent is a right granted for any device, substance, method or process that is new, inventive and useful. Find out more on the application process, time and costs, searching for a patent and how to apply.
- Trade marks
  
  A trade mark is a right that is granted for a logo, picture, letter, number, word, phrase, sound, smell and/or aspect of packaging. Find out more on the application process, time and costs, searching for a trade mark and how to apply.
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  A designs refers to the features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornmaentation that gives a product a unique appearance. Find out more on the applicaiton process, time and costs, searching for a design and how to apply.
- Plant Breeder's Rights
  
  Plant Breeder's Right (PBR) are used to protect new varieties of plants that are distinguishable, uniform and stable. Find out more on the application process, time and costs, searching for a PBR and how to apply.
- Copyright
  
  Copyright protection is free and automatic in Australia and protects the original expression of ideas, but not the ideas themselves. How does it work and what are the latest changes?
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  The four IP rights areas administered by IP Australia are not the only types of IP available. Your product may require protection under copyright, circuit layout rights, confidentiality and/or trade secrets.
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Manage Your IP Renew, amend and review your IP
- Change your name or address
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  Learn more about how to update your contact details for different IP Rights. It's important for IP Australia to have your current contact details in case we need to contact you.
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  You must pay the appropriate renewal fees on time to maintain your IP rights. All four IP rights require periodic registration renewal.
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  All IP rights can be considered for amendment. All amendment requests will be assessed by an examiner.
- Change your name or address
  
  Please notify us as soon as possible if your name or address details change.
- Review your IP
  
  Intellectual Property (IP) can add substantially to your company's total value and it is essential that you account for it. When and how should you review your IP and how to value your IP assets?
IP infringement Enforcing your IP and how to avoid infringing on others' IP
- IP protection for a beach chair
  A case study on how to protect IP for a beach chair
  
  The Sand Wedge is a beach chair with a difference. Compact and lightweight, it's a back pack, beach bag, beach seat and sun lounge all in one.
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- Enforcing your IP
  
  Taking action against a person who infringes your IP rights is known as enforcement. Enforcing your IP includes protecting your IP online, resolving disputes, going to court, IP insurance, getting help and enforcing your IP rights overseas.
- Infringing on others' IP
  
  How do you develop a basic infringement avoidance strategy, and how to respond if you are accused of infringement?
- Counterfeiting and piracy
  
  It is important to only claim a legally registered IP, as certain breaches may leave you criminally liable.
- Unsolicited IP services
  
  Inventors, designers and businesses should be wary of unsolicited or fradulent IP protection, promotional or advertising services.
About Us Information on IP Australia
- IP Reform
  Intellectual property is the currency of today's knowledge economy.
  
  In order to strike a balance between public and private interests, the IP system must support and encourage innovation. The purpose of the reforms is to make improvements to the legislation that covers IP rights to achieve this aim.
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- What we do
  
  We administer legislation that governs four types of IP rights in Australia, which has a long history.
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FOR IP PROFESSIONALS

Types of patents

2 IP Australia staff members chatting in the foyer

There are two main types of patents granted in Australia - standard and innovation. You need to research them thoroughly before deciding which one suits your invention. To actually have one of these patents granted you must file what is known as a complete application.

There are differences in the cost of the patents, the length of protection they offer, the time they take to process and the type of invention they seek to cover.

To choose which patent to apply for, look at inventions made in your field. If a similar invention exists then the chances of gaining full protection for your invention through a standard patent are slim. However, you may be eligible for an innovation patent.

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Last Updated: 11/12/2012

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