Search Databases IP mailing lists

This area of the site contains useful information and resources relating to the introduction of the Designs Act 2003. The Designs Act 2003 arose out of the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) report into the Australian designs system of 1995.

The Act received the Royal Assent on 17 December 2003 and took effect from 17 June 2004.

It introduced a new regime for registration of industrial designs. Key features of the new system are:

• a more streamlined registration process;
• better enforcement and dispute resolution procedures;
• stricter eligibility and infringement tests; and
• clearer definitions.

Recent Questions About the New Designs Act.

New Designs Act Updates Available for IP Toolbox

IP Toolbox, our comprehensive intellectual property guide for business and researchers, has recently been updated to include information about the new Designs Act. Visit the IP Toolbox section of our website to download the updates or order a complete copy of the IP Toolbox.

To ask IP Australia any question about the new designs act, click here or view the entire Q&A database.