Types of IP

There are four types of IP you can register through IP Australia.

What types of IP can you register with us?

A trade mark legally protects your brand, and helps customers distinguish your goods and services from competitors.

You can use a trade mark for a logo, word, phrase, letter, number, sound, scent, picture, movement, aspect of packaging, or any combination of these.

Examples of trade marks

Logo
Nike swoosh logo

Colour
Cadbury purple

Shape
Shape of a Coca-Cola bottle

A patent legally protects your invention or how something works.

You can use a patent for new technology, devices, substances or processes.                         

Examples of patents

Technology

Google Maps

Device

Cochlear implant (bionic ear)

Substance

Polymer (plastic) bank notes

A design right legally protects the overall appearance of your new and distinctive product. The appearance may be a combination of shape, colour, configuration pattern and ornamentation.

You can use a design right for the look of a whole, physical product if you're producing it on a commercial scale.

Examples of design rights
Dress
Zimmermann dress
Car
Audi car model
Sofa
King Furniture sofa

A plant breeder's right (PBR) legally protects the new plant variety you have developed.

You can use a PBR for new variations of plants and trees including flowers, vegetables, fruits, bushes and shrubs.

Examples of PBRs


Barley

Spartacus CL


Apple
 

ANABP 01



Flower

LegacyFlame

Maximise your protection with multiple IP rights

You may need to protect your idea with multiple types of IP rights.

What are the other types of IP protection?

There are other types of IP that we don't administer rights for. This includes copyright, circuit layouts and trade secrets.

Related content

Apply Enforce

Who owns intellectual property?

The owner of intellectual property (IP) isn't always the person who created the idea. Check you're the rightful owner before applying for IP rights or taking legal action.

Enforce

Why it's important to value IP

The value of intellectual property (IP) can dramatically increase over the years. It's important to protect your assets early on and plan for business growth.