Protect the value of your ideas

Intellectual property (IP) rights protect your ideas. We administer IP rights for trade marks, patents, designs and plant breeder's rights.

UNDERSTANDING IP

Which IP right do you need?

Learn about the different types of IP you can protect.

Trade marks

Trade marks

If you want to distinguish your goods or services from other businesses', you may need a trade mark.
Patents

Patents

If you have an inventive device, substance, method or process, you may need a patent.
Design

Design rights

If you want to protect the unique appearance of a product, you may need a design right.
Plant breeder's rights

Plant breeder's rights (PBR)

If you have developed, or are developing a new plant variety, you may need a PBR.

IP SEARCH

Check if your idea's available

Before applying, search existing IP rights to make sure your idea is new.

Applying for rights overseas? Search the existing registrations in all relevant countries.

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MANAGING IP

Want to get the most out of your idea?

Once you've registered your IP, it's up to you to manage it and enforce your rights.

Understanding ip

Protect your Indigenous Knowledge

IP rights can legally protect aspects of Indigenous Knowledge and contribute to your product's value.
Indigenous dot painted artwork Indigenous dot paint artwork

News and community

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Corporate Trade marks Patents Design rights Plant breeders rights

Australian IP Report 2025: SMEs with a deliberate IP strategy deliver more innovative solutions

01 July 2025

Smart businesses are taking advantage of flexibility in Australia’s intellectual property (IP) system to deliver more innovative products – crucial to raising productivity and living standards – a new report reveals.

Female scientist in protective gear carefully does a system check on  mechanical equipment
Patents

BluGlass: Leading the charge in semiconductor innovation

28 November 2024 | 2 MIN READ

Hear how BluGlass, a trailblazer in semiconductor manufacturing, has harnessed the power of IP to revolutionise gallium nitride technology.

Medical professional pushes medical device on wheels through hospital hallway
Patents

EMVision: Revolutionising stroke diagnosis

10 June 2024 | 1 MIN READ

Did you know that one in four adults worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime?