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.

Search BG

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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toy poodle stand in red bucket surrounded by dermcare vet pharmaceutical products in front of a backdrop of a forest and lake
Trade marks Patents Enforce

Dermcare-Vet: how one Australian company protected their IP in China

30 July 2024 | 8 MIN READ

Crystal Mason, General Manager at Dermcare-Vet, shares her experience of defending innovation and the problems of fake products in China.

Historic global agreement genetic resources and traditional knowledge treaty signing
Trade marks Patents Design rights Plant breeders rights Other

Historic global agreement: genetic resources and traditional knowledge

06 June 2024 | 2 MIN READ

We welcome a world-first treaty for recognition of Indigenous peoples’ genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patents.

Trade marks Patents Design rights Plant breeders rights Corporate

Australian Intellectual Property Report 2024 is out now

21 May 2024 | 2 MIN READ

New IP Report reveals economic bright spot for Australia as domestic IP filings increase.