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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A cover image of the IP Australia Annual Report 2024-25.
Design rights Corporate Patents Trade marks Plant breeders rights

Our achievements highlighted in the 2024–25 Annual Report

05 November 2025 | 2 MIN READ

In 2024–25, IP Australia continued to strengthen Australia’s intellectual property (IP) landscape.

Louise Burr and PerkyPod
Design rights Patents Trade marks

PerkyPod: Designed to innovate indoor plant care

26 September 2025 | 4 MIN READ

Find out how the inventor of PerkyPod, Louise Burr, pursued a novel idea to simplify indoor plant care, while ensuring her innovation was protected. 

Man and woman looking at documents
Trade marks

Have your say on proposed changes to Trade Marks Regulations

15 September 2025 | 1 MIN READ

Public consultation open now on Trade Marks Amendments