How to update my IP right details

Once you've applied for or secured an intellectual property (IP) right, you're responsible for making sure its details are correct. Here's how to make an update.  

What do I need to update?

Each IP right has its own rules on what details can be changed, but you'll generally need to let us know if there's an update to:

  • Who owns the IP
  • The owner's name
  • The owner's address
  • The owner's contact details
  • The agent.

How to make an update

You'll be able to make most updates through online services. The details that you'll need to update will depend on the type of IP right.

As each IP right is seen as a single right, updating details on one won't automatically change it on another. You'll need to update your details for each right that you own or have applied for.

What you'll need to update

Before the trade mark is registered

After submitting your trade mark application, you can apply to make limited changes to:

After the trade mark is registered

You'll need to keep the details of your trade mark up-to-date once it's been registered. You'll need to update any changes to:

  • The applicant's name
  • The applicant's address
  • The representation of the trade mark.

You'll also need to make an update if you:

  • Want to amend the goods or services on your trade mark, including changes to the class of goods and services
  • Need a new certificate of registration after an amendment has been made
  • Add or change endorsements (other than translation endorsements)
  • Notice a clerical error on your application.

What to do once you've transferred ownership

Once you've assigned ownership of your trade mark, either yourself or the assignee will need to let us know so we can record it in the trade marks register. You'll need to supply a copy of signed documents that prove the assignment has been made, such as:

  • Deed of assignment
  • Sales agreement
  • Merger certificate
  • Probate.

These documents must include:

  • Name(s) of the current owner(s)
  • Name(s) of the new owner(s)
  • Date the assignment occurred
  • Trade mark number(s) which have been assigned
  • Signed authorisation from all parties
  • A clear statement about the agreement and transfer.

If there's more than one current owner, all owners have to approve the change.

Note: we don't manage the transfer of IP rights ownership. If you want to assign full or partial ownership of your trade mark to another party, it's your responsibility to take the appropriate steps. 

How to assign ownership of a trade mark

What you'll need to update

You can update the details of your application or patent at any time. We'll make these changes to the official patent register.

 You'll need to update changes to:

  • Who owns the patent
  • The applicant's name
  • The inventor's name
  • The title of the invention
  • The owner's contact details
  • The owner's address
  • Agent details
  • The number of inventors, such as adding or removing someone.

You'll also need to record any mortgages or transfer of licence on the Personal Property Securities Register.

Transfer your ownership

If you assign ownership of a patent to another party, you'll need to let us know. This includes a transfer of interest from one party to another or a merger.

To transfer ownership of a patent, you'll need to supply a copy of documents that confirm the transfer, such as:

  • Deed of assignment
  • Merger document
  • Sale agreement.

These documents must include:

  • The name(s) of the current owner(s)
  • The name(s) of the new owner(s)
  • The date the assignment occurred
  • The application or patent number(s) the assignment relates to
  • Signatures confirming a change of ownership. You may need to include both party's signatures.

If there's more than one current owner, all owners have to approve the change.

What you'll need to update

Before the design right is registered

After submitting your design right application, you can apply to make limited changes to:

  • Who owns the design
  • The owner's name
  • The owner's address
  • The owner's contact details
  • The agent
  • Some parts of the application in response to a formalities notice or examination report.
After the design right is registered

You'll need to keep the details of your design right up to date once it's been registered. You'll need to update any changes to:

  • The owner's name
  • The owner's address
  • The address of your design right service
  • Agent details.

You'll also need to record any mortgages or transfer of licence on the Personal Property Securities Register.

Transfer your ownership

If you assign the ownership of your design right to another party, you'll need to notify us. Ownership changes can include a transfer of interest from one party to another or a merger.

To make these changes, you'll need to provide a copy of documents that confirm the transfer. These documents must include:

  • The name(s) of the current owner(s)
  • The name(s) of the new owner(s)
  • The date the assignment occurred
  • The relevant design number(s)
  • Signatures confirming a change of ownership. Depending on the circumstances, you may need signatures from both parties.

If there's more than one current owner, all owners must approve the change.

What you'll need to update

You can update the details of your plant breeder's right (PBR) any time. You can make the changes through online services or you can email us.

You'll need to update changes to:

  • Who owns the PBR
  • The owner's name
  • The owner's address
  • The owner's contact details
  • The genetic resource centre where your variety or true type specimen is lodged.

To make changes to:

You'll also need to record any mortgages or transfer of licence on the Personal Property Securities Register.

Transfer your ownership

If you assign the ownership of the PBR to another party, you'll need to let us know. This includes a transfer of interest from one party to another, or a merger.

To transfer ownership of a PBR, you'll need to supply a copy of documents that confirm the legal transfer, such as a:

  • Deed of assignment, a will, contract of sale or similar legal document
  • Merger document/s
  • Sale agreement.

These documents must include:

  • The name(s) of the current owner(s)
  • The name(s) of the new owner(s)
  • The date the assignment occurred
  • Signatures confirming a change of ownership. The signatures from both parties may be required.

If there's more than one current owner, all owners have to approve the change.