IP Australia is inviting feedback on proposed changes to Australia’s Trade Marks Regulations 1995. These changes would contribute to government efforts to bolster productivity growth through regulatory simplification, by reducing burdens on businesses.
The proposed amendments are set out in an exposure draft of the Trade Marks Amendment (International Registrations, Hearings and Oppositions) Regulations 2025 on the Consultation Hub.
The proposed changes aim to make Australia’s trade marks system more user-friendly and consistent with international requirements.
They would update Australia’s trade marks system in line with international regulations under the Madrid System, and make improvements to hearings processes. Changes would include:
- moving from one month to two months to file some opposition documents
- allowing partial replacement for trade marks with some shared goods and services, in addition to the current option of full replacement
- letting the Registrar finalise oppositions where neither party requests a hearing or decision
- enabling deferment of acceptance when a hearing is requested.
We welcome written submissions from interested stakeholders. Consultation is open until 29 September 2025.
Further information is available at our consultation page.