Australian IP Report 2026

Welcome

Australia’s world-leading IP rights system is a critical asset as the Albanese Government leads a renewed national focus on productivity, competitiveness and economic resilience. Businesses that register patents and trade marks record substantially better rates of labour and total factor productivity. And they are typically better placed to scale up and compete in global markets.

That’s good news for the Albanese Government’s ambition for a Future Made in Australia – central to which is Australia’s cutting-edge scientific and industrial research, translating into patents, designs and trade marks to make real economic impact. The global economy is being reshaped by geoeconomic rivalry and trade uncertainty. Australia’s ability to compete depends on investing in innovation, protecting ideas and deepening relationships with trusted partners.

The fourteenth Australian IP Report is highly encouraging for Australia. The data shows that, despite major global headwinds over the past twelve months, Australia’s IP rights system has helped keep Australia’s economy attractive and resilient. The number of new patent applications in Australia continued to grow – and the number of designs and trade marks especially so. Approved designs by Australian applicants grew by more than 10 per cent last year.

Even as international fragmentation accelerates, Australian firms have leant into the IP system – filing more, collaborating more and investing in IP that underpins long-term competitiveness. That is a sign of confidence not just in the IP system itself, but also in the direction of the economy that it supports. Australia is increasingly pursuing research, development and innovation activity in sectors of strategic significance for the Future Made in Australia agenda, including renewable energy systems, transport, digital services and advanced manufacturing.

The report also highlights Australia’s emerging role as a designer and developer of AI-driven products and services. Trade mark applications in scientific and technological services – encompassing AI – grew by more than 23 per cent last year. That should give Australians confidence that we can realise the objectives of the Albanese Government’s National AI Plan – capturing the opportunities by developing novel AI applications onshore, sharing the benefits across the economy and society, and keeping Australia safe as the technology develops.

IP is the connective tissue for these kinds of partnerships, supporting collaboration, attracting investment and sending a clear signal about Australia’s true place in the global value chain.

A well-calibrated IP system is vital to Australia’s economic success in the highly consequential decade ahead of us. I commend this report for businesses, researchers and policymakers working to build a stronger, more productive and more resilient Australia.

Senator the Hon Tim Ayres

Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science