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

See all
WIPO Director General visits IP Australia and fellow delegates
Trade marks Patents Design rights Plant breeders rights

Looking back on 2024

19 December 2024 | 4 MIN READ

2024 was a big year for IP Australia, marking 120 years since the Australian Patent Office was established in Melbourne in 1904.

A professional male develops computer software on a large monitor in a lab setting with scientists in the background inspecting software
Patents Office of Chief Economist

New report reveals Australia’s position in patenting for computer implemented inventions

28 November 2024

Analysis of CII patent activity from Australia, the United States and Europe in our new report.

A laptop and a phone sit on a light to dark blue gradient background side by side facing the screen, on the laptop and the phone screen is the new TM Checker interface.
Trade marks Apply

Important update to our TM Checker tool 

09 December 2024

TM Checker is easier to find following integration to our website.