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

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Indigenous Knowledge panel stand in front of IP Australia headquarters in Canberra
Trade marks Patents Design rights Plant breeders rights Corporate Enforce

Indigenous Knowledge Panel to inform improvements to the IP system

24 March 2025

We’re proud to be working with First Nations experts following their appointment to the newly formed Indigenous Knowledge Panel (IK Panel) Pilot.

Australian bush landscape with shrubbery and trees in the foreground at sunset
Patents Other Enforce

Next steps taken in historic Treaty to protect Indigenous Knowledge

21 March 2025 | 3 MIN READ

Australia signs a historic IP Treaty to help protect Indigenous Peoples' Traditional Knowledge. This Treaty will help empower Indigenous communities and individuals to leverage the economic potential of their knowledge.

Australian Government representatives from IP Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs stand together as the Treaty member countries.
Design rights Corporate

Design Law Treaty

14 March 2025 | 5 MIN READ

IP Australia welcomes the successful conclusion of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (the Treaty).