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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Lady fondles pansies with a big smile
Plant breeders rights

We’ve improved the plant breeder’s rights manual

07 May 2025 | 2 MIN READ

An updated PBR Manual was released on 2 April.

Male carpenter builds chair and draws out sketch
Design rights Enforce

Protecting your unique product against look-alikes

07 May 2025 | 3 MIN READ

Find out how a design right could protect your business.

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.