IP Australia

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. Learn more about IP

UNDERSTANDING IP

Which IP right do you need?

Learn about the different types of IP you can protect.

Trade marks

If you want to distinguish your goods or services from other businesses', you may need a trade mark. More about trade marks

Patents

If you have an inventive device, substance, method or process, you may need a patent. More about patents

Design rights

If you want to protect the unique appearance of a product, you may need a design right. More about design rights

Plant breeder's rights (PBR)

If you have developed, or are developing a new plant variety, you may need a PBR. More about PBRs

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.

Trade marks Australian Trade Mark Search International Trade Mark Search Patents Australian Patent Search International Patent Search Design rights Australian Design Search International Design Right Search Plant breeder's rights Australian Plant Breeder's Right (PBR) Search International PBR Search

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.

Maintain your IP protection

To keep your IP right protected, you'll need to renew it on time. How to renew IP rights

Commercialise your IP

Profit from your protection by franchising your IP, or learn how you can collaborate with researchers to further your ideas.

How to profit from IP

Respond to infringement

If someone else is using your IP, it's important you respond quickly and appropriately. How to respond to infringement

Understanding ip

Protect your Indigenous Knowledge

IP rights can legally protect aspects of Indigenous Knowledge and contribute to your product's value. Learn about Indigenous Knowledge Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more about how we use and collect data Accept Opt Out

News and community

See all Trade marks Patents

BlockTexx®: Innovating textile recycling through intellectual property

09 November 2025 | 5 MIN READ

Weaving new life from old threads – powered by intellectual property (IP).

Read more Design rights Corporate Patents Trade marks Plant breeders rights

Our achievements highlighted in the 2024–25 Annual Report

05 November 2025 | 2 MIN READ

In 2024–25, IP Australia continued to strengthen Australia’s intellectual property (IP) landscape.

Read more Design rights Patents Trade marks

PerkyPod: Designed to innovate indoor plant care

26 September 2025 | 4 MIN READ

Find out how the inventor of PerkyPod, Louise Burr, pursued a novel idea to simplify indoor plant care, while ensuring her innovation was protected. 

Read more