Development Environment

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
A front view of 2 classmates looking at a digital tablet and helping each other out with coursework in their on-site geothermal engineering plant in Perth, Western Australia.
Patents Apply Amend

IP Australia joins PPH eXtra Initiative

02 June 2026 | 2 MIN READ

New transparency program gives applicants clearer information on patent examination timeframes for Patent Prosecution Highway requests.

A snapshot from the cover of the Australian IP Report 2026
Design rights Patents Plant breeders rights Trade marks Copyright Office of Chief Economist

Australian IP Report 2026 reveals businesses with IP see stronger productivity and income growth

06 May 2026 | 2 MIN READ

The Australian IP Report 2026 has been released, presenting the latest statistics and research on the use of intellectual property (IP) rights in Australia.

A man in a blue suit jacket is viewed from behind, seated at a computer. On this screen is the IP First Response website.
Design rights Patents Plant breeders rights Trade marks

Understanding intellectual property issues: Introducing IP First Response’s new chatbot

03 May 2026 | 2 MIN READ

A new chatbot feature is helping small businesses understand their IP options.