Development Environment

Examination of trade mark applications relating to plants or plant materials

IP Australia has updated the Trade Marks Manual of Practice and Procedure with revised guidance on examining trade mark applications relating to plants or plant materials.

Trade marks Plant breeders rights

Published on 13 Aug 2026

Content in the 'Examination of Trade Marks for Plants (in class 31)' chapter has been updated and retitled as Part 32A – Examination of trade mark applications relating to plants or plant materials.

The updated chapter explains how examiners assess objections where plant-related trade mark applications intersect with plant breeder's rights under relevant legislation, including grounds for rejection and how applicants may respond.

IP Australia welcomes feedback on the Manual via email to the Quality, Practice and Customers Team at MDB-TechnicalHub@ipaustralia.gov.au.