Technology area groups updated to better connect customers with the right expertise.
From 1 July 2026, IP Australia will update how we organise our patent examination teams across electrical, communications and computing technology areas.
By bringing these related technologies into clear and refreshed team groupings, this will help connect customers with the right technical expertise and support consistent, timely examination.
Additionally, we are updating section names in examination correspondence as we standardise naming conventions across engineering, chemical and biomedical technology areas.
These updates will not change the services we provide, how you submit patent applications, or how you contact us. Please note that no action is required from customers.
Updated section names (effective 1 July 2026)
| Current names | New section names – effective 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1 – Biotechnology | CBIO 1 – Biotechnology |
| CHEM 2 – Chemical Compounds | CBIO 2 – Chemical Compounds |
| CHEM 3 – Biotherapeutics | CBIO 3 – Biotherapeutics |
| CHEM 4 – Polymers and Applied Chemistry | CBIO 4 – Polymers and Applied Chemistry |
| CHEM 5 – Pharmaceuticals | CBIO 5 – Pharmaceuticals |
| MECH 3 – Process Engineering | CBIO 6 – Process Engineering |
| MECH 4 – Medical Devices | CBIO 7 – Medical Devices |
| ELEC 1 – Physics ELEC 2 – Electronics and Communications ELEC 3 – Computing ELEC 4 – Data Processing and Measurements |
EMEC 1 – Electrical Engineering and Physics EMEC 2 – Communications and Information Technology EMEC 3 – Computing and Applications |
| MECH 1 – Mechanical Engineering | EMEC 4 – Mechanical Engineering |
| MECH 2 – Construction and Mining | EMEC 5 – Construction and Mining |
| MECH 5 – Packaging and Appliances | EMEC 6 – Packaging and Appliances |
'CBIO' stands for chemical and biomedical technologies and 'EMEC' stands for electrical and mechanical engineering.
If you have questions about how this update may relate to your applications, please email us.