Compared with many other countries, a patent search in Australia is relatively straightforward because IP Australia offers a sophisticated patent database and patent search system to the general public – called AusPat. AusPat covers Australian patent records right back to 1904.
Australian patent searches can be carried out by patent number, applicant name, inventor name and many other more sophisticated methodologies. Generally speaking, if you need to find a patent or patent application on the basis of a name, it is best to have an Australian patent attorney carry out your Australian patent search because a few strategies need to be applied to identify the right entity and not miss relevant search results.
If you are trying to determine whether your new idea is patentable in Australia, ironically, an Australian patent search is probably not going to give you the correct answer. The reason for this is that for a new idea to be patentable, it must be novel in light of all published documents worldwide, and not just in Australia. For information on worldwide novelty searches, please click here.
Unlike established businesses that normally have their IP activities documented in detail by experienced staff, most start-up companies do not have a comprehensive understanding of their IP. This means the traditional questionnaire-centered IP audit approach will not work because the questions may not be interpreted properly, and the answers may not be accurate due to lack of IP experience and valid IP record.
The Australian government has proposed a tax return form that will allow innovators in the medtech and biotech industries to get a tax rebate on revenue from the commercialisation of patented technology.
It’s World IP day! A reminder that a robust IP position can make the world go round. Also a reminder to review your IP position to look at how you can augment or strengthen that position so you can better leverage it.
The Australian government announced the phasing out of the innovation patent. Find out how you can still reap the benefits of the innovation patent.
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