Intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) represents creations of the mind or intellect that can be legally owned. Protecting it is vital to the success of your business.
  • Automatic rights
    Automatic intellectual property rights, such as circuit layout rights and copyrights, don't need to be formally registered.
    • Copyright
      How to legally protect your business ideas and information through copyright.
    • Circuit layout rights
      Circuit layout rights automatically protect original layout designs for integrated circuits and computer chips under the Circuit Layouts Act 1989.
  • Commercial strategies
    Commercial strategies for protecting your intellectual property (IP) are useful for when it is unlikely to result in a registered right, or when you want to retain exclusive use of the IP beyond the term of a patent.
    • Confidentiality/Trade secrets
      How to protect your IP and trade secrets through confidentiality agreements - stopping your employees from revealing your secret or proprietary knowledge.
    • International protection
      Exporting goods or services? To protect your intellectual assets, you need to consider international intellectual property (IP) protection for each country you do business with.
    • Selling & licensing your IP
      How to benefit from owning intellectual property (IP) through the ability to assign (sell) or license rights and generate revenue.
  • Formally registered rights
    How to protect your intellectual property (IP) through formal registration - patents, trade marks, registered designs, Plant Breeder's Rights
    • Patents
      A patent is a right granted for any device, substance, method or process, which is new, inventive and useful. Find out how it can protect your ideas.
    • Trade marks
      A registered trade mark gives you the exclusive legal right to use, license or sell your goods or services in Australia.
    • Registered designs
      Information on how to register the design of your product to prevent others from using it without your permission.
    • Plant Breeder's Rights
      Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR) are exclusive commercial rights for the use of new and distinguishable plant varieties. Find out how to apply...
  • Intellectual property in your state or territory
    Useful guides, information and resources on intellectual property in your state or territory.

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