Australia

Patent Manual Update Consultation on Computer-Implemented Inventions

IP Australia is seeking feedback on updates to its Patent Manual concerning computer-implemented inventions, following a recent Full Federal Court decision. The consultation aims to ensure transparency and inform future changes to the manual's examination approach.

Trade Marks Amendment Regulations 2025: Hearings and Oppositions

Australia's Trade Marks Regulations 1995 have been amended by the Trade Marks Amendment (International Registrations, Hearings and Oppositions) Regulations 2025. These changes, effective from November and December 2025, align with the Madrid System and introduce improvements to international trade mark processes, hearings, and oppositions, including extended timeframes for filing notices of intention to defend and new grounds for rejecting applications.

PCT Fees Change - January 2026

IP Australia has announced changes to Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) fees, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. The notice details new Australian Dollar (AUD) amounts for international filing, search, and preliminary examination fees, including reductions for e-filing.

Patent Manual Update for Computer-Implemented Inventions

IP Australia has updated its Patent Manual of Practice and Procedures concerning the examination of computer-implemented inventions, following a Full Federal Court decision. The Commissioner of Patents is also seeking special leave to appeal this decision to the High Court of Australia.

IP Australia Updates Trade Mark Image Indexing Terminology

IP Australia is updating terminology used for indexing trade mark images, effective April 13, 2026. The changes aim to replace outdated terms with respectful, contemporary language, including updates related to Indigenous peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This update affects how certain imagery is retrieved during trade mark searches.

EPO Pilot for Australian Patent Applicants

IP Australia is launching a pilot program with the European Patent Office (EPO) effective March 1, 2026. Australian patent applicants will be able to use the EPO for international searches and preliminary examinations, potentially reducing European phase examination fees.

Australian Patent Applicants Gain New International Search Options

IP Australia announced that as of March 1, 2026, Australian patent applicants can now choose the European Patent Office (EPO) or the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) for international search and examination under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This expansion aims to provide greater choice, reduce costs, and enhance flexibility for Australian innovators in their global patent strategies.

EPO and IP Australia PCT Pilot Programme

IP Australia and the European Patent Office (EPO) are launching a two-year pilot program starting March 1, 2026. Under this program, Australian applicants filing international patent applications can choose the EPO as their International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority.

Australia-Singapore Patent Search Arrangement

IP Australia has announced a new arrangement with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) that will allow Australian patent applicants to nominate IPOS as their International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) starting March 1, 2026. This provides Australian applicants with expanded search options, particularly for Chinese prior art, and access to the expertise of examiners in key markets.

Consultation on Streamlining and Simplifying IP Legislation

IP Australia has opened a public consultation on proposals to streamline and simplify intellectual property legislation in Australia. The consultation seeks feedback on technical and administrative measures aimed at reducing regulatory burdens for businesses and individuals, with feedback due by April 2, 2026.