IP Australia Official Notices

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.

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.

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 The changes aim to replace outdated terms with respectful, contemporary language, including updates related to Indigenous peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.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.

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.