Intellectual
property (IP) is the general name given to the laws covering patents,
trade marks, copyright, designs, circuit layouts, and plant breeder’s
rights.
Intellectual property laws protect the property rights in
creative and inventive endeavours and give creators and inventors
certain exclusive economic rights, generally for a limited time, to
deal with their creative works or inventions.
IP Australia is the federal government agency responsible for granting
rights in patents, trade marks and designs. For information on intellectual
property and how it applies to your business, visit IP Australia's
Smart Start
website.
Read more about these different types
of intellectual property:
 | Patents
A patent is a right granted for any device, substance, method or process, which is new, inventive and useful.
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| Trade marks
A registered trade mark gives you the exclusive legal right to use, license or sell your goods or services in Australia.
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| Copyright
Copyright provides legal protection for people who express ideas and information in certain forms.
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| Trade secrets/confidentiality
Common law protects you from people stealing your trade secrets, breaching confidentiality agreements and passing off trade marks.
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| Registered designs
If you are the owner of a product then you can register its design to protect the visual appearance.
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| Circuit layout rights
Circuit layout rights automatically protect original layout designs for integrated circuits and computer chips.
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| Plant Breeder's Rights
Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR) are exclusive commercial rights to a registered variety of plant.
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