Search

Notice of objection

The Toyota story: What can SMEs learn from Toyota’s approach to counterfeit products?

Exploring the WIPO Good Offices Program: A practical alternative to IP litigation

When it comes to intellectual property (IP) and technology related disputes, going to court is not the only option, nor necessarily the best one. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center offers alternative routes to avoid having to resolve your dispute by way of court litigation.

Apply for a patent

Apply for a patent to protect your invention from being copied

Prepare and submit formal patent applications to IP Australia to secure exclusive rights for your invention.
Estimated cost:
  $400 to apply
  $2,000-$10,000 in legal fees
Estimated effort:
  Months
Rate of resolution:
  Over 30,000 patents are filed annually in Australia
 

Support from your vendors

Ask your suppliers and sellers to help protect your IP

Contact businesses you work with to raise concerns about suspected IP infringement and ask for their help preventing further infringement.
Estimated cost:
  Free
Estimated effort:
  Days to weeks
Rate of resolution:
  Variable

IP strategy

Develop a strategy to manage your IP

Develop a  forward-looking intellectual property (IP) strategy that may help you take proactive steps to secure, manage and enforce your IP.
Estimated cost:
  Free, plus optional professional fees
Estimated effort:
  Days to weeks
Rate of resolution:
  Common when multiple IP assets are held
 

Professional IP advice

Obtain advice to help manage your IP

Seek expert advice on proactively avoiding IP issues.
Estimated cost:
  Professional fees apply
Estimated effort:
  Ongoing
Rate of resolution:
  Variable

IP laws

Familiarise yourself with IP laws

Explains the key laws, regulations and rules that form the legal backbone of IP rights in Australia—so you can better understand what applies to your situation and why legal help is often needed.

Monitor competitors' IP

Monitor the trade mark register and market for competitor activity

Ensure the exclusivity of your trade mark by detecting potential conflicts early.
Estimated cost:
  Free, plus optional professional fees
Estimated effort:
  Hours to days
Rate of resolution:
  Common practice
 

Hiring a professional

Choosing a Qualified Person (QP) to conduct growing trials

Deciding who will conduct growing trials for your plant breeder’s rights application.
Estimated cost:
  Variable fees
Estimated effort:
  Years
Rate of resolution:
  Required for all PBR applications