The 2025 edition of the Australian IP Report offers an insightful overview of how Australians are using intellectual property (IP) rights to fuel innovation, support economic growth, and navigate global uncertainty. With comprehensive data and research, this year’s report highlights a noticeable rise in trade mark and design filings, underscoring the growing strategic value of IP in an evolving global economy.
Design and Trade Mark Activity on the Rise
In 2024, trade mark filings increased by 2.8%, reaching levels second only to the 2021 peak. Design filings saw an even stronger boost, rising 8.9% year-on-year to record highs. These trends were largely driven by innovation in the household goods and transport sectors, with Chinese filers showing significant growth due to advances in ecommerce and electric vehicle manufacturing.
Meanwhile, standard patent applications dropped slightly (–3.3%), though patent grants surged by 23.8%, reflecting improvements in examination efficiency.
IP as a Strategic Tool Amid Global Uncertainty
Amid ongoing economic uncertainty and international trade tensions, Australian businesses are increasingly turning to IP rights as strategic assets. For exporters in particular, IP-protected brands and designs offer a cushion against market shocks. A recent study of 9,000 Australian manufacturers showed that those with trade mark protection in overseas markets were more likely to expand and diversify in response to exchange rate and tariff volatility.
IP rights also play a critical role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to attract investment and compete globally. The system’s flexibility—including the ability to influence application timelines—offers further strategic advantages, especially for early-stage innovators.
A Global Outlook and International Engagement
Australia’s engagement on the international IP stage continues to deepen. In 2024, Australia played a key role in finalising two major treaties. The first requires patent applicants to disclose the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, supporting Indigenous Peoples’ rights and fostering benefit sharing. The second—the Riyadh Design Law Treaty—aims to simplify international design protections and reduce regulatory barriers.
Commercialisation and Collaboration
The report also highlights increased activity in commercialisation and licensing of IP rights, particularly patents. This signals a broader interest not just in securing protection, but in leveraging it commercially. Additionally, the rise in co-filed and collaboratively developed applications reflects growing international partnerships in innovation.
New Data Tools to Empower Users
IP Australia has launched the IP Rights Overview, a new tool that visualises trends through intuitive graphics and draws on over 100 years of IP data via the IP RAPID platform. Combined with educational resources and services, these tools are designed to empower innovators, businesses and policymakers.
Now in its 13th year, the Australian IP Report continues to inform and engage a broad audience—from policymakers and researchers to global partners and local entrepreneurs. It highlights the enduring importance of intellectual property in shaping a resilient, innovative Australia.
The full report is available on the IP Australia website. For those managing IP portfolios that extend into Australia, the 2025 data provides useful guidance for planning, monitoring, and strategic filing.
Stay Ahead — Strategically
Australia’s IP landscape is shifting, and informed decisions start with the right data. Whether you’re managing filings or mapping future growth, understanding the latest trends can make all the difference.
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