The role of IP Australia is to ensure that Australians benefit from the effective use of intellectual property, particularly through increased innovation, investment and trade. IP Australia aims to achieve this by providing intellectual property services that have the right balance of quality, cost and customer service. It works closely with industry groups and overseas groups to encourage greater and more cost effective intellectual property protection for Australians. IP Australia's five major outputs reflect the Government's desire to provide an effective intellectual property system in Australia and internationally, resulting in enhanced industrial development and improved living standards for all Australians. Patent rights stimulate investment and trade by providing incentives to invent and to transfer technology.
Design rights provide an incentive to individuals and industry to create and innovate.
Trade marks allow traders to build and protect business reputations, and this can increase their sales and the value of their investments. At the same time, consumers benefit from the trade mark system through confidence in the origin and quality of goods and services. Public information and Awareness is concerned with ensuring all Australians are aware of the benefits of intellectual property protection and how to manage it as an important element of their business assets. Program Development represents the conduct of IP research, policy development and advice and the development of IP policy and influence in international activities. Strategic Directions IP Australia's strategic directions are identified in the Corporate Plan, which is available on our home page .