Apply for a patent

Introduction

If you've developed a new device, substance, method, or process, you can apply for a patent to give you rights over your invention in Australia. 

Standard patent

The standard patent applies to an invention that is new, useful, and involves an inventive step. It'll need to be examined by IP Australia and will have to satisfy the relevant requirements of the Patents Act 1990.

The standard patent:

• is legally enforceable
• lasts up to 20 years (25 years for pharmaceutical substances)
• usually takes up to 5 years to be granted.

Patents in other countries

If you want to obtain protection in other countries, you can file separate patents in each country, or file a Patent Corporation Treaty (PCT) which will give you more time to decide whether you want to pursue patent protection, and in which countries.

Eligibility

• You must be able to prove you're the actual inventor, or that you have entitlement from the actual inventor(s).
• You can be an individual, a company or an organisation, but not a firm or partnership.

What you need

• the completed application form
• your specification including claims, abstract, drawings
• application fee.

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Search on the AusPat website and international sites to ensure you are not duplicating work that's already been done. If you need specific help and advice, contact an Intellectual Property (IP) professional.
3. Gather your specification, claims, abstract and drawings, and select the 'Apply online' button and complete your application online.

More information

• If you don't want your home address published online, provide a post office box or other valid address within Australia.
• The key purpose of the patent system is to publish knowledge and promote progress.
• Don't demonstrate, sell or discuss your invention before you apply for a patent. If you want to talk about it with employees or business partners, have them sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Consider filing a provisional application first which gives you 12 months to think about the commercial merits of your invention, and whether it is worth pursuing patent protection.
• If your application is for a standard patent, you must request examination within 5 years of your filing date.
• Your patent will only be legally enforceable once you've submitted your application and gone through the examination process.
• You'll need to pay annual maintenance fees on your patent/patent application, or it will lapse.