Patents accessibility review

We’re reviewing patent system accessibility for Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The review is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to ensuring our intellectual property (IP) framework supports the needs of smaller businesses. This means ensuring that they:

• don’t face unreasonable barriers and costs
• understand the system and how to protect their IP
• get appropriate support and advice

Independent expert Emeritus Professor Raoul Mortley AO is leading the review. He’s:

• investigating costs, processing times, advice and SME awareness levels
• providing options to improve access and support

The review will start on 10 August 2020 and finish in early 2021.

Terms of reference

Read the Patents Accessibility Review terms of reference [544KB PDF] [61KB DOCX]

Public consultation

The review will gather stakeholder input through:

• targeted interviews
• public submissions
• See the review discussion paper and give feedback on our Consultation hub until 31 October

Our role

Our department develops IP policy and is supporting the review.

IP Australia administers the patent system and provides IP resources for SMEs.

Read more

• The Minister announced the review on 26 May 2020
• We consulted with SMEs on commercialising business ideas in 2019
• We published the government’s response to a Productivity Commission Inquiry into Intellectual Property Arrangements in 2017

Contact us

Email PAR@industry.gov.au

See also

See how we are helping Australian small and family businesses thrive