Please provide links to your website where the requested information can be found in English, French, or Spanish. Alternately, you may provide text responses instead of URLs if desired. If the information is not available on your website in an ATR language, then please provide text.
URLs in responses should meet the following requirements:
Information on the following topics is desired :
IP Australia’s Corporate Plan contains several strategic objectives and significant initiatives relevant to trade mark information activities. The initiatives include the following:
In late 2025 we amended the Trade Marks Regulations, primarily to maintain Australia’s compliance with Madrid System changes and make some improvements to the hearings and oppositions process. Amendments were made in the Trade Marks Amendment (International Registrations, Hearings and Oppositions) Regulations 2025.
In July 2025, IP Australia also responded to a call from the Australian Government for ideas to support productivity and economic growth through regulatory reforms that boost business productivity. In a public response, IP Australia proposed trade mark measures to consider in 2026 and beyond.
People + Technology + Efficiency Program (P+T+E): This program was established to explore opportunities for further innovation in a rapidly changing technology ecosystem. Projects under the P+T+E Program contribute to several objectives of the Corporate Plan, and are intended to keep IP Australia efficient, relevant, and flexible in how services are delivered customers and stakeholders. The P+T+E Program comprises four projects. One of these projects involved a discovery and ideation process to identify new AI use cases for patent and trade mark application processing and examination. The program also involved oversight of implementing our whole-of-government requirements for responsible AI use.
Trade Mark Report Drafting Assistant: This is an AI use case progressed under the P+T+E program. The use case is focused on supporting examiners with AI-assisted drafting of customer reports, without forming part of the decision-making process itself. The intended benefit is to create efficiency gains while supporting improved quality and consistency in written communication with customers. Experiments using non-production ‘mock’ tasks have demonstrated improvements across both efficiency and quality metrics. Components of the use case are currently in the piloting stage, while further work is being undertaken to inform the development and consideration of other aspects of a potential AI production tool in this space.
Product Management: During 2025, IP Australia commenced implementation of a business-led product operating model to strengthen collaboration between business and technology functions and support the ongoing development and improvement of IT products for IP rights.
As part of ongoing improvements to the trade mark filing experience, IP Australia integrated Trade Mark Checker (TM Checker) into Online Services and the IP Australia website in late 2024. The enhancement introduced optional TM Checker searching within the TM Headstart workflow, provided guided support for applicants while allowing direct filing, and pre-populated application fields using previously supplied customer information. During 2025, IP Australia monitored the impact of these enhancements and implemented iterative improvements informed by user and operational data.
IP Australia’s internal administrative system for trade marks electronically receives, processes and monitors IP right cases and their related customer interactions. The system is in a continuous improvement stage, with backlog items being delivered each year.
Applications filed at IP Australia
Year | Domestic | International | Madrid | Total |
2025 | 55,892 | 24,241 | 17,212 | 97,345 |
2024 | 48,563 | 20,961 | 16,420 | 85,944 |
2023 | 49,002 | 16,916 | 17,675 | 83,593 |
2022 | 44,610 | 14,635 | 19,597 | 78,842 |
2021 | 53,323 | 15,796 | 19,629 | 88,748 |
Applications registered at IP Australia
Year | Domestic | International | Madrid | Total |
2025 | 36,428 | 19,104 | 15,082 | 70,614 |
2024 | 35,924 | 16,202 | 14,854 | 66,980 |
2023 | 33,965 | 12,496 | 16,380 | 62,841 |
2022 | 38,121 | 13,240 | 18,363 | 69,724 |
2021 | 40,274 | 12,807 | 17,522 | 70,603 |
In 2025, trade mark applications filed in Australia increased by 13.3% on their level in 2024 and 9.7% above the previous peak recorded in 2021. Trade mark registrations reached a new high, up by 5.4% (to 70,614 in total), marking 3 consecutive years of growth. Further details can be found in IP Australia’s 2026 IP Report, available at https://ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/professional-resources/data-research-and-reports.
Latest news: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/news-and-community/news
Statistics & Australian IP Report: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/professional-resources/data-research-and-reports
Information on the following topics is desired :
IP Australia provides information on its website to support applicants filing. If required, IP Australia provides further support through our contact centre or online enquiry channels: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/trade-marks/how-to-apply-for-a-trade-mark.
Trade Mark Search system: https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/search/quick
Australia classifies goods and services according to the Nice Classification. Australia updated the 12th Edition of Nice (2024 Update), with all applications filed on or after 1 January 2025 being classified according to the updated version of the 12th Edition.
Applicants are encouraged but not obliged to use pre-defined classification terms. Checking of goods or services statements is performed manually where the statement is free text furnished by the applicant.
An online form (e-form) allows applicants to choose from a pre-defined selection of classification goods/services terms (the Pick-list) relating to a trade mark application, or otherwise specify their own goods/services. In 2024, IP Australia aligned the Australian Pick-list to the WIPO Madrid Goods and Services list. Approximately 66% of electronic filers use the Pick-list functionality. Goods and services statements provided via the Pick-list functionality do not require manual checking.
Users can use the Trade Marks Classification Search to browse and search for terms on the Pick-list via the semantic or keyword search function. Semantic search functionality was implemented as part of the Trade Mark International Classification Service (TMICS) in 2024, when IP Australia aligned with the WIPO Madrid Goods and Services list. TMICS leverages natural language processing (AI) technology to help users find goods and services that not only match search terms, but are also semantically related. TMICS is also embedded IP Australia’s Online Services system, used when applying for a trade mark.
Australia does not use the Vienna Classification scheme to classify the figurative elements of marks. Rather, figurative elements are classified (and searched) according to a glossary of device terms developed by the Office. For example, the WIPO device is indexed as follows:
1 ANNULUS
2 CONCENTRIC
3 HAND
4 PEN
5 BOOK,OPEN
6 GRAIN,EAR
7 VIOLIN
8 WHEEL,GEAR
9 MUSICAL-INSTRUMENT
10 CIRCLE+
11 ROUND
12 ROUND+
Each device term may then be used as a search criterion, either singularly or in combination, in order to locate marks with similar device characteristics.
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No comment provided.
Information on the following topics is desired :
The Australian Trade Mark Search (ATMS) is available online, free of charge, via the IP Australia website (https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/search/quick) and contains both bibliographic text and images. ATMS has replaced the Official Journal of Trade Marks and makes information available in a flexible, modern and user-friendly way, while preventing potential confusion and reducing redundancies. ATMS is a more reliable, searchable and up-to-date single source of information for crucial dates and other required information relating to trade marks.
Other general trade mark information is generally made available on IP Australia’s website, for example as an Official Notice or a non-legislative instrument:
Examination Reports are generated electronically and are issued to customers online via IP Australia’s online portal: https://portal.ipaustralia.gov.au/login.
Trade mark publications are available at any time from their date of publication using the “Advanced” search within ATMS. A "History and Publications" summary is available for each mark.
Prior to November 2024, the Australian Official Journal of Trade Marks published daily updates of filings, acceptances and registrations. Editions dating from 12 November 2018 to 31 October 2024 are available here: https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/journals. Weekly journals published before 12 November 2018 are available for download in PDF format (https://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/ols/epublish/content/olsTrademarkPDFs.jsp).
Information categories include:
The IP Australia website also provides access to a variety of forms and publications, including IP legislation, official notices, hearings decisions, practice & procedure manuals, etc.
The primary business system used by trade mark examiners is Rights in One (RIO). This system maintains the data relating to trade marks, including bibliographic data and documents, and is used for electronically receiving, processing and monitoring IP right cases and their related customer interactions.
During examination, examiners have access to an examination dashboard - a suite of specialist tools that allow them to manage search and research in support of their examination decisions. The tools include:
IP Australia also uses WIPO Digital Access Services (WIPO DAS) information for exchanging priority documentation and will transition to exclusive use of the WIPO DAS Office Portal in April 2026.
IP Australia publishes the Trade Marks Manual of Practice and Procedure at https://manuals.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademark to assist with examination.
The following databases and information are available through the IP Australia and the Australian Government Data website:
ATMS is used by external users to search for trade marks and their bibliographic information, including legal status information. It is free of charge and is not subscription based.
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Information on the following topics is desired :
Online Services: An interactive cloud-based website designed for self-filers to file applications and manage existing IPRs: https://portal.ipaustralia.gov.au/login
Business 2 Business (B2B) API channel: Allows professional IP service providers to submit applications and manage IPRs via APIs: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/Professional-resources/APIs
Order Management Workbench (OMW): An internal web-based interface which allows IP Australia to register and manage customer service requests along with their associated financial details in a single system. It supports tracking, processing, and maintaining these requests while ensuring continuity of business operations and data integrity. It is a bespoke java application.
Rights In One (RIO): The primary business system for trade marks administration and examination. It runs on a PEGA Case Management system.
DocGen: The primary corporate platform for the generation of customer correspondence. In runs on Intelledox and is in the implementation stages of transitioning to the cloud based version, SmartIQ. It is integrated with RIO and the Online customer portal.
Madrid e-filing: WIPO’s online platform for international applications. Australian customers can submit international applications using the platform. Access to the platform is integrated with the Online application portal.
Online Services and B2B via API IPR application and management tools are cloud based.
IP Australia’s legacy systems have been moved off-premises and moved into offsite, commercial, shared data centres and high available containerised architecture has been applied to majority of critical business applications.
IP Australia uses enterprise laptops with Windows 11 Operating system and MS365 office productivity tools.
Legacy systems have been moved off-premises and moved into offsite, enterprise, shared data centres and high available containerised architecture has been applied to majority of business-critical applications.
The primary business system is Rights In One (RIO) which runs in a cloud environment.
IP Australia also has access to the WIPO DAS to supplement the information available for internal use.
Trade mark examiners at IP Australia generate search files from a variety of internally and externally available sources of data. Search material considered by the examiner during substantive examination is recorded and stored via the Rights in One system referred to above. Documents from other offices may be included on the case file where relevant, including documents from WIPO relating to International Registrations Designating Australia.
Once a trade mark is indexed, an examination task is created and assigned to a queue for examination. This task is used to launch the examination dashboard, where substantive examination is performed.
The examination dashboard is a suite of specialist tools that allow them to manage their own search and research work in support of their examination decisions. The tools include:
The dashboard saves search and research files to the case in PDF format once the examination has been completed. Supplementary search files can be added to the case at later stages of the application lifecycle, if required. Dashboards are available for retrieval and reuse for up to 2 years from the date of generation.
Correspondence is generated using DocGen. For examination reports, RIO retrieves any issues identified during examination from the dashboard and prepares the appropriate template for examiners to edit.
The primary business system for trade marks is RIO. This system maintains the data relating to trade marks, enabling administrative management.
File building: A RIO case is established for each trade mark application on filing. This has an automated workflow that captures, files, publishes and sends notices to the relevant parties.
Updating: RIO creates cases as user requests (correspondence) are received from customers via the digital transactional channels. Each case has a specific workflow and assessment criteria to assist users in the processing of the task.
Storage: RIO adds documents to the database and prepares structured data (if submitted) within the relevant workflow for a user to action (e.g., apply an amendment) or reject (e.g., not apply an amendment if the requirements for amendment are not met).
Register: ATMS is the official register of Trade Marks for Australia; data is provided from the RIO database to ATMS with a daily data sync. The legal status of a trade mark is sourced from the RIO database and published on ATMS.
Statistics: Data is collected using designated business facts and defined metadata, stored within the RIO database. IP Australia uses this database for reporting purposes.
Administrative support: The administrative team at IP Australia also use the same RIO system for management of electronic records, administrative support and workflow.
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Information on the following topics is desired :
All Australian trade mark records/documents are handled in accordance with Office procedures set down under Australian Law and archiving practices.
Australian trade mark data is retrievable using the web-based Australian Trade Mark Search interface: https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/search/quick.
The Australian trade mark database is also available via an API: https://portal.api.ipaustralia.gov.au/s/communityapi/a082w000000LObMAAW/developersaustraliantrademarksearchapi.
IP Australia provides useful tools and information on a wide range of information related to intellectual property via IP Australia’s website (http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/) including:
IP Australia provides guidelines and resources on how to search existing trade marks in Australia and internationally at https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/trade-marks/search-existing-trade-marks.
Engagement activities are targeted into the following groups:
Overview of primary engagement activity types:
Ongoing promotion is conducted via social media, email subscription newsletters and proactive message multiplier networks such as peak industry bodies and other government organisations.
IP Australia takes a strategic approach to engagement with small business by establishing a partnership network across government, universities and industry associations, leveraging their networks and the credibility they have in IP Australia’s target audience of start-ups and small to medium enterprises.
IP Australia is planning to release a limited series of podcasts to deliver IP education in plain English targeted at small business, start-ups and entrepreneurs. The 4-part series will cover:
See Hybrid Presentations and Workshops (30-45 minutes) above.
’Upskill’ is IP Australia’s online e-learning program that helps small business understand the basics of trade marks. This 5-step education program is designed to support self-filers in developing and submitting their trade mark application: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/business-resources/trade-mark-basics-course.
Please also refer to comments in previous section.
No comment provided.
Information on the following topics is desired :
International exchange of information can be facilitated using IP Australia’s trade marks bulk data products: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/Professional-resources/bulk-data-requests
The ATMS API allows you to search for Australian trade marks and retrieve data displayed on the ATMS website. The API Developer Portal can be accessed at https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/professional-resources/apis.
IP Australia is engaged with the Committee of WIPO Standards (CWS) and participates in the development and application of standards for IP Offices to exchange data in automated, machine-readable ways. IP Australia is also involved in various non-CWS task forces, workshops and projects.
In particular, IP Australia participates in the Digital Transformation Task Force, which is reviewing proposed updates relating to trade mark and design rights in WIPO Standard ST.92, relating to the exchange of priority documentation.
Since IP Australia adopted WIPO’s Madrid Goods and Services list (MGS list) in 2024, we have engaged with WIPO to make improvements to the MGS list, including additions and amendments to reflect Australian terms. This takes the form of a monthly meeting and email exchange. We also actively participate in the annual Nice Union Committee of Experts meeting to propose and vote on proposals that shape Nice Classification.
IP Australia has assisted developing countries through the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) Implementation Support Program. Notably, IP Australia contributed to consultation for the ‘Human Resources Competency Framework for AANZFTA IP Services’ led by the Philippines which supports capacity building for IP offices in the ASEAN region.
Through Australia-WIPO Funds in Trust (FiT) program, Australia has provided capacity building to women entrepreneurs and SMEs in the Pacific and ASEAN regions. The training provided enhanced their understanding on the benefits of IP and supported them to build an IP business strategy.
No comment provided.
Note: For each Standard listed below, please enter one of the following values:
"Fully implemented"
The WIPO Standard has been implemented in a manner compliant or compatible with the Standard.
"Partially implemented"
The WIPO Standard has been implemented in part. The Office practice aligns with some, but not all, requirements of the Standard.
"On implementation phase"
The decision to implement the WIPO Standard has been made and it is currently being deployed, configured, or integrated into systems and workflows.
"Planning to implement"
The decision to implement the WIPO Standard has been made; planning activities (resource allocation, timeline development, technical design) are underway before actual implementation begins.
"On assessment phase"
The WIPO Standard is under active evaluation to determine its feasibility, technical requirements, costs, benefits, and alignment with organizational needs before making an implementation decision.
"No plan to implement"
The WIPO Standard has been reviewed and there is currently no intention or plan to implement it.
WIPO Standard ST.2: Standard manner for designating calendar dates by using the Gregorian calendar
Fully implemented
IP Australia's public search tools for each IP right represent dates according to this Standard.
WIPO Standard ST.3: Recommended standard on two-letter codes for the representation of states, other entities and intergovernmental organizations
Fully implemented
IP Australia follows WIPO ST.3 and applies these two-letter codes as appropriate.
WIPO Standard ST.13: Recommendation for the numbering of applications for industrial property rights (IPRs)
No plan to implement
For trade marks, numbering is sequential and based on the order in which applications are received.
WIPO Standard ST.60: Recommendation concerning bibliographic data relating to marks
No plan to implement
Due to changes in legislation, all trade mark information is now available in TM Checker or Australian Trade Mark Search, rather than a formal journal or gazette publication.
WIPO Standard ST.61: Recommendation for the exchange of trademark legal status data
No plan to implement
IP Australia's processes are similar to the Standard, though terminology is not fully aligned. No formal decision has been made to implement.
WIPO Standard ST.62: Recommendation concerning standard abbreviation for “Vienna Classification”
No plan to implement
IP Australia does not follow the Vienna Classification system.
WIPO Standard ST.63: Recommendation concerning the content and layout of trademark gazettes
No plan to implement
Due to changes in legislation, all trade mark information is now available in TM Checker or Australian Trade Mark Search, rather than a formal journal or gazette publication.
WIPO Standard ST.64: Recommended search files for trademark search
Partially implemented
Some of the recommendations in the Standard are provided as default in IP Australia's Online Services.
WIPO Standard ST.66: Recommendation for the processing of trademark information using XML (extensible markup language)
No plan to implement
IP Australia currently uses MECA for Madrid trade mark data exchanges. For occasional exchanges in XML, some aspects may coincidentally align with ST.66.
WIPO Standard ST.67: Recommendations for the electronic management of the figurative elements of trademarks
No plan to implement
IP Australia's legislative requirements do not adhere to this Standard, and therefore would be unable to enforce it. Some applications may coincidentally meet recommendations in the Standard, but applicants are not required to follow them.
WIPO Standard ST.68: Recommendations for the electronic management of sound marks
No plan to implement
IP Australia's legislative requirements do not adhere to this Standard, and therefore would be unable to enforce it. Some applications may coincidentally meet recommendations in the Standard, but applicants are not required to follow them.
WIPO Standard ST.69: Recommendation for the electronic management of motion and multimedia marks
Partially implemented
Some of the recommendations in the Standard are provided as default in IP Australia's Online Services.
WIPO Standard ST.90: Recommendation for processing and communicating intellectual property data using web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)
Partially implemented
APIs developed by IP Australia default to JSON as the request and response data formats. As needed, external interactions provide XML and follow WIPO Standards including ST.90.
WIPO Standard ST.91: Recommendations on digital three-dimensional (3D) models and 3D images
No plan to implement
IP Australia does not accept 3D images in trade mark applications.
WIPO Standard ST.92: Recommendations on the data package format for the electronic exchange of priority documents
Planning to implement
In 2026, IP Australia's priority document exchange mechanisms will change in preparation for ST.92. Trade mark documentation will be exchanged via WIPO DAS Portal.
WIPO Standard ST.96: Recommendation for the processing of intellectual property information using XML (extensible markup language)
No plan to implement
This Standard is not in use for trade marks at IP Australia at this stage.
WIPO Standard ST.97: Recommendation for processing of intellectual property data using JSON
Partially implemented
Industry standards and IP Australia naming standards are followed for most JSON payloads.
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