Annual Technical Report on Industrial Design Information Activities in 2025 submitted by IP Australia

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:

  • Link to pages with information in English, Spanish, or French
  • The URL will remain stable over time (at least three years, preferably more)
  • Goes to the specific information requested, not to a general homepage
  • If the URL goes to a long PDF document such as an annual report, please indicate which sections or pages contain relevant information.
  • Provide additional instructions for using the URL if needed. For instance, if the page requires the user to login first, or if the requested information requires selecting certain options or filters on the page that can not be included in the URL. 


The term "industrial designs" covers industrial designs and models.

Offices which issue design patents should report their design patent information activities in this series of Annual Technical Reports.

I. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Information on the following topics is desired:

  • Outline of main policies and plans aimed at development of industrial design information activities and expected time frames for their realization

IP Australia’s Corporate Plan contains several strategic objectives and significant initiatives relevant to design information activities. The initiatives include the following:

  • A new ICT Strategy 2026-2030 was delivered in November 2025 and details activities under 5 key themes (engagement; innovation; enablement; workforce; operations) to support IP Australia’s vision to become a world leading IP system through modern, intelligent and trusted technology.
  • AI and Automated Decision Making (ADM) tool development, governance and risk management.
  • Mature our approach to preventing, detecting and disrupting malicious and scam activities impacting users of the IP system, enhancing confidence in the system.

In July 2025, IP Australia responded to a call from the Government for ideas to support productivity and economic growth, by identifying regulatory reform that would help boost productivity amongst Australian business. Amongst a suite of measures, IP Australia proposed two measures to facilitate growth and innovation in the design sector. The two proposals would expand design protection to include the look of a product when switched on or in use and also permit protection for part of a physical product. The Government will decide whether to proceed with legislation and further consultation in due course.

More information can be found in our consultation webpage Enhancing Australian Design Protection - IP Australia - Consultation Hub - Citizen Space.

  • New projects launched or resumed this year in the context of the policies(plans) mentioned above, short description:  aims, partners, tasks

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 program also involved oversight of implementing our whole-of-government requirements for responsible AI use.

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.

  • Main areas of industrial design information activities and related information and communication technology (ICT) practices which were in the focus of attention last year

Designs System Revitalisation (DSR): This multi-year project was completed at end 2025, delivering enhancements to usability, accessibility and functionality of the Designs case management system (RIO for Designs). The project implemented new user interfaces and improved workflows, resulting in improvements to operational efficiency.

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 designs related IT products.

  • Statistics:  changes in terms of application filings and grants (registrations) with respect to previous year;  trends or areas experiencing rapid changes

Item 

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020 

Applications 

10,296

9,610

8,798

7,869

8,123

7,170

Registrations 

9,727

8,854

8,000

7,592

8,022

6,329

Certifications 

1,448

1,474

1,540

1,241

1,377

997

In 2025, designs applications increased by 7.1% and registrations also reached a record high by 9.9% (to 9,727 in total). Further details can be found in IP Australis’s 2026 IP Report, available at: https://ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/professional-resources/data-research-and-reports.

  • Other matters and useful links (URLs):  annual report of the Office, news page, statistics, etc.

Latest news: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/news-and-community

Statistics & Australian IP Report: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/professional-resources/data-research-and-reports

II. SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Information on the following topics is desired:

  • Information and support provided by the Office to applicants regarding filing on paper and/or e-filing (instructions, seminars, etc.) – URLs

The primary form of publication of industrial design information is the IP Australia website. The main page is https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/designs.

In particular, applicants can access the search guide and information via the HELP button located on Australian Design Search:

The Designs Examiners’ Manual of Practice and Procedure is also available as a resource, which can also be accessed through the Australian Design Search: https://manuals.ipaustralia.gov.au/design

In part 2.2 of the Designs Examiners’ Manual of Practice and Procedure, Registration processes provide applicants with information on filing/submitting applications through Online Services portal, the Business 2 Business (B2B) interface or in paper form, either by post or in person: https://manuals.ipaustralia.gov.au/design/registration-process

Applicants for designs are encouraged to apply via electronic means through the Online Services portal. If the applicant is unable to access those online services, there are other means including by post. A higher fee structure may apply in these circumstances.

  • Availability of the application dossier in electronic form

Registration and application bibliographical data is available via the Australian Design Search system: https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/designs/search/quick.

  • Classification and reclassification activities;  classification system used, e.g., International Classification for Industrial Designs (Locarno Classification), other classification

IP Australia uses a system of classification based on the International Classification for Industrial Designs (known also as the Locarno Classification System because it is based on the Locarno Agreement). Classifications are assigned during formalities assessment prior to registration.

Australia is not a party to the Locarno Agreement, but IP Australia still uses the system to classify designs as much as possible within Australian legislative requirements and restrictions: https://manuals.ipaustralia.gov.au/design/classification-systems.

  • Other activities

IP Australia provides information on the availability of a grace period protection for those who accidentally publish, or those who were unaware they needed to file for protection before disclosure. For example, a designer who unintentionally publishes a design on social media can still seek protection for it within the 12 months period provided it meets the criteria listed within the grace period provisions: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/designs/applying-for-a-design/grace-period.

III. SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE

Information on the following topics is desired:

  • Main types of publications in the field of industrial design information, outline of the content (industrial design applications, design patents, registrations, etc.) and medium (on paper, on CDs, online – URLs)

IP Australia provides industrial design information primarily through online publications and databases. The main source is the IP Australia website, which includes guidance on design rights and access to online services. Official information about design applications, registrations and other legal events is published in the Australian Official Journal of Designs, which is issued online on a regular basis. Detailed information on individual design applications and registered designs, including images and legal status, is available free of charge through the Australian Design Search database (https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/designs/search/quick). These resources are provided electronically via the IP Australia website, with older journal issues available as archived PDFs.

The primary form of publication of industrial design information is the IP Australia website. The main page is https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/designs. The content available ranges from design rights facts, guides and tutorials to the Online Services portal.

  • Official Gazettes:  main types of announcements, frequency of publication, medium (on paper, on CDs, online – (URL), etc.

The Official Journal is available online: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/ols/edesign/epublish/search_page.jsp? and contains the following announcements:

  • Applications Filed
  • Applications Registered or Published
  • Registrations Certified, Revoked, or Ceased
  • Amendments, Changes and Corrections
  • Applications Lapsed or Withdrawn
  • Assignment, Transmittals and Transfers
  • Extensions of Time
  • Renewal of Registration
  • Official Notices.

Offers of surrendering a design are available in the Supplement to the Australian Official Journal of Designs in PDF format.

PDF back copies of The Australian Official Journal of Designs up to June 2005 can be accessed at the following URL: http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/ols/epublish/content/olsDesignPDFs.jsp.

  • Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) available to examiners, including external documentation and databases

IP Australia’s Designs examiners have access to information (both not available to the public, and available to the public) via our Rights in One (RIO), a Pega system, and AWS S3 storage. For examination purposes, designs examiners have unfiltered access to online resources to inform their decision making.

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. The coverage of information available to examiners includes documents on the file that are not publicly available (such as information relating to before a design is registered or published).

The following information is both publicly available and available to examiners:

  • product name
  • status
  • priority date (including convention details)
  • filing date
  • applicant (ownership)
  • designer
  • any related designs.

The following information is not publicly available prior to registration, but is available to examiners:

  • representations
  • address for service
  • statement of newness and distinctiveness.

More information is available at: https://manuals.ipaustralia.gov.au/design/publication-and-file-access--overview.

In addition, IP Australia publishes the Designs Manual of Practice and Procedure at https://manuals.ipaustralia.gov.au/design to assist with examination.

  • Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) and services available to external users;  conditions of access (e.g., free of charge, subscription, etc.)

Bibliographic data and images for registered designs post-1972 are available, free of charge via:

  • Legal status information (kind of information, coverage, medium, etc.)

The legal status information of designs is available via Australian Design Search or via Australian Design Search API:

Since joining DESIGNview in September 2021, design information from IP Australia (including legal status information) is also available via EUIPO DESIGNview: https://www.tmdn.org/tmdsview-web/#/dsview

  • Other sources 

No comment provided.

IV. ICT SUPPORT TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Information on the following topics is desired:

  • Specific software tools supporting business procedures within the Office:  general description, characteristics, advantages, possible improvements

Online Services: An interactive cloud-based website designed for self-filers to file applications and manage existing IPRs: https://portal.ipaustralia.gov.au/login

B2B API channel: Allows professional IP service providers to submit new 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 design 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.

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.

  • Hardware used to supporting business processes of the Office

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.

  • Internal databases:  coverage, updates, interlinks with external sources

The primary business system is the Rights In One (RIO) which runs in a cloud environment. The primary internal database is the Designs Register (which contains information that is not publicly-available).

Once the design is registered the information is available via Australian Designs Search. IP Australia also has access to the WIPO DAS to supplement the information available for internal use.

  • Establishment and maintenance of electronic search file:  file building, updating, storage, documents from other offices included in the search file

Designs examiners at IP Australia generate search files from a variety of internally and externally available sources of data. Search information is recorded and stored via the Rights in One system referred to above. The Rights in One system conducts regular automatic updates that will update and sync the search files generated by examiners.

Design examiners search the following databases and resources external to records generated by IP Australia:

  • the owner’s website(s) (if applicable)
  • social media platforms, where appropriate and particularly the owner’s own social media profiles
  • Google, and if appropriate other Internet search engines
  • where priority is claimed, the local IP office register, where practical. The Global Design Database or DESIGNview provides results across multiple IP office registers.
  • Administrative management electronic systems (register, legal status, statistics, and administrative support)

The administrative team at IP Australia also use the same Rights In One system for management of electronic records, administrative support and workflow.

  • Other matters 

No comment provided.

V. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AIMED TO SUPPORT USERS IN ACCESS AND EFFICIENT USE OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION

Information on the following topics is desired:

  • Office’s library (if deals with industrial design information): equipment, collection management, network of libraries in the country, cooperation with foreign libraries

All Australian IP rights records/documents are handled in accordance with IP Australia office procedures set down under Australian Law in archival and record management practices.

Australian Designs data is retrievable using the web-based Australian Designs Search Interface: https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/designs/search/quick.

  • Publications related to different business procedures and industrial design information sources available to users, for example, books, brochures, Internet publications, etc.

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 designs in Australia and internationally at https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/design-rights/how-to-search-existing-designs.

  • Cooperation with universities, technology and innovation support centers, etc.

Engagement activities are targeted into the following groups:

  • Government departments and agencies: Commonwealth and State based programs that engage with IP Australia’s target audience. These often use a Business Advisor network who have been trained in ‘Introduction to IP’.
  • Universities: early career researchers, undergraduate and industry collaborations, working with accelerator programs, undergraduate innovation courses, and higher degree programs.
  • Peak Industry bodies: industry associations that represent small and medium enterprises; providing objective information that can be channelled through the associations, leveraging any Business Advisor networks they have.
  • Direct: IP Australia provides webinars and resources designed for self-service on IP Australia’s website and promoted through social media and newsletters, aimed at the end-user/self-filer.
  • Indigenous: IP Australia has a dedicated set of resources including videos, fact sheets and a call-back service — Yarnline — to support Indigenous business owners engaging with the IP system (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKQCVnHG2m0).

Overview of primary engagement activity types:

  • Sponsorships and partnerships: IP Australia works with a network of partners across government, industry and university sectors to multiply messaging, leverage networks and embed information in these channels to uplift awareness, knowledge and capability in IP. Partnership activities may include:
    • co-hosted virtual or in person information sessions
    • live or in person panel discussions
    • bespoke articles published in partner newsletters and/or on social media channels
    • education links and materials embedded in partner websites.
  • Hybrid Presentations and Workshops (30-45 minutes): Live sessions hosted by IP Australia Public Education staff which include:
    • pre-sessions survey (to understand audience profile)
    • welcome and introduction
    • short presentation by a subject matter expert (experienced IP examiner)
    • Q&A
    • links to relevant online education resources
    • post sessions survey (to understand attendee satisfaction and areas for improvement).
  • Social media and newsletter: IP Australia engages with our audiences via digital platforms to support IP Australia policy and consultation activities, IP trends and analysis report publications, to highlight and correct misconceptions and to educate. Platforms include LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and email newsletter (monthly).
  • Event attendance: Participation at relevant industry and government events for face-to-face engagement with small business owners and professional services individuals supporting small businesses:
    • trade stand/booths
    • A5 and business card size collateral with QR codes linking to online education resources
    • presentations and panel participation to demonstrate relevance of IP for business, IP within the innovation ecosystem, IP analytics for Government policy development, IP trends to support small business growth (success)
    • working with incubation hubs, accelerator programs and relevant conferences/expos, IP Australia provides information and demonstrates relevance of IP for start-ups and early-stage businesses
    • developing new content targeted at educating start-ups and early-stage business on commercialisation, exporting and IP protection for digital innovations/inventions.

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:

  • Introduction to Intellectual Property (IP) and why it matters to small businesses
  • Registering your trade mark to protect your business identity
  • Making sense of patents and protecting your invention
  • Registering your patent and what comes next.
  • Education and training:  training courses, e learning modules (URLs), seminars, exhibitions, etc.

See Hybrid Presentations and Workshops (30-45 minutes) above.

Please also refer to comments in previous section.

  • Other activities 

No comment provided.

VI.INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION

Information on the following topics is desired:

  • International exchange of industrial design information in machine-readable form (e.g., Official Gazettes)

The Australian Design Search API allows you to search for Australian designs and retrieve data displayed on the Australian Design Search 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.

  • Participation in international or regional activities and projects related to industrial design information

No comment provided.

  • Assistance to developing countries

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.

  • Other activities 

No comment provided.

VII. ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WIPO STANDARDS CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION

Note: For each Standard listed below, please enter one of the following values: 

  • "Fully implemented"
  • “Partially implemented”
  • "On implementation phase"
  • "Planning to implement"
  • “On assessment phase” 
  • "No plan to implement"

Implementation Status Definitions

"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 industrial designs, IP Australia uses a 5-digit serial number length, which does not comply with the ST.13 recommendation of 9-digits.


WIPO Standard ST.80:  Recommendation concerning bibliographic data relating to industrial designs

Fully implemented

IP Australia uses INID codes according to the Standard.


WIPO Standard ST.81:  Recommendation concerning the content and layout of industrial design gazettes

Partially implemented

IP Australia follows most, but not all the recommendations of the Standard.

 

WIPO Standard ST.86:  Recommendation for the processing of industrial design information using XML (extensible markup language)

No plan to implement

IP Australia does not use ST.86 XML for design data.


WIPO Standard ST.87:  Recommendation for the exchange of industrial design 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.88:  Recommendations for electronic representation of industrial designs

Partially implemented

Mostly implemented, with partial alignment with Recommendations 15 and 18.


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 accepts PDF-format only for 3D models of design applications. These can be used as an aide for examination, but are not considered official representation and are not published.


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. Design 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 industrial designs 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.


VIII. OTHER RELATED MATTERS

No comment provided.