Australian Innovation patents come under review
The Australian Advisory Council on Intellectual Property
(ACIP) have been asked by the Minister for
Innovation, Industry, Science and Research to investigate the
effectiveness of the innovation patent system in stimulating
innovation by Australian small to medium business enterprises
(SMEs). As part of that review, ACIP has now
released an "Issues Paper" to encourage discussion on
this topic and assist in conducting wide-ranging public
consultations. The purpose of the paper is to suggest points that
may be taken into consideration during the review process. However,
there is a strong inference throughout the document that the system
as it stands, particularly in light of recent judicial
interpretation, offers opportunities and rewards to the patentee
that are potentially excessive when compared to the ease with which
they are obtained.
