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ARTICLE · 04 AUGUST 2026

Current Trends In IP Filings In Australia

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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IP Australia's 2026 Australian IP Report reveals record-breaking trade mark and design filings, shifts in international application patterns, and the growing influence of AI and energy technologies on Australia's intellectual property landscape. The report demonstrates strong links between IP rights ownership and economic benefits for Australian businesses, particularly in early-stage ventures and design-intensive sectors.

AustraliaIntellectual Property
Anna Vandervliet
Anna Vandervliet
Madeline Gelagin
Madeline Gelagin
James Boyd-Clark
James Boyd-Clark
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IP Australia has released its annual Australian IP Report (Report), analysing 2025 filing data for patents, trade marks, design rights and plant breeder’s rights and identifying trends in Australia’s intellectual property (IP) landscape and economy more broadly. As usual, it contains many interesting insights across different IP rights and industry sectors. We have unpacked some key ones in this article.

Our infographic below provides a snapshot of key trends and developments emerging from the 2026 report. 

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Key takeaways

The Report shows that in 2025, IP activity in Australia remained strong, and evolved to reflect broader market dynamics. Key takeaways include:

  • Participation in the IP rights system is linked with economic benefits for Australian businesses, particularly for early-stage businesses or those in design-focused sectors. For example:
    • IP Australia used an “event study” framework to show that for Australian firms, a first patent grant is associated with higher

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