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ARTICLE · 07 APRIL 2026

IP Australia Releases Consultation Paper On IP Reforms

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 (IPA) has released a consultation paper (Paper) proposing several possible reforms to intellectual property legislation, with the objective to "streamline and simplify" regulation of registered IP...

AustraliaIntellectual Property
Tess Mierendorff
Tess Mierendorff
Emma Iles
Emma Iles
Amalia Stone
Amalia Stone
Aaron Hayward
Aaron Hayward
Lucy McHutchinson
Lucy McHutchinson
Jessica Whetters
Jessica Whetters
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IP Australia (IPA) has released a consultation paper (Paper) proposing several possible reforms to intellectual property legislation, with the objective to “streamline and simplify” regulation of registered IP in Australia. The consultation was commenced in response to the Government’s productivity agenda announced in July 2025. The Paper seeks to identify ways the Australian IP system can be improved by identifying achievable actions to “support productivity and economic growth”. 

IPA is seeking submissions in respect of the Paper from 3 March to 2 April 2026. IPA will then consider the feedback and advise the Government on next steps.

Proposals 

The reforms proposed by IPA are intended to reduce the time applicants spend on regulatory processes by reducing compliance burden and providing “greater flexibility for businesses”. The Paper makes thirteen proposals for reform across the following legislation: 

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