Businesses typically see sustained increases in productivity and income after receiving their first patent or trademark. This was revealed by the Australian IP Report 2026, released by IP Australia on May 6, 2026.

The report indicated that registering a trademark was associated with a major income boost, with average income 78 percent higher than similar firms. Research showed that on average, businesses that registered a trademark saw a 16 percent increase in sales per worker, compared to equivalent businesses on similar growth paths without IP protection.

Likewise, businesses experienced a 15 percent overall efficiency increase after a first patent grant, pointing to deeper technological advances.

According to IP Australia acting director general Margaret Tregurtha, the report shows how IP underpins productivity, innovation and growth. “In an uncertain economic environment, an internationally aligned and well-calibrated IP system helps give businesses the confidence to invest, innovate and scale,” she said.

The report additionally stated that 2025 saw record levels of trademarks and design rights, driven by strong growth in filings by Australian residents, with growth softening over recent quarters.

“In 2025, we saw a decline in international patent collaborations while domestic IP activity was strong. These trends point to global economic volatility and fragmenting innovation partnerships,” said IP Australia chief economist Michael Falk.

The Australian IP Report 2026 may be accessed here.

- Asia IP