IP Australia Releases 2013 IP Report
10 June 2013
On April 18, 2013, IP Australia released the Australian Intellectual Property Report 2013, which provides data and information about the local IP system, where it sits globally, and how it measures up against other countries. It is the first in a regular series of publications about the IP system.
“Intellectual property rights are the currency of our knowledge economy,” said Philip Noonan, director general of IP Australia. “Innovative businesses protect their IP and enjoy greater profitability and productivity.”
The report includes both domestic and foreign highlights including China being the top destination for Australians filing trademark applications abroad. The eastern Australia states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania have seen double-digit growth in patent filings in 2012; nationwide, Australians now file more patent applications in the United States than they do in Australia. The report also indicated that 90% of patent applications in Australia are from foreign applicants.
“More than 60% of intangible investment in Australia could be protected by IP rights,” said Noonan. “The ownership of IP influences who benefits from production and trade. Innovation is the sustainable way to improve productivity and retain higher paid jobs.”
As reported in the April 2013 issue of Asia IP, Australia is also launching the world’s first online training for overseas patent examiners, primarily from Southeast Asia and Africa.
