Intellectual property is an umbrella term used to describe the creations in different forms as a result of intellectual effort. The law provides monopoly protection for such creations and these are known as intellectual property rights. Some intellectual property rights must be registered to come into effect, such as patents, registered designs, registered trade marks and plant breeder’s rights. Others, such as copyright, circuit layout rights, trade secrets, confidential information, subsist at law upon creation and provided certain conditions are met.
If you have intellectual property that can be registered as a right in Australia, such as an invention, trade mark, design or new plant variety, which you would like to protect in Australia or overseas countries, you should seek the advice of a registered patent or trade marks attorney.