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The Australian IP Report 2023 is a publication by IP Australia that provides an overview of the latest trends and statistics in intellectual property (IP) rights in Australia and abroad. The report covers four types of IP rights: patents, trade marks, designs and plant breeder’s rights. The report also discusses the role of IP in supporting a skilled, diverse and productive economy, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on IP activity and innovation.

According to the report, patent applications in Australia remained steady in 2022, with a slight decrease of 0.4% from the record level of 2021. Non-residents accounted for 90% of patent applications, with the United States being the largest source country. Trade mark applications declined by 11.2% in 2022, after reaching a peak in 2021. Design applications also decreased by 3.6%, while plant breeder’s rights increased by 1.3%. The report notes that domestic applicants for all types of IP rights experienced significant drops, likely reflecting a correction from the pandemic period and the economic slowdown.

The report also highlights the importance of IP for driving productivity growth, encouraging innovation and spreading new technologies and ideas. The report states that innovation with patents is linked to higher wages and retention for workers, and that IP rights can help businesses differentiate themselves in the market and attract investment. The report also explores how intellectual property can foster diversity and participation in the economy, especially for women, Indigenous Australians and regional communities.

The report also examines how COVID-19 has affected IP activity and innovation in Australia and globally. The report shows that COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation and increased demand for online services and platforms. The report also reveals that COVID-19 has stimulated innovation in health-related fields, such as vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. The report also acknowledges the challenges posed by COVID-19 for IP protection and enforcement, such as increased counterfeiting and piracy.

The Australian IP Report 2023 published by IP Australia is a comprehensive review of the latest developments and statistics in intellectual property rights in Australia and abroad. It covers patents, trade marks, designs, and plant breeder’s rights. The report also highlights the importance of IP in driving productivity growth, promoting innovation, and supporting a diverse and inclusive economy. The report identifies that COVID-19 has had an impact on IP activity and innovation, with some sectors experiencing growth while others declining. Overall, the report provides a valuable resource for policymakers, businesses, and legal practitioners in understanding the current state of IP rights in Australia.

IP Australia has obviously put significant effort in producing this report and it is an extremely useful reference that all Australian businesses can benefit from.

Watch IP Australia’s video that summarises the Australian IP Report 2023 below:

The Australian IP Report 2023 is a valuable source of information for anyone interested in the state of IP in Australia and its role in supporting economic and social outcomes. The report is available online at https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/professional-resources/data-research-and-reports/australian-ip-report-2023/overview.