Whether you’re an entrepreneur, researcher, founder, creative, or innovator – whatever your path, we want to help you protect your ideas and grow your business with confidence.

Why IP matters

Women continue to drive innovation around the world, bringing fresh ideas and diverse perspectives to every industry. Yet, research shows women remain underrepresented when it comes to IP rights ownership. Bridging this gap is essential - not just for gender equality, but for unlocking the full potential of our innovation ecosystem.

Here at IP Australia, we’re committed to making the ins and outs of intellectual property protection easier for you to understand and navigate. Through practical tools, inspiring stories, and tailored resources, we’re here to help you take the next step in your business journey and protect what’s important to you. 

Take the first step

So, you’re probably wondering what IP is and what IP your business might have. 

IP is your creations, inventions, products and logos. IP rights protect your ideas so you can benefit, grow your business and stand out from your competitors.
There are four types of registered IP rights: Patents protect how your invention works, trade marks protect your brand identity like names and logos, design rights protect the unique look of your product, and plant breeder’s rights protect new plant varieties. 

IP rights help you stand out, stay competitive, and secure your IP assets with exclusive rights to them in Australia. Start with our Choosing the right IP tool, which helps you identify what type of IP protection you may need. Let the tool decide for you in 2 easy steps.

Branding for success

Your brand is one of your most powerful assets, representing your identity and reputation; it’s how your customers differentiate your product or service from others. Trade marks help you protect your business name, logo, and other brand elements, giving you the exclusive legal right to use that trade mark in the market and build lasting trust with your customers.  Whether you're just starting out or expanding your reach, securing your trade mark is a smart step toward long-term success.

Get started: 

• Check if your brand name or logo is unique and eligible for trade mark protection with TM Checker.

• Make sure your idea isn’t already registered by searching existing trade marks. 

• Find out how to apply for a trade mark, follow our step-by-step guide to register your trade mark. 

• Watch a replay of our masterclass Trade Marks for Brand Success in collaboration with Spark Business to learn practical strategies for brand protection.

• Read Unlock your business potential: a guide to trade marks for small business.

Making your innovation work for you 

Turning your ideas into impact starts with understanding how to protect and leverage them. 
Patents safeguard your inventions, giving you the exclusive right to use and commercialise your innovation. Commercialisation is about making that innovation work for you, whether you're developing a product, launching a service, or scaling your business.

Get started: 

• Understand how patents can support your business success and how to apply for one.

• Learn the basics of IP commercialisation and what to consider before starting your journey.

• Discover more about how to manage your IP through collaboration, licensing, and enforcement including guidance on co-created IP, ownership strategies, and working with IP professionals.

• Try IP First Response, our pilot tool is your first stop if someone is infringing your IP or you’ve received a cease and desist letter.

Inspiring stories

Before you delve further into the detail of IP, hear first-hand how other women have used IP to protect and grow their business:

• PerkyPod: Designed to innovate indoor plant care. 

• DesignByThem - IP and design

• Acustico - Modern Design Meets Acoustic Functionality

• Soap de Villa - a trade mark story

Source: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/news-and-community/news/She-Built-This