On 11 June 2026, IP Australia released the Australian IP Report 2026, suggesting that Australia's role in battery circularity innovation is expanding toward high-value technology for refining, recycling and recovering materials.

Background

The report draws on joint research with the European Patent Office (EPO), which describes national strategies designed to move Australia up the value chain, from mineral extraction to material recovery and recycling. At the same time, the European Union has introduced sustainability, circularity and traceability requirements for market access.

Key Points

Between 2014 and 2021, the focus of Australian patenting activity in this field was minerals refinement, accounting for three-quarters of applications. Since 2021, material recovery has become the focus of more than half of Australian patent families related to battery circularity. 'The data suggests a growing emphasis in where innovation is occurring across the battery value chain, with increased patenting activity in technologies linked to recycling, processing and materials recovery,' said IP Australia Chief Economist Dr Michael Falk.

The report features Australian clean energy company Livium, which used patents to protect its lithium-ion battery recycling processes while scaling its business. CEO Simon Linge noted that holding patents and IP leads partners and investors to take the business seriously and gives them confidence to invest or cooperate. The findings are consistent with a broader policy focus on strengthening domestic capability in priority industries, including the Future Made in Australia agenda.

Practical Implications

For companies active in battery materials and recycling technologies, accelerating Australian patent activity in this space means both freedom-to-operate risks and partnership opportunities. Targeted patent searches and filings are advisable before entering the Australian market or cooperating with local players.

Source: IP Australia (original)