Published annually, the Australian IP report presents the latest statistics and research on the use of registered intellectual property (IP) rights in Australia.

This year’s report explores the uses of IP in the innovation process, from invention (creating something new) to commercialisation (making it available for sale in the market).

IP rights remain a driver of innovation in corporate scientific research by helping firms to commercialise their innovations. However, IP rights have added significance in an innovation system which relies on linkages between different players, such as universities, startups and corporations.

This year’s report also shows Australia’s prominence in emerging technology fields such as clean energy generation and storage. Among 19 major economies, Australia is the second fastest growing destination for patent filings in this field.

Key insights:

• Australians continue to innovate, with increased domestic intellectual property filings.
• Australia identified as the second fastest growing destination for new clean energy patents.
• The contribution of small and medium businesses is increasing in Australia, and ties to the research sector are linked to greater patent performance by Australian startups.