IP Australia seeking feedback as part of fee review

Article  \  11 Apr 2019

On 14 March 2019, IP Australia announced it is seeking public comments on its fee structure as part of its 2019-2020 fee review.

IP Australia wishes to ensure it is setting fees that are consistent, transparent and will recover the costs associated with administering the IP rights system in Australia.

The fee review will also take into account the Australian government’s response to the recommendations from the Productivity Commission’s 2016 inquiry into Australia’s intellectual property arrangements. IP Australia hopes to develop a longer-term strategy on policy objectives for future fee reviews.

Although the fee review will not be limited to particular themes, IP Australia has indicated particular interest in the following themes.

  • Supporting innovators by balancing IP Australia’s fees with costs of doing business.
  • Increasing flexibility and efficiency for IP Australia and their stakeholders.
  • Exploring the impact fees have on the quality of IP applications and competition in the marketplace.

IP Australia has opened a public consultation period for submissions. Following its review, IP Australia will release a draft Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) for further feedback.

IP Australia expects any proposed fee changes would take effect in October 2020.

We encourage clients and anyone with an interest in fees relating to IP to make a submission before IP Australia’s close of business on 16 May 2019. You can make a submission here, or submit feedback by mail to Fee Review, IP Australia, PO Box 200, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia.

You can find out more about IP Australia’s fee review here.