Patent attorneys

30 May 2011

Proposal for trans-Tasman Regulation of Patent Attorneys

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and IP Australia are proposing a single governance body responsible for patent attorney registration, training and disciplinary standards across Australia and New Zealand. This initiative is part of the Single Economic Market (SEM) outcomes framework, which aim to create a seamless trans-Tasman business environment.

The majority of Australian and New Zealand patent attorneys are registered in both countries. A single governance body will provide economies of scale, saving time money and effort for the profession as a whole.

Public feedback on the proposal

Public feedback has been sought on a discussion paper concerning a single trans-Taman regulatory framework for patent attorneys. Submissions on the discussion document closed in May 2011.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and IP Australia are considering the submissions received and will be making recommendations to their Ministers for consideration, in due course.

A copy of the discussion paper, and submissions made are available on the Economic Development Group Website.

The discussion paper outlined the proposal to establish:

• A single governance body for patent attorneys
• Consistent qualification requirements for registration as a patent attorney
• A single register of patent attorneys
• A single disciplinary regime

More information

• About the trans-Tasman regulation of patent attorneys Fact Sheet [127 kB PDF]