Intellectual property (IP) is the general name given to the laws covering patents, trade marks, copyright, designs, circuit layouts, and plant breeder’s rights.
Intellectual property laws protect the property rights in creative and inventive endeavours and give creators and inventors certain exclusive economic rights, generally for a limited time, to deal with their creative works or inventions.
IP Australia is the federal government agency responsible for granting rights in patents, trade marks and designs. For information on intellectual property and how it applies to your business, visit IP Australia's Smart Start website.
Read more about these different types of intellectual property: