In announcing proposals for industrial property law reform, which I'll be discussing in a later post, the Australian Innovation Minister has relied on the standard rhetoric.
Protecting the good ideas of Australian businesses at home and abroad is key to the Gillard Labor Government’s push to reform intellectual property laws. ... a successful and sustainable economy needs a strong intellectual property (IP) system to protect the ideas of the future.
A robust IP system is essential to help generate jobs for Australians in the industries of the future.
Australia has a rich history of innovation, from the ultra battery to the polymer bank note and the zero emissions house. It is critical that Australia reaps the benefits of future great ideas. That’s why these reforms are so important. ...
These reforms will also make it easier for our overseas partners to continue to bring new technology to Australia.
The main elements of the proposed reforms are described as -
• raising patent standards to align with major overseas trading partners;
• reducing the time to resolve patent and trade mark applications;
• strengthening anti-counterfeiting measures; and
• making sure the patent system doesn't restrict research.
IP Australia has sought public comments on a draft
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Bill 2011 [
PDF], with feedback due early April
