IP Australia has recently issued a consultation paper outlining a proposal to replace the present “innovative step” test for innovation patents with the new “inventive step” test that will apply to standard patents following implementation of the Raising the Bar Act.
The Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA) is concerned that IP Australia’s proposal, if enacted into law, may detrimentally effect the ability of Australian small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to protect their innovations.
IPTA is currently preparing a response to the Consultation Paper and has encouraged members to also make submissions.
The closing date for submissions in response to the Consultation Paper is Thursday, 25 October 2012.
Written submissions should be sent to:
Brendan Bourke
Director, Domestic Policy
IP Australia
PO Box 200
WODEN ACT 2606
Email: MDB-Reform@ipaustralia.gov.au
IP Australia Innovation Patent Consultation Paper.pdf