Intellectual Property
The Department of Industry and Resources works to promote and implement the effective management of intellectual property (IP) by Government agencies. It also facilitates the commercialisation of this IP in conjunction with the business community.
Government Intellectual Property Policy and Best Practice Guidelines
Western Australian Government resources are utilised in many innovative and creative activities aimed at finding new and improved solutions to meet the State’s needs. These activities may involve the development of new technologies, the application of existing technologies, scientific research, or other creative endeavours.
At the same time valuable intellectual property (IP) assets may be generated including patentable inventions, copyright material, new plant varieties, valuable trade secrets, registered designs or trademarks.
The results of the innovation or creativity may be able to be used by public and private sector organisations in Australia or overseas or by the Western Australian community. This provides opportunities for the IP to be utilised or commercialised for the benefit of Western Australians.
Guidelines on intellectual property and best practice are provided in the right hand pane.
Legislation
The following legislation is applicable to Intellectual Property:
- Financial Audit and Administration Act 1985 (WA)
- Public Sector Management Act 1994 (WA)
- State Supply Commission Act 1991 (WA)
- State Trading Concerns Act 1916 (WA)
- Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth)
- Patents Act 1990 (Cwlth)
- Designs Act 1906 (Cwlth)
- Plant Breeder's Rights Act 1994 (Cwlth)
- Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cwlth)
- Circuit Layouts Act 1989 (Cwlth)
State legislation can be obtained from the State Law Publisher (http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/).
Commonwealth legislation can be obtained from the Australasian Legal Information Institute (http://www.austlii.edu.au/).
