Patent reform in Australia

The government has an ongoing taste for patent reform with more amendments in the pipeline, says Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick’s Malcolm Bell

Malcolm Bell, Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick

Australia’s current Patents Act ¹ (the 1990 Act) commenced operation on 30 April 1991, replacing the previous 1952 Act. Since its introduction, the 1990 Act has been the subject of a number of amendments of varying scope. Further amendments are being proposed. Somewhat like the painting of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the content of the 1990 Act seems to be a continuing work in progress, a job never finished. No sooner is the act amended, further changes are in train.