SENATOR Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, welcomed today an innovative new online database developed by IP Australia to make the breadth of Australian inventions more accessible.
The database, entitled AusPat, allows inventors, industry and researchers to access patent applications lodged and granted in Australia since 1979.
Previously those researching Australian patent literature had to work across several unconnected databases.
“Searching patent information is a crucial step in any innovation process. It tells you what has already been invented and protected, which can save inventors a great deal of time and effort,” Senator Carr said.
“The release of AusPat is a big step forward for the innovation community in Australia. IP Australia has listened to stakeholders and involved them in every step of the development process, so I’m confident that this new tool will be widely used by inventors and those that provide services to them.
“If you are in the business of innovation or have an idea and want to see what has already been protected in that particular area, then I’d recommend using AusPat very early on in the process.”
AusPat represents the first outcome in an extensive program that will result in a host of other related patent search products, all of which are designed to assist Australian inventors to better understand their particular field of technology.
“At the end of this program Australia will have one of the best patent search systems in the world,” Senator Carr said.
IP Australia, the Australian Government agency with responsibility for patents, trade marks, designs and plant breeder’s rights, has responsibility for administering Australian patent data.
AusPat can be used by visiting www.ipaustralia.gov.au/auspat/