A new database of patent records dating back to the first patent issued under Commonwealth legislation is now available online.
Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the new information would help modern day innovators by making it easier to find patented inventions, and provide a pool of priceless information for everyone interested in our nation’s history.
“Australia has a rich history of innovation and this excellent tool delivers better access to this important information,” Senator Carr said.
“Records for iconic Australian inventions, such as David Unaipon’s 1909 patent for the shearing handpiece featured on the Australian $50 note can now be located with the easy to use search tool deemed one of the best in the world.
“AusPat offers a significant improvement on the old process which had people searching through a myriad of paper, microfiche and electronic systems. The tool will save modern Australian inventors time and effort as they can easily search the inventions that have come before them.
“The development of AusPat further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to providing the right tools to ensure the patent system protects the ideas of the future.”