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If you find something similar to your idea or invention in your target market, it can be tricky to secure IP protection. In some cases, if the invention or product is already publicly available somewhere in the world, you can't protect it with an IP right.
Your search should include:
- The internet, including Google Patents and social media
- IP search databases, both Australian and international.
Be sure to search as widely as possible. If the idea, invention or product has been published on a website, social media profile or even in an old blog, it may impact your ability to protect it.
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Trade marks
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Patents
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Design rights
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Plant breeder's rights
Trade marks
Before you apply for a trade mark, you'll need to search for any trade marks registered for similar goods and services in your target country.
You can search most databases by:
- Word
- Phrase
- Image
- Owner
- Classes of goods and services.
Search the Australian database
Get started by searching the Australian Trade Mark Search for registered and pending trade marks.
How to search trade marks Australian Trade Mark Search
Search your target country's database
You can search your target country's relevant IP databases for similar trade marks. You may wish to contact the local IP office for help if you have trouble finding or accessing the database.
Search the Global Brand Database
Use the Global Brand Database, which is supported by more than 70 countries and international bodies, to search text or images in brand data from multiple sources, including:
- Trade marks
- Appellations of origin
- Official emblems.
Search Madrid Monitor
Madrid Monitor allows you to access details of international applications and registrations made through the Madrid System. It contains over 45 million trade marks filed from more than 100 member countries. You can search by:
- Words
- Numbers
- Dates
- Countries
- Classes.
Search TMview
TMview contains trade marks from across the European Union and parts of Africa, Asia, America and Oceania. You can search by:
- Word
- Numbers
- Dates
- Countries
- Classes.
Conducting your own search will give you an idea of what IP rights already exist. However, it can be complex and time consuming to search the internet and all relevant databases for your idea or invention.
We recommend engaging an IP attorney to help you. The cost of their services will depend on the complexity of the search and time involved.
Engage an IP professional