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Acts/CWLTH· 1990

Patents Act 1990

In forceact

In plain English

This Act sets out the rules for patents in Australia, protecting inventions and encouraging innovation.

The Patents Act 1990 governs patents in Australia. It outlines how to apply for a patent, what can be patented, and the rights granted to patent holders. It applies to individuals, companies, and organisations seeking to protect their inventions. The Act was enacted in 1990 and remains in force.

Why it matters

If your business creates something new, this Act explains how to protect it with a patent. Understanding patent law can help you safeguard your intellectual property and gain a competitive advantage.

directorsgovernancereportingintellectual property

AI-assisted summary, grounded in the source link below. Generated 2026-05-23 via gemma3:12b.

Summary

Standard + innovation patent system; pharmaceutical patent extensions; PCT integration.

Topics

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A04001. Rules Mate summarises and links; we don't republish full statutory text. Always verify against the live source before acting.