New IP reforms to assist Aussie researchers
Mark Dreyfus … significant development
Australian researchers now have the freedom to carry out research without the fear of being sued for patent infringement following the introduction of new laws, said the Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation Mark Dreyfus.
The new Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Act 2012 sets out these rights in unambiguous language, Mr Dreyfus said.
This would dispel the uncertainty that has plagued the research sector for years.
“This is a significant development for Australian researchers as they now have clarity around their ability to conduct research without the threat of patent infringement,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“The previous uncertainty discouraged researchers from working in areas where there were pre-existing patents, and where they may have been at risk of being sued. “Researchers will no longer need to waste time, effort and money on obtaining advice when they have concerns about how their experiments may relate to an existing patent.”
For more information about the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Act 2012 and the research exemptions, visit: IP Australia’s website.