Streamlining and simplifying IP Regulation

Closes 2 Apr 2026

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Regulating the Attorney Profession

These proposals relate to regulating the Attorney Profession where IP Australia seeks your views on an initial preferred solution.

If stakeholders support a preferred solution, IP Australia intends to progress the reform at the next available opportunity, subject to Government priorities.  

1. Do you agree with closing the attorney re-registration loophole (proposal 12 in the paper)?

This proposal would provide that disciplinary proceedings can continue against a former patent or trade mark attorney even if they de-register themselves, and require attorneys seeking re-registration to meet character requirements. 

Page 15 of the consultation paper provides more information about Proposal 12.

2. Do you agree with removing the office attendance requirement for patent attorneys (proposal 13 in the paper)?

This proposal would remove the unnecessary requirement for patent attorneys to physically work in their office and clarify that they may supervise junior staff in the office while the attorney is working from home. 

Page 16 of the consultation paper provides more information about Proposal 13.