Australian Government responds to the Productivity Commission's recommendations for IP reform

On 25 August 2017, the Federal Government published its response to the recommendations of the Productivity Commission's inquiry into Australia's IP system (Response). The inquiry examined Australia's IP system in detail and made recommendations to improve its operations, which are contained in the final report released publicly on 20 December 2016 (Inquiry Report). The Response sets out the Government's key recommendations for reform, including:  changes to copyright use and licensing  the abolition of the innovation patent system  amendments to the Patents Act 1990 (Cth) to alter the test for 'inventive step'  amendments to the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) to clarify trade mark infringement for parallel imported goods Following the release of the Inquiry Report and Response, IP Australia has opened up consultation on a number IP policy matters. The IP Australia discussion papers are available here. Written submissions to the questions presented in these papers are due by Friday 17 November 2017.