What is the general situation of invention patents in Australia?

The protection period of Australian invention patents is 20 years from the date of application. The definition of invention in Australian patent law is: "any new product or method created, or improvement of known products and methods." An invention applying for a patent must have "three characteristics": novelty, creativity and practicality.

Australian invention patent applications are similar to those in China. After the application is submitted, the Australian Patent Office first conducts a formal examination of the application. After that, it will be made public after 18 months from the filing date (or priority date).

The patent office conducts substantive examination of the invention application. The substantive examination is put forward at the request of the applicant, and the applicant may also put forward an extension of the examination. After the substantive examination is passed, the patent right shall be granted.

The way to apply for an Australian invention patent is to specify the country applying for PCT international and the country applying for Paris Convention.