New tools and resources have been developed by IP Australia to support small to medium enterprises (SMEs) access the intellectual property (IP) system and to navigate the patent process.
The SME Portal is a site that encompasses all the essentials of IP protection, from patent basics through to more complex issues including enforcement and commercialisation. The SME Portal includes webinars, toolkits, and how-to guides, and will be regularly updated to incorporate user feedback.
Through the portal users will be able to access SME Fast Track, an expedited examination service, and the SME Case Management Program.
SME Case Management is a pilot service for patent applicants, in particular, for small and medium enterprises who may not yet have legal representation. SME Case Management will connect applicants with a dedicated IP Australia subject matter expert as the single point of contact to assist at any stage of the application or examination process.
Visit IP Australia’s new SME Portal.