Intellectual property (IP) law in Australia is a vital area of legal practice that deals with the protection of creations of the mind, including inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. The framework for IP law is established through a combination of statutes, common law principles, and international treaties. Key statutes include the Patents Act 1990, the Trade Marks Act 1995, the Copyright Act 1968, and the Designs Act 2003.

Key areas of IP law encompass patents, trademarks, copyright, designs, trade secrets, and plant breeder's rights. Patents protect new and inventive products or processes, trademarks safeguard brand identities, and copyright covers original literary, artistic, and musical works. Design law protects the visual appearance of products, while trade secrets protect confidential business information.

Recent developments in IP law have been driven by advancements in technology and the digital economy. Issues such as digital copyright infringement, software patents, and the protection of domain names are increasingly prominent. Additionally, there is a focus on balancing the rights of IP holders with public access to information and fostering innovation through flexible IP policies.