- McGowan Government releases new Intellectual Property (IP) Policy to encourage innovation within the public sector and maximise benefits to the State
- New outcomes-focused IP Policy reflects global best practice
- IP Policy guides public sector agencies on IP management and commercialisation
The McGowan Government has released its new Intellectual Property Policy with the aim of encouraging innovation within the public sector and unlocking opportunities for commercialisation.
The activities of WA Government agencies often generate valuable IP with potential to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to the community.
The new IP policy recognises the value of IP as a State asset, including artwork, designs, images, inventions, symbols and written names.
The IP Policy provides guidance on the creation, management and use of IP to assist WA Government agencies to optimise the benefits of their IP through commercialisation where appropriate and viable and consider how Government IP can facilitate positive outcomes for the community and State.
Specific guidance is provided to agencies on responsible IP management and protection, ownership of Government IP, commercialisation, divestment and the appropriate reward and recognition of WA public sector employees who develop significant and valuable IP.
The IP Policy can be found at:
With the aim of reflecting global best practice, the new IP Policy has been informed by consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, including through the public release of a Discussion Paper in October 2022.
The new WA Government IP Policy forms part of a suite of State Government policy reforms, alongside the development of biodiscovery legislation, the review of the Western Australian Jobs Act 2017, and the Diversify WA framework that will support economic diversification and job creation.
As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:
“The new IP Policy supports the delivery of the McGowan Government’s vision for a strong and diversified economy.
“It will support and develop growth of the State’s priority sectors, attract investment and bring new talent into the WA public sector.
“In support of the WA Innovation Strategy, this new IP Policy will also continue to forge Western Australia’s reputation as a State that fosters entrepreneurship and encourages innovation in both the public and private sectors.
“Experience has shown that the WA public sector has the capability to develop inventions and innovations that can be of benefit locally and internationally. With this policy we want to assist agencies and IP creators to identify and capitalise on these opportunities, increase the benefits from these inventions, and get beneficial outcomes for our State.
“We listened to a broad range of stakeholders who shared their experiences and knowledge in the use, development and management of IP across various sectors, to ensure that this new policy supports the WA Government’s commitment to diversify our State’s economy.
“This new IP Policy supports the State Government’s WA Innovation Strategy and broader reform agenda to encourage innovation, create jobs and investment opportunities across Western Australia.”
As stated by Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson:
“This new policy is a real step forward for WA and will help drive a culture of innovation in the public sector.
“The McGowan Government is committed to supporting great ideas, from inception to commercialisation.
“We know the value of the talent in the public sector and this policy will help to harness it for the benefit of the State.”
