By Paul Armarego, Special Counsel

On 18 August 2015, the Productivity Commission was asked by the Australian Government to undertake a 12 month public inquiry into Australia’s intellectual property system.  The Commission has been asked to consider whether current arrangements provide an appropriate balance between access to ideas and products, and encouraging innovation, investment and the production of creative works.

The Productivity Commission will consult broadly with government and non-government stakeholders in developing its report.  To facilitate consultation, the Productivity Commission will release an issues paper (to be advised) covering a range of issues on which it seeks information and feedback and to assist with the preparation of submissions to the inquiry.  A draft report is expected to be released at a date soon to be determined at which point the Commission will seek further information and feedback.

The inquiry report is expected to be handed to the Australian Government in August 2016.  Under the Productivity Commission Act 1998 (Cth), the government is required to table the report in each House of the Parliament within 25 sitting days of receiving the report.