2.2. Application for registration: Registration process

Date Published
  1. Applications can be submitted through the Online Services portal, the Business 2 Business (B2B) interface or in paper form either by post or in person.
  2. Online applications go to our administrative system, Rights in One (RIO). The Customer Experience Group (CEG) enters paper application detail into RIO.
  3. CEG checks the minimum filing requirements (MFRs) for paper applications only. Applications submitted through Online Services cannot be submitted unless they meet MFRs. Once submitted, these applications progress straight through to ‘awaiting formalities’ status. For applications that meet MFRs, each design in the application will be assigned a design number.
  4. The priority date of the application will generally be the filing date for the application (unless the applicant enjoys convention priority).
  5. Some of the information from the application will be published on the Australian Design Search database for the public to view. Most information will not be available externally until the design is registered.
  6. For an application made on or after 10 March 2022, the applicant has the choice to file a request for registration with the application, or any time up to 6 months after the priority date. If a request is not received after 6 months, it is deemed that an applicant has requested registration. Registration is the default outcome for applications submitted. If the applicant wishes to withdraw the application after filing, they can do so by submitting a withdrawal request within this 6-month period. Requests for withdrawal are ineligible for extensions of time.
  7. For an application made before 10 March 2022, the applicant must file a request for either registration or publication at any time up to 6 months after the priority date. If a request for either registration or publication is not received after 6 months, the application will lapse.
  8. Upon registration being requested, a formalities assessment is carried out on the application. This includes the ‘formalities check’ outlined in regs 4.04 and 4.05, and the formal requirements.
  9. If the application passes the formalities assessment, the design is registered. A certificate of registration is issued, and an official notice published.
  10. If the application does not pass the formalities assessment, the applicant gets an opportunity to resolve the problems with it. If they cannot do this, the application lapses.
  11. The initial period of registration is 5 years, beginning the date the application is officially filed. A further 5-year renewal period is available. If the registration is not renewed after 5 years, it ceases.​​​​​​​ The registration also ceases after the subsequent 5-year renewal period and enters the public domain.​​​​​​​

Amended Reasons

Amended Reason Date Amended

Reinstalled full stop at very last line on last para.

No change.

Deletion of chart.

Automatic registration updates.

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