- 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:
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-jobs-tourism-science-and-innovation/western-australian-government-intellectual-property-policy-2023
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.
Comments attributed to 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."
Comments attributed to 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."
State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister's office - 6552
6500
Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister's office - 6552
5800
