# How to Register a Trademark in Australia *Published:* 2026-09-25 *Author:* admin **To register a trademark in Australia, you file an application with IP Australia and define the products or services the mark will cover.** Before filing, check earlier trademarks and confirm the correct owner. After you define the scope and submit the application, IP Australia examines it. An accepted application must then pass the opposition period before registration. Australian Trademark Registration at a Glance --------------------------------------------- ItemDetailsAuthorityIP AustraliaOfficial search systemAustralian Trademark SearchStandard filing feeFrom AUD 250 per class using the picklistTM HeadstartAUD 200 per class + AUD 130 conversionExaminationUsually around 3–4 monthsMinimum registration timelineAt least 7 monthsOpposition period2 months after acceptance is publishedInitial term10 years from filingAddress for serviceGenerally Australia or New ZealandStep 1: Search Existing Trademarks ---------------------------------- IP Australia recommends searching before filing. The search may reveal an earlier right before you spend money on an application or launch. Use the [Australian Trademark Search](https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/) and look beyond exact matches. Businesses that want professional help can use Bonamark’s [Australia trademark search](https://bonamark.com/australia-trademark-search/). Step 2: Identify the Owner -------------------------- The applicant must be the person or legal entity that owns the mark. Ownership should be confirmed before filing. Step 3: Decide What You Are Registering --------------------------------------- An application may cover words, a logo, or a combined design. Other types of signs may also qualify. The filing strategy should reflect the branding that is actually used or intended to be used. Step 4: Choose Goods, Services, and Classes ------------------------------------------- Australia uses 45 classes of goods and services. Government fees are charged per class, and using IP Australia’s picklist can reduce the filing fee. Step 5: Choose the Filing Route ------------------------------- RouteGovernment feeHow it worksStandard with picklistAUD 250 per classDirect filing using accepted goods/services wording.Standard without picklistAUD 400 per classAllows custom descriptions.TM HeadstartAUD 200 + AUD 130 conversion per classInitial assessment before conversion to a standard application.Check current amounts on the [official price calculator](https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/trade-marks/timeframes-and-fees/trade-mark-price-calculator). Step 6: File the Application ---------------------------- The application identifies the owner and shows the trademark. It must also state the covered products or services and include the filing fee. See IP Australia’s [how to apply guide](https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/trade-marks/how-to-apply-for-a-trade-mark). Bonamark can assist through its [Australia Trademark Registration](https://bonamark.com/countries/trademark-registration-australia/) service. Step 7: Examination ------------------- Standard applications are generally examined in around three to four months. An examiner may find that a mark lacks distinctiveness or conflicts with an earlier right. Unclear product or service wording can also cause an objection. Step 8: Examination Report -------------------------- If issues are identified, IP Australia may issue an examination report. Its [official guidance](https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/trade-marks/how-to-respond-to-an-examination-report) says applicants generally have 15 months to resolve the issues. Step 9: Acceptance and Opposition --------------------------------- If accepted, the application is published and third parties have two months to oppose registration. Step 10: Registration --------------------- If no successful opposition prevents registration, the mark proceeds to registration. IP Australia states the overall process takes at least seven months. How Much Does It Cost? ---------------------- A standard online application using the picklist starts at AUD 250 per class. Custom descriptions cost more, and TM Headstart has separate initial and conversion fees. Government application fees do not cover professional work. Search, filing support, responses, disputes, and renewals may be billed separately. Can Foreign Companies Register? ------------------------------- Yes. A national application generally requires an address for service in Australia or New Zealand. International filing routes may have different procedural rules. How Long Does an Australian Trademark Last? ------------------------------------------- The initial registration term is 10 years from filing and can be renewed for additional 10-year periods. { “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “@id”: “https://bonamark.com/how-to-register-a-trademark-in-australia/#faq”, “mainEntity”: \[ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is the minimum government fee?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “A standard online application using the picklist starts at AUD 250 per class.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How long does registration take?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “At least seven months, with standard examination usually around three to four months.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What happens after acceptance?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “The application is published for a two-month opposition period.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can Bonamark help with both search and filing?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. Bonamark can assist with the initial search and application. Support is also available after filing.” } } \] }