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Trade Mark Application Timeline in Australia: What to Expect After You File
Trade Mark Application Timeline in Australia: What to Expect After You File
6 Aug 2025
Once you’ve filed your Australian trade mark application, what comes next? Here’s a clear overview of what you can expect, from the moment your application is lodged through to registration.
Filing Confirmation
After your trade mark application is submitted to IP Australia, we'll receive an official filing receipt. This confirms the date of your application, your trade mark details, and marks the beginning of the registration process.
Formalities Check (0–2 weeks)
IP Australia first checks your application for completeness. This includes making sure all details are provided, the correct fees have been paid, and your goods and services are correctly classified.
If anything basic is missing, IP Australia will contact us directly to resolve it.
Examination (2–4 months)
After the formalities check, your application enters the examination queue. Most applications are examined within 2 to 4 months from the filing date.
During this step, an IP Australia examiner reviews your trade mark for eligibility. This includes checking that your trade mark is distinctive and that it doesn’t conflict with existing registrations.
If your application meets all requirements: It will be accepted and move to the next step.
If there are issues: IP Australia will issue an examination report detailing any objections or problems. You will have up to 15 months to respond.
Acceptance and Advertisement
If your application is accepted, it is advertised in the Australian Official Journal of Trade Marks. This publication officially notifies the public that your trade mark may soon be registered.
Opposition Period (2 months)
From the date your trade mark is advertised, there is a two-month period where third parties can oppose your application if they believe it should not be registered.
If no oppositions are filed: Your trade mark will proceed to registration once this period ends.
If an opposition is filed: IP Australia will contact you with information about the opposition process.
Registration
If your application is not opposed (or if any opposition is resolved), your trade mark will be registered.
You’ll receive a certificate of registration, and your rights will be effective from your original filing date.
Timeline Summary
Filing to examination: 2–4 months
Examination to acceptance: Varies (if no issues, can be immediate)
Opposition period: 2 months starting on a date after acceptance
Total time to registration: Typically 7–8 months if there are no objections or oppositions
Frequently Asked Questions
What if IP Australia raises an objection?
You will be given up to 15 months to address any objections raised in the examination report.
When do my rights start?
Your registered trade mark rights begin from your original filing date, once your trade mark is registered.
Ready to Protect Your Brand?
Filing your trade mark application with plummark is simple and transparent. Get started online today and give your brand the protection it deserves—so you can focus on what’s next for your business.
Once you’ve filed your Australian trade mark application, what comes next? Here’s a clear overview of what you can expect, from the moment your application is lodged through to registration.
Filing Confirmation
After your trade mark application is submitted to IP Australia, we'll receive an official filing receipt. This confirms the date of your application, your trade mark details, and marks the beginning of the registration process.
Formalities Check (0–2 weeks)
IP Australia first checks your application for completeness. This includes making sure all details are provided, the correct fees have been paid, and your goods and services are correctly classified.
If anything basic is missing, IP Australia will contact us directly to resolve it.
Examination (2–4 months)
After the formalities check, your application enters the examination queue. Most applications are examined within 2 to 4 months from the filing date.
During this step, an IP Australia examiner reviews your trade mark for eligibility. This includes checking that your trade mark is distinctive and that it doesn’t conflict with existing registrations.
If your application meets all requirements: It will be accepted and move to the next step.
If there are issues: IP Australia will issue an examination report detailing any objections or problems. You will have up to 15 months to respond.
Acceptance and Advertisement
If your application is accepted, it is advertised in the Australian Official Journal of Trade Marks. This publication officially notifies the public that your trade mark may soon be registered.
Opposition Period (2 months)
From the date your trade mark is advertised, there is a two-month period where third parties can oppose your application if they believe it should not be registered.
If no oppositions are filed: Your trade mark will proceed to registration once this period ends.
If an opposition is filed: IP Australia will contact you with information about the opposition process.
Registration
If your application is not opposed (or if any opposition is resolved), your trade mark will be registered.
You’ll receive a certificate of registration, and your rights will be effective from your original filing date.
Timeline Summary
Filing to examination: 2–4 months
Examination to acceptance: Varies (if no issues, can be immediate)
Opposition period: 2 months starting on a date after acceptance
Total time to registration: Typically 7–8 months if there are no objections or oppositions
Frequently Asked Questions
What if IP Australia raises an objection?
You will be given up to 15 months to address any objections raised in the examination report.
When do my rights start?
Your registered trade mark rights begin from your original filing date, once your trade mark is registered.
Ready to Protect Your Brand?
Filing your trade mark application with plummark is simple and transparent. Get started online today and give your brand the protection it deserves—so you can focus on what’s next for your business.