Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated ActsCompilation No. 25
Compilation date: 14 October 2024
Includes amendments: Act No. 39, 2024
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Designs Act 2003 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 14 October 2024 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.
Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.
Self-repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
Chapter 1--Introductory
Part 1--Preliminary
1 Short title
2 Commencement
3 Crown to be bound
4 Application of the Act
Part 2--Interpretation
5A Meaning of Convention country
5B Definition of exclusive licensee
6 Definition of product
7 Definition of visual feature
8 References in this Act to a design
Chapter 2--Design rights, ownership and registrable designs
Part 1--Simplified outline of Chapter 2
9 Simplified outline
Part 2--Design rights
10 Exclusive rights of registered owners
11 Assignment of interest in a design
12 Power of registered owner to deal with registered design
Part 3--Ownership of designs
13 Who is entitled to be registered as the registered owner of a design
14 Ownership of registered designs
Part 4--Registrable designs: Validity
Division 1--Registrable designs
16 Designs that are identical or substantially similar in overall impression
17 Certain things to be disregarded in deciding whether a design is new and distinctive
18 Certain designs not to be treated as other than new and distinctive
Division 2--Substantial similarity in overall impression
19 Factors to be considered in assessing substantial similarity in overall impression
Chapter 3--Design applications
Part 1--Simplified outline of Chapter 3
20 Simplified outline
Part 2--Design applications
Division 1--Applications
21 Person may file a design application
22 A design application may be in respect of more than one design
23 Design applications covering excluded designs
Division 2--How Registrar must deal with a design application
24 Design applications that meet the minimum filing requirements
25 Publication of receipt of application
Division 3--Filing date and priority date
26 Filing date
Part 3--Amendment or withdrawal of design applications
28 Amendment of design applications
29 Disputes between applicants
30 Persons may ask for design application to proceed in the person's name
31 Publication of certain details of amended application
32 Withdrawal of designs and design applications
Part 4--Lapsing of design applications
33 Lapsing of design applications
Chapter 4--Registration of designs
Part 1--Simplified outline of Chapter 4
34 Simplified outline
Part 2--Requests for registration
35 Request for registration
36 Request in respect of designs excluded from an application in respect of more than one design
Part 3--Registration
Division 1--Formalities check
39 Formalities check--applications in respect of one design only
40 Formalities check--applications in respect of more than one design
41 Registrar must give applicants an opportunity to correct deficiencies
42 What happens after Registrar's notification under section 41
43 Registrar must refuse to register certain designs
44 Registrar must register certain designs after refusal
Division 2--Registration procedures
45 Registrar must notify applicant of registration and give public notice
Division 3--Term of registration
47 Renewal of registration
48 Ceasing of registration
49 Surrender of registration
50 Revocation of registration on surrender
Division 4--Revocation on grounds relating to entitled persons
51 Revocation of registration on grounds relating to entitled persons
52 Procedures in relation to application
53 Applications by persons declared to be entitled persons in court proceedings
54 Applications by entitled persons after revocation following surrender of registration
55 Priority date of design if an application filed by a person declared to be an entitled person
56 Meaning of original registered owner
Part 5--Certain documents to be available for public inspection
60 Design applications for registered designs and associated documents to be open for public inspection
61 Certain documents not to be published
Chapter 5--Examination of designs
Part 1--Simplified outline of Chapter 5
62 Simplified outline
Part 2--Requests for examination
63 Examination of design
64 Requirements for request for examination of design
Part 3--Examination
65 What Registrar must do in examining a design
66 Amendment of registration
67 Certificate of examination where registration valid
68 Revocation of registration after examination
Part 4--Material may be provided to Registrar
69 Certain material may be provided to Registrar
Chapter 6--Infringement
Part 1--Simplified outline of Chapter 6
70 Simplified outline
Part 2--Infringement of registered design
71 Infringement of design
71A Infringement exemption--prior use
72 Infringement exemption--repairs
74 Counter-claims
75 Remedies for infringement
76 Intervention by Registrar
Part 3--Relief from unjustified threats
77 Application for relief from unjustified threats
78 Court's power to grant relief
79 Counter-claim
80 Mere notification of registration not a threat
81 Legal practitioners, registered patent attorneys and registered trade marks attorneys
Chapter 7--Jurisdiction and powers of courts
Part 1--Simplified outline of Chapter 7
82 Simplified outline
Part 2--Jurisdiction
83 Jurisdiction of Federal Court
83A Jurisdiction of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)
84 Jurisdiction of other prescribed courts
85 Exercise of jurisdiction
86 Transfer of proceedings etc.
87 Appeals
88 Powers of Federal Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) on hearing an appeal
89 Registrar may appear in appeals
Part 3--Compulsory licences and revocation of registration
90 Person may apply to court for compulsory licence
91 Terms of compulsory licence
92 Revocation of registration after grant of compulsory licence
Part 4--Revocation of registration by court in other circumstances
93 Revocation of registration in other circumstances
Chapter 8--The Crown
Part 1--Simplified outline of Chapter 8
94 Simplified outline
Part 2--Use by the Crown
95 Meaning of terms
96 Crown use of designs--general rule
96A Crown use of designs--emergencies
97 Applicants, entitled persons and registered owners to be informed of use
98 Crown use of designs--terms (including remuneration)
99 Certain agreement and licences inoperative unless approved by relevant Minister
102 Crown use of designs--court order to cease
103 Sale of products
104 Forfeited products
105 Supply of products by the Commonwealth to foreign countries
Part 3--Acquisition by and assignments to the Crown
106 Acquisition of design by the Commonwealth
107 Assignment of design to the Commonwealth
Part 4--Prohibition orders
108 Prohibition of publication of information about designs
109 Publication of information about designs
Chapter 9--The Register
110 Simplified outline
111 Registrar must keep Register
112 Register may be kept by computer
113 Inspection of Register
114 Amendments of Register to record changes of ownership
115 Amendments of Register made to give effect to certain decisions
116 Reissue of certificates
117 Trusts not to be entered in Register
118 Evidentiary provision
119 Admissibility of unregistered interests
120 Rectification of Register
Chapter 10--Administration
121 Simplified outline
122 Registrar
124 Delegation by Registrar
125 Designs Office
126 Seal of Designs Office
127 Registrar's Powers
128 Recovery of costs
Chapter 11--Miscellaneous
Part 1--Simplified outline of Chapter 11
129 Simplified outline
Part 2--Fees
130 Fees
130A Approved means of paying a fee
Part 3--Offences
131 False entries in Register
132 False representation that a design is registered
133 False representations about the Designs Office
134 Failure to comply with requirements of Registrar
135 Officers not to traffic etc. in designs
Part 3A--Computerised decision-making
135A Computerised decision-making
Part 4--Review of the Registrar's decisions
136 Review by Administrative Review Tribunal
Part 4A--Doing act after end of period otherwise provided for doing it
136A Doing act when Designs Office reopens after end of period otherwise provided for doing act
Part 5--Extensions of time
137 Extensions of time
138 Consequences of extension
139 Protection of third parties
Part 6--Other
141 Powers of agents
142 Right of lien of registered patent attorney and registered trade marks attorney
143 Revocation of registration does not affect court decisions and things done under contracts before revocation
144 Filing of documents
144A Approved means of filing documents
144B Directions by Registrar for filing of documents
144C Directions by Registrar for filing of evidence
144D Notifications by Registrar under this Act or regulations
145 Service of documents
146 Death of applicant before application determined
147 Death of person after design registered
148 Exercise of discretionary power by Registrar
149 Regulations
149A Instrument determining formal requirements for design applications etc.
Chapter 12--Repeal, transitional and saving provisions
Part 1--Repeal of Designs Act 1906
150 Repeal
Part 2--Transitional and saving provisions
151 Application of this Act to certain designs
152 Term of registration of certain designs
153 Applications made before commencing day
154 Other applications and proceedings
155 Pending proceedings
156 Infringement under old Act
157 Registrar and Deputy Registrar
158 The Register
159 Conversion of transitional applications
160 Effect of a converted application
160A Approvals under subsection 40A(6) of old Act
161 Definitions
Endnotes
Endnote 1--About the endnotes
Endnote 2--Abbreviation key
Endnote 3--Legislation history
Endnote 4--Amendment history
The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.
The following endnotes are included in every compilation:
Endnote 1--About the endnotes
Endnote 2--Abbreviation key
Endnote 3--Legislation history
Endnote 4--Amendment history
Abbreviation key--Endnote 2
The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.
Legislation history and amendment history--Endnotes 3 and 4
Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.
The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.
The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.
If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
Misdescribed amendments
A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.
If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and "(md not incorp)" is added to the amendment history.
ad = added or inserted | o = order(s) |
am = amended | Ord = Ordinance |
amdt = amendment | orig = original |
c = clause(s) | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s) |
C[x] = Compilation No. x | /sub-subparagraph(s) |
Ch = Chapter(s) | pres = present |
def = definition(s) | prev = previous |
Dict = Dictionary | (prev ... ) = previously |
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament | Pt = Part(s) |
Div = Division(s) | r = regulation(s)/rule(s) |
ed = editorial change | reloc = relocated |
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | renum = renumbered |
effect | rep = repealed |
F = Federal Register of Legislation | rs = repealed and substituted |
gaz = gazette | s = section(s)/subsection(s) |
LA = Legislation Act 2003 | Sch = Schedule(s) |
Sdiv = Subdivision(s) | |
(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |
effect | SR = Statutory Rules |
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment | Sub-Ch = Sub-Chapter(s) |
cannot be given effect | SubPt = Subpart(s) |
mod = modified/modification | underlining = whole or part not |
No. = Number(s) | commenced or to be commenced |
Endnote 3--Legislation history
Act | Number and year | Assent | Commencement | Application, saving and transitional provisions |
147, 2003 | 17 Dec 2003 | s 3-161: 17 June 2004 (s 2(1) item 2) |
| |
106, 2006 | 27 Sept 2006 | Sch 12 (items 1, 2): 27 Mar 2007 (s 2(1) item 12) | -- | |
Personal Property Securities (Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 | 131, 2009 | 14 Dec 2009 | Sch 2 (items 1-7): 30 Jan 2012 (s 2(1) item 1) | Sch 2 (item 7) |
Personal Property Securities (Corporations and Other Amendments) Act 2010 | 96, 2010 | 6 July 2010 | Sch 3 (item 1): 30 Jan 2012 (s 2(1) item 8) | -- |
46, 2011 | 27 June 2011 | Sch 2 (item 532) and Sch 3 (items 10, 11): 27 Dec 2011 (s 2(1) items 3, 12) | Sch 3 (items 10, 11) | |
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Act 2012 | 35, 2012 | 15 Apr 2012 | Sch 6 (items 1-22): 15 Apr 2013 (s 2(1) item 5) | -- |
as amended by |
|
|
|
|
Statute Law Revision Act (No. 1) 2014 | 31, 2014 | 27 May 2014 | Sch 2 (item 5): 15 Apr 2013 (s 2(1) item 6) | -- |
Federal Circuit Court of Australia (Consequential Amendments) Act 2013 | 13, 2013 | 14 Mar 2013 | Sch 3 (items 1-21): 15 Apr 2013 (s 2(1) item 4) | -- |
8, 2015 | 25 Feb 2015 | Sch 4 (items 1-4, 81-84): 24 Feb 2017 (s 2(1) item 5) | Sch 4 (items 81-84) and Sch 5 (item 7) | |
59, 2015 | 26 May 2015 | Sch 2 (item 126): 1 July 2016 (s 2(1) item 5) | Sch 2 (items 356-396) | |
as amended by |
|
|
|
|
33, 2016 | 23 Mar 2016 | Sch 2: 24 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) | -- | |
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) (Consequential Provisions) Act 2015 | 126, 2015 | 10 Sept 2015 | Sch 1 (item 172): 5 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) item 2) | -- |
61, 2016 | 23 Sept 2016 | Sch 2 (items 31-33): 21 Oct 2016 (s 2(1) item 1) | -- | |
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Productivity Commission Response Part 1 and Other Measures) Act 2018 | 77, 2018 | 24 Aug 2018 | Sch 2 (items 2-33, 110, 114-120, 150, 195, 209): 24 Feb 2019 (s 2(1) items 6, 8) | Sch 2 (items 110, 150, 209) |
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Productivity Commission Response Part 2 and Other Measures) Act 2020 | 9, 2020 | 26 Feb 2020 | Sch 3: 27 Feb 2020 (s 2(1) item 4) | Sch 3 (items 20-24) |
National Emergency Declaration (Consequential Amendments) Act 2020 | 129, 2020 | 15 Dec 2020 | Sch 1 (item 20): 16 Dec 2020 (s 2(1) item 2) | -- |
154, 2020 | 17 Dec 2020 | Sch 1 (items 87, 93-96, 99): 18 Dec 2020 (s 2(1) item 2) | Sch 1 (items 93-96, 99) | |
13, 2021 | 1 Mar 2021 | Sch 2 (items 301-313): 1 Sept 2021 (s 2(1) item 5) | -- | |
Designs Amendment (Advisory Council on Intellectual Property Response) Act 2021 | 100, 2021 | 10 Sept 2021 | Sch 1-6 and Sch 7 (items 9, 10): 10 Mar 2022 (s 2(1) items 2, 4) | Sch 1 (item 3), Sch 3 (item 36), Sch 4 (item 7), Sch 5 (item 13), Sch 6 (item 5), Sch 7 (items 5, 8, 10) |
Statute Law Amendment (Prescribed Forms and Other Updates) Act 2023 | 74, 2023 | 20 Sept 2023 | Sch 1 (items 37-48): 20 Mar 2024 (s 2(1) item 2) | Sch 1 (item 48) |
Administrative Review Tribunal (Consequential and Transitional Provisions No. 2) Act 2024 | 39, 2024 | 31 May 2024 | Sch 11 (items 3-8): 14 Oct 2024 (s 2(1) item 2) | -- |
Provision affected | How affected |
Chapter 1 |
|
Part 1 |
|
s 3..................... | am No 59, 2015 |
Part 2 |
|
s 5..................... | am No 131, 2009; No 96, 2010; No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 77, 2018; No 9, 2020; No 13, 2021; No 100, 2021 |
s 5A.................... | ad No 35, 2012 |
| am No 126, 2015 |
s 5B.................... | ad No 100, 2021 |
Chapter 2 |
|
Part 2 |
|
s 12.................... | am No 131, 2009 |
Part 4 |
|
Division 1 |
|
s 15.................... | am No 46, 2011 |
s 17.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 18.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Division 2 |
|
s 19.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Chapter 3 |
|
Part 1 |
|
s 20.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Part 2 |
|
Division 1 |
|
s 23.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Division 2 |
|
s 24.................... | am No 77, 2018; No 100, 2021 |
Part 3 |
|
s 28.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
s 32.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Part 4 |
|
s 33.................... | am No 77, 2018; No 100, 2021; No 74, 2023 |
Chapter 4 |
|
Chapter 4 heading........... | rs No 100, 2021 |
Part 1 |
|
s 34.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Part 2 |
|
Part 2 heading............. | rs No 100, 2021 |
s 35.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 36.................... | rs No 100, 2021 |
s 37.................... | rep No 100, 2021 |
s 38.................... | rep No 100, 2021 |
Part 3 |
|
Division 1 |
|
s 39.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 40.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 41.................... | am No 77, 2018; No 100, 2021 |
s 42.................... | am No 77, 2018 |
s 43.................... | am No 77, 2018 |
Division 2 |
|
s 45.................... | am No 74, 2023 |
Division 3 |
|
s 47.................... | am No 100, 2021; No 74, 2023 |
s 49.................... | am No 74, 2023 |
s 50.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
Division 4 |
|
s 52.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 77, 2018, No 13, 2021; No 74, 2023 |
s 54.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
Part 4................... | rep No 100, 2021 |
s 57.................... | am No 77, 2018 |
| rep No 100, 2021 |
s 58.................... | am No 77, 2018 |
| rep No 100, 2021 |
s 59.................... | am No 77, 2018 |
| rep No 100, 2021 |
Part 5 |
|
s 60.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 61.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Chapter 5 |
|
Part 3 |
|
s 66.................... | am No 77, 2018 |
s 67.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 77, 2018; No 13, 2021; No 74, 2023 |
s 68.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 77, 2018; No 13, 2021; No 74, 2023 |
Part 4 |
|
s 69.................... | am No 8, 2015; No 77, 2018 |
Chapter 6 |
|
Part 1 |
|
s 70.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Part 2 |
|
s 71.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 71A................... | ad No 100, 2021 |
s 72.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 73.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 75.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Part 3 |
|
s 77.................... | am No 77, 2018 |
Chapter 7 |
|
Part 1 |
|
s 82.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
Part 2 |
|
s 83.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
s 83A................... | ad No 35, 2012 |
| am No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
s 84.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 154, 2020; No 13, 2021 |
s 85.................... | am No 35, 2012 |
s 86.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
s 87.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
s 88.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
s 89.................... | am No 35, 2012; No 13, 2013; No 13, 2021 |
Part 4 |
|
s 93.................... | am No 100, 2021 |
Chapter 8 |
|
Part 2 |
|
s 95.................... | am No 9, 2020 |
s 96.................... | rs No 9, 2020 |
s 96A................... | ad No 9, 2020 |
| am No 129, 2020 |
s 97.................... | am No 9, 2020 |
s 98.................... | rs No 9, 2020 |
s 99.................... | rs No 9, 2020 |
s 100................... | rep No 9, 2020 |
s 101................... | rep No 9, 2020 |
s 102................... | am No 9, 2020 |
s 103................... | am No 9, 2020 |
s 104................... | am No 9, 2020 |
Part 4 |
|
s 108................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 109................... | am No 61, 2016 |
Chapter 9 |
|
s 118................... | am No 131, 2009 |
s 119................... | am No 131, 2009 |
Chapter 10 |
|
s 124................... | am No 106, 2006 |
s 125................... | am No 35, 2012 |
Chapter 11 |
|
Part 1 |
|
s 129................... | am No 106, 2006; No 77, 2018; No 39, 2024 |
Part 2 |
|
s 130................... | am No 77, 2018 |
s 130A.................. | ad No 77, 2018 |
Part 3 |
|
s 131................... | am No 61, 2016 |
s 132................... | am No 61, 2016 |
s 133................... | am No 61, 2016 |
s 134................... | am No 61, 2016 |
s 135................... | am No 61, 2016 |
Part 3A |
|
Part 3A.................. | ad No 77, 2018 |
s 135A.................. | ad No 77, 2018 |
Part 4 |
|
s 136................... | am No 77, 2018; No 100, 2021; No 39, 2024 |
Part 4A |
|
Part 4A.................. | ad No 106, 2006 |
s 136A.................. | ad No 106, 2006 |
| am No 35, 2012 |
Part 5 |
|
s 137................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 138................... | am No 77, 2018 |
Part 6 |
|
s 144................... | rs No 35, 2012; No 77, 2018 |
s 144A.................. | ad No 77, 2018 |
s 144B.................. | ad No 77, 2018 |
| am No 100, 2021 |
s 144C.................. | ad No 77, 2018 |
s 144D.................. | ad No 77, 2018 |
s 145................... | am No 8, 2015; No 126, 2015 |
s 146................... | am No 100, 2021 |
s 149................... | am No 8, 2015; No 77, 2018; No 100, 2021 |
s 149A.................. | ad No 100, 2021 |