What happens to intellectual property (IP) acquired by the Australian Government through its many activities in science, health, education, public infrastructure, information technology, defence and arts and culture?

Most government contracts stipulate that IP created under the contract belongs to the Crown. Is there a list of such rights? Can the public have access to such IP?

Whilst it does not answer these questions specifically, the Statement of IP Principles (pdf) (published by the Attorney-General’s Department) provides a framework for
effective management of IP by Australian Government agencies. It identifies a range of issues relevant to effective management of IP,
including procurement, record keeping, industry development and broader
innovation policy, and public access.

All Australian Government agencies which are subject to the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 must comply with the requirements of the Statement of IP Principles by 1 July 2008.

A guidebook, the IP Better Practice Manual, will provide agencies with up-to-date information on implementing the Statement, and is expected to be published in late 2007.