Following on from our article of 15 February 2021, which can be read here, the Designs Amendment (Advisory Council on Intellectual Property Response) Bill 2020 received Royal Assent on 10 September 2021.

The majority of the changes to designs law as outlined in the article will commence on 10 March 2022. This includes the much-anticipated change to implement a grace period that will allow designers to publish their designs before applying for design protection.

The passing of this bill has been long-awaited, and in particular the implementation of the 12-month grace period which will undoubtedly enhance the IP system and in turn deliver timely benefits and flexibility to designers seeking protection in both Australia and overseas.