This study was undertaken in 2005 to determine whether or not the level of Intellectual Property (IP) protection by Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is at sub-optimal levels, to identify reasons, and to note areas for further attention.
The study comprises a number of distinct components:
- Comparison of whether the relative application rates of IP by SMEs in Australia are compared with (i) large firms in Australia; and (ii) SMEs in other industrialised nations;
Identification and ranking of factors that inhibit patenting, and use of other forms of IP, by SMEs;
- Evaluation of the extent to which the factors inhibiting IP protection impact on the export performance of Australian SMEs by industry sector; and
- Assessment of the extent to which the current IP protection and enforcement system meets the needs of Australian SMEs by industry sector.
The methodology used for the study comprised:
A comprehensive review of the academic and public policy literature;
An analysis of the IP Australia databases;
Consultations with industry and government organisations;
Two surveys of organisations that advise and partner SMEs; and
Ten case studies of innovation by SMEs.
The report is presented in two volumes (here combined into one report). Volume I contains the executive summary and the findings of the study. Volume II contains the literature review and supporting data, including summaries of the case studies, and results from the industry consultations (set out in various tables and graphs).