Last updated 12 February 2026

In May 2024, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) member states adopted the first WIPO Treaty to address the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional knowledge. This is the first WIPO Treaty to include provisions specifically for Indigenous people as well as local communities. Australia has signed up to the treaty and is undertaking the domestic implementation processes. The federal government and IP Australia have been consulting with a wide range of stakeholders on the development of laws for the protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence has exposed a number of tensions with existing regulations, particularly copyright. The Australian Federal Government has released a Copyright and AI Transparency discussion paper, a major policy document that sets out some options for reform and invited public feedback. There is no final position on copyright reform at the time of writing.