Steady Growth, Global Reach: Australia’s Role in the IP World
Australia’s patent prosecution landscape has remained resilient and globally engaged between 2019 and 2023. While the country’s population and domestic market may be modest in comparison to their global giant counterparts, its patent system continues to serve as a vital destination in international innovation strategies, especially for firms looking to establish IP footholds across the Asia-Pacific.
Over the period of 2019-2023, Australia’s top 50 patent firms handled hundreds of thousands of applications, with foreign-origin filings making up the vast majority. The continued strength of this inbound flow highlights the country’s role as a gateway jurisdiction and an attractive IP destination for multinational applicants.
Rank: Who’s Leading the Charge? Largest 25 Patent Prosecution Firms in Australia
A small but powerful group of specialized IP firms dominates Australia’s patent market. Leading the pack is Spruson & Ferguson, which handled nearly 40,000 patent filings between 2019 and 2023. Known for its deep technical capabilities and expansive international client base, Spruson & Ferguson remains the undisputed giant of the Australian IP space.
Also high on the list are Davies Collison Cave (24,812 filings), Griffith Hack (19,441), and FB Rice (18,303), each commanding significant market share. These firms consistently rank among the most preferred partners for both domestic innovators and foreign applicants entering the Australian market.
Rounding out the top 10 are: Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick, Pizzeys Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, FPA Patent Attorneys Pty Ltd, Wrays, Shelston IP, and Madderns. These firms have distinguished themselves through technical depth, procedural efficiency, and well-established international alliances.
NOTE: GOLJA HAINES & FRIEND has changed their name to IP SENTINELS
Groups and Independents: Australia’s unique landscape
Australia’s patent law market is shaped by the dominance of two major publicly traded IP groups, IPH Limited and QANTM IP Limited. These groups function alongside a strong list of independent boutique firms that continue to grow, with both sectors holding strong market share. As IPH and QANTM continue to grow through an acquisition strategy, our data shows acute drop-off from some firms such as Shelston IP who were acquired by IPH and subsequently integrated and the firm was no longer.
IPH Group (IPH Limited)
IPH, the first IP services firm listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 2014, has grown rapidly through acquisitions and mergers. Notably:
- In August 2019, IPH completed its acquisition of Xenith IP Group, bringing Griffith Hack, Shelston IP, Watermark, and Glasshouse Advisory into their portfolio.
- Subsequently, Watermark was integrated into Griffith Hack in late 2019, and Shelston IP merged into Spruson & Ferguson in late 2021 – This strategy has consolidated control over major players: Spruson & Ferguson, Griffith Hack, Pizzeys, Shelston IP, Watermark, and AJ Park, all now under the IPH umbrella. Collectively, these firms once comprised over 40% of patent filings in Australia
QANTM Group (QANTM IP Limited) – now owned by Fox BidCo Pty Ltd
QANTM consolidates a group of high-profile IP firms including:
- The group includes Davies Collison Cave (DCC), Davies Collison Cave Law, and FPA Patent Attorneys, which were acquired in August 2016
- In May 2020, QANTM acquired Cotters Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys, and by mid-2022 Cotters was fully integrated into FPA. These QANTM firms collectively accounted for over 30,000 filings between 2018 and 2022
Lasty, Wrays acquired Perth firm Lord & Co. in 2021 – resulting in a significant drop in filings in the data as the company was disolved.
Market Impact and Competition
This landscape highlights both concentration and competition:
- IPH and QANTM together control a significant share of patent prosecution activity in Australia, yet regulatory reviews (e.g., ACCC during the Xenith acquisition) concluded that competitive alternatives remained robust
- Furthermore, the decline in headcount within IPH’s integrated firms post-acquisition (e.g. at Griffith Hack and Shelston IP) has sparked the creation of several new independent firms staffed by former IPH attorneys, bolstering market diversity
Rising Stars: Fastest Growing Firms (2019–2023)
Beyond the established leaders, several firms have made significant strides in filing growth over the past five years. These rising stars are expanding their client bases, gaining market share, and cementing their reputations in an increasingly competitive field. These firms represent the next generation of IP leaders in Australia.
Top Growth Firms:
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Patent Filing Trends in Australia: Consistency Amid Change
Patent filings across Australia’s top firms have remained stable throughout 2019–2023, with several firms reporting notable growth. FB Rice, in particular, saw a 40% increase in filings, highlighting its strategic momentum and expanding client roster. Phillips Ormonde Fitzpatrick also posted a healthy 21% increase – both being independent firms.
The share of foreign-origin filings remained high—often above 80%—underscoring the global nature of the Australian IP ecosystem. These filings are frequently driven by PCT national phase entries, making Australia a preferred jurisdiction for second-phase filings due to its well-respected legal system and geographic advantage.
NOTE: GOLJA HAINES & FRIEND has changed their name to IP SENTINELS
Germany: Number of Patent Applications and Shares of Foreign Filings per Firm
Inbound Activity: Who’s Filing into Australia?
Outbound Strategy: Where Do Australians File?
The United States dominates inbound patent filings into Australia, accounting for 57,758 applications over the period. Following closely are China (12,369), Germany (8,283), Japan (7,380), and the United Kingdom (6,845). This global mix illustrates that Australia isn’t just part of a regional IP strategy—it’s a destination for innovators from North America, Europe, and Asia alike.
Australian applicants are also actively pursuing global IP protection, with the United States receiving 6,808 filings. Other major destinations include China (3,258), Canada (2,309), the United Kingdom (2,291), and Japan (1,981). This outbound activity reflects the international ambitions of Australian innovators and the essential role of law firms in navigating foreign patent systems.
Countries Sending Most Cases to Australia: Country Breakdown 2019-2023
Countries Receiving Most Cases from Australia: Country Breakdown 2019-2023
Strategic Takeaways for IP Firms
Australia’s patent market rewards those firms that combine technical expertise with a global mindset. Top-performing firms demonstrate:
- Strong international filing pipelines
- High shares of PCT and foreign-origin filings
- Stable year-over-year filing volumes
The rise of new players also signals a shift toward flexibility, responsiveness, and technology-driven services.
Conclusion: Small Market, Global Impact
Australia may be geographically isolated, but its IP system is anything but. The country’s top patent firms are globally connected, technically proficient, and strategically positioned to serve clients navigating an increasingly complex innovation environment.
Whether you’re an international corporation seeking to protect your innovations or a domestic firm expanding abroad, Australia’s patent prosecution ecosystem is equipped to guide the way.
