Insight
Patent trends and the continuing strength of the Australian health tech sector
IP Australia has released its 14th annual Australian IP Report 2026 relating to intellectual property activity in 2025. In this article, we focus on trends in patent filings and the investment in patent protection. While overall patent filing volumes have stabilised, the standout story is the continuing strength of Australia's life sciences and health technology sector. Pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and biotechnology together account for one-third of all patent filings, and the sector's global significance continues to grow, accompanied by record biotech M&A activity as major pharma companies race to head off looming patent cliffs.
15 October 2026
Insight
Fixed election, floating duty? The stamp duty questions on the discretionary trust changes
On 3 September 2026, the Albanese Government released draft legislation for the new minimum 30% tax on discretionary trusts (trust distributions and capital gains) announced in the May Budget (see Mallesons Tax Alert on Discretionary Trusts here).
14 October 2026
Insight
Draft TCP Standard: A significant change is coming for Australian CSPs
On 29 September 2026, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) released the consultation draft of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protections) Industry Standard 2026 (Draft TCP Standard). The final version of this Standard will ultimately replace the existing industry code, C628:2019 Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code (TCP Code).
14 October 2026