Understanding Intellectual 
Property when working 
with CSIRO 

What is IP and its importance in R&D 
and CSIRO? 

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to certain ‘creations of the mind’, 
including inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, 
symbols, names, and images used in commerce. In the context 
of research and development (R&D), IP plays a critical role in 
creating impact from innovation. 

As Australia’s National Science Agency, we produce high-value 
IP through R&D that drives innovation, collaboration and 
technological advancement. Effective IP management is vital 
to our mission: to deliver impactful science and technology 
for the benefit of Australia. Working with us to leverage IP can 
also be a powerful driver of impact in your business. 

By understanding and working intelligently with IP rights – 
from patents, and plant breeders’ rights through to copyrights 
for software, we’re positioned to make strategic decisions 
about how to leverage collaborative innovation for the 
biggest impact. This gives our collaborators and investors’ 
confidence in our partnerships, which go on to create impact 
and benefit for all.

TOP TIP FOR COLLABORATORS: 
Every collaboration or project is unique, 
there is no ‘one-size fits-all’ approach 
to IP. Talk to us and let’s go through 
the IP implications together, right from 
the start. 

Four things to know about IP:

1. IP is not all the same: Different types of IP—patents, 
trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets—each have 
unique purposes and protections.

2. Owning IP may not be the best option: You can use 
IP through licensing agreements without owning it, 
which can often be more cost-effective and less 
administratively burdensome while still generating 
the business impact you need.

3. IP protection is not always automatic: IP protection 
often requires formal registration and adherence to 
strict confidentiality systems and processes.

4. IP is not just for big companies: IP can generate 
impact for organisations of all sizes, including startups 
and small businesses.

Zee: prototype hexapod robot equipped with a streaming camera sensor 
and a real-time 3D scanning LIDAR.


How to get ready for IP discussions – Top Tips 

Understanding IP and how we manage it at CSIRO can help maximise the value of your innovations when you collaborate with us. 
It enables you to make informed decisions and better understand your options, such as determining the most cost‑effective way 
to safeguard the IP.

Important note: This guide is intended for projects involving complex IP considerations. For activities such as testing, feasibility 
studies, or technical services, detailed IP discussions may not be necessary. 

1

Read our IP Principles

Our Principles guide our approach to IP, and it helps 
to be familiar with this before starting discussions, 
so we’re all on the same page. 

2

Consult industry resources

Familiarise yourself with the IP landscape for 
your sector and read case studies for insights 
and lessons learned. 

3

Research the market

Do a detailed analysis of your business landscape, 
including competitors, consumers, industry and 
others’ existing published IP. 

4

Consider existing IP for leverage

Determine what pre-existing or ‘background’ IP 
each of us might bring into the project, or if the 
project will use a third party’s IP. 

5

Consider obligations to third parties

Identify any limitations on relevant IP rights due to 
obligations to third parties, such as funding bodies. 

6

Consider a protection strategy

Consider what IP might need to be registered or 
otherwise protected before using or disclosing it, 
the right timing and the best way to protect it 
cost-effectively. 

7

Consider practical applications

Think about how relevant IP can be applied in 
real‑world scenarios. 

8

Understand IP’s potential value

Assess the potential market value and impact 
of relevant IP.


As Australia’s national science agency, 
CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges 
through innovative science and technology.

CSIRO. Creating a better future for everyone.

Contact us 1300 363 400 | csiro.au/contact | csiro.au

For more information on what to expect when working with us, 
visit our collaboration page.