Resident and non-resident filings: domestic engagement strengthens within a globally driven system
Application growth was slightly stronger for non-residents (+7.5%) than residents (+6.3%). Resident applications reached a record level of 3,078 in 2025. Non-residents accounted for 70.1% of total filings — broadly stable over the past 3 years (see Figure 4.2).
While non-resident filings drive aggregate volume, Australian firms continue to use the system at record levels. This aligns with domestic strengths in construction, furnishings, specialised manufacturing and branded consumer goods — sectors where visual differentiation contributes materially to firm performance.
Firm-level evidence shows that in design-intensive industries, holding registered or certified designs is associated with stronger productivity and export outcomes.1 The 2025 data are consistent with ongoing engagement by Australian component and product designers.
Figure 4.2
Resident and non-resident design applications, 2014 to 2025
Locations of origin: US filings rebound alongside continued growth from China
The leading overseas origins were the United States (2,575 applications) and China (1,715), followed by the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Hong Kong (see Figure 4.3).
Applications were received from 58 overseas origins in 2025 – above the long-term average – reinforcing Australia’s role as a destination market within global product supply chains. Australia received design filings from Bangladesh, Nigeria and Nepal for the first time in in 2025.
Figure 4.3
Leading overseas locations of origin for design filings in 2025, and origins with high growth or decline.2
US-origin filings have surged, up by 31.8% following 2 years of decline. Strong growth was observed in design classes which have not traditionally been a focus for US-origin filings, such as food (+440.0%) and clothing (+116.9%).
Filings from China continued to grow, up by 9.9% on their level in 2024. Applications from China have now doubled from their volume in 2022, though their growth has moderated from strong levels observed in recent years.
Endnotes
- T Kollmann, A Koswatta, A Palangkaraya and E Webster, E, ‘The impact of design rights on Australian firms’, IP Australia Economic Research Paper Series 09, 2020.
- High volume locations are defined as classes above the mean for total applications received in 2023.