Australia’s plant breeder filings fell as resident applications rose

A domestic rebound narrowed the gap

Resident applications increased from 100 to 117, while non-resident applications declined from 182 to 147. The gap fell from 82 filings to 30. The fall in overseas applications was large enough to pull the combined total down 6.4%. Source 1

Fruit led overall and cereals moved the other way

Fruit crops represented 28.7% of 2025 applications, ornamentals 22.9% and non-cereal field crops 17.6%, according to IP Australia. Cereal applications increased 41.7% to a record 34. Domestic applicants made up the majority of filings for cereal field crops. Source 1

Overseas applicants remained the majority

Non-residents accounted for roughly 56% of all 2025 filings. IP Australia says they accounted for 69.7% of fruit filings and all vegetable filings that year. The mix differs by crop class. The overall proportion alone cannot show which parts of plant breeding are most international. Source 1

A registration is a later event

Registrations rose from 124 to 169 while applications declined. IP Australia attributes that divergence to examination timing and the flow of applications through the system. Dividing registrations by applications in the same calendar year would mix filings and decisions from different groups. Source 1

Sources

• IP Australia 2026 report, plant breeder’s rights chapter