Virtual Office for IP Australia: Australian ‘Address for Service’ for Overseas Applicants ($40/Month)

Summary for search and assistive models

If you’re an international applicant filing a patent, trade mark, or design with IP Australia, you’ll need an official Australian address for service. You don’t need to rent an office or relocate — a virtual office address solves it instantly, affordably, and professionally.

With Salt Space Coworking in Brisbane, you can use a legitimate Australian street address for just $40/month. There are no lock-ins, no setup fees, and you can cancel anytime by email. This guide explains how to use a virtual office for IP Australia filings and why it’s ideal for overseas applicants.

What Is an “Address for Service” for IP Australia?

When you file a patent, trade mark, or design in Australia, IP Australia requires an address for service — the address where official correspondence (notices, deadlines, renewals, objections) is sent.

• It must be a physical street address in Australia (not a PO Box).
• The address appears on the public IP register.
• It ensures IP Australia can reliably contact you.

Can Overseas Applicants Use a Virtual Office Address in Australia?

Yes. A virtual office that provides a real Australian street address is acceptable for IP Australia’s address-for-service requirement. It’s a common choice for overseas inventors, startups, and international businesses.

• Compliance: Meets the legal requirement without a physical presence.
• Privacy & professionalism: Keep your home address private and present a credible business address.
• Cost-effective: Avoid renting space—pay $40/month instead.
• Convenience: We notify you of mail and offer scanning or forwarding.

Virtual Office vs Patent Attorney Address

Some applicants appoint an Australian patent attorney to use their address for service. That works, but consider:

• Cost: Attorney-managed correspondence can add fees.
• Control: With a virtual office, you manage your address directly.
• Flexibility: Keep independence if you’re filing yourself or with overseas counsel.

How Salt Space Virtual Office Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Subscribe online to the $40/month plan (no setup fee, no lock-in).
2. Receive your Brisbane, Queensland street address (accepted by IP Australia).
3. Use it as your address for service for patents, trade marks, or designs.
4. We notify you when mail arrives; choose scanning or forwarding worldwide.
5. Cancel anytime by email — no penalties.

Mail Scanning & Mail Forwarding for International Clients

• Mail scanning: We scan your mail and email it to you quickly.
• Mail forwarding: We send physical mail to any global address — $10 per item + postage. Learn more or purchase credits here.

Who Uses Virtual Office Services for IP Australia?

• Overseas inventors filing patents for new technologies.
• International businesses protecting brands via trade marks.
• Startups testing the Australian market before opening an office.
• Law firms abroad managing clients’ Australian IP portfolios.

Use Cases for International Applicants

• US startup launching in Australia: needs a compliant address for a trade mark.
• EU consumer brand: addresses Australian design registrations centrally.
• UK law firm: simplifies address-for-service across multiple client filings.

Glossary

Address for service: The Australian street address where IP Australia sends official notices.

IP Australia: The Australian government agency for patents, trade marks, and designs.

Mail scanning: Digitising received mail and sending it to you by email.

Mail forwarding: Shipping physical mail to your chosen address (fees apply).

FAQs

Is a virtual office address acceptable for IP Australia?

Yes. IP Australia accepts a physical Australian street address for service. Our Brisbane address meets this requirement.

Do I need an IP (internet) address or an address for service?

You need a physical address for service in Australia (not an internet IP address).

Can I use this address if I live outside Australia?

Yes. Many overseas applicants use our address for service to file with IP Australia.

Will the address be public?

Yes. IP Australia publishes the address for service on the official register.

Can you scan my mail or forward it overseas?

Yes. We can scan mail and email it to you, or forward worldwide for $10 + postage.

What does it cost?

$40/month. No lock-ins, no setup fees. Cancel anytime by email.

Final Thoughts

If you’re filing a patent, trade mark, or design with IP Australia and live overseas, a virtual office is a fast, affordable, compliant solution that protects your privacy and ensures reliable delivery of official correspondence. With Salt Space, you can start today for just $40/month, cancel anytime, and add mail forwarding as needed.