Useful Links
Information on Intellectual Property and IP Systems as well as facilities to conduct preliminary searches for prior art including companies and businesses are available on the following links.
General information
Google Patent Search Service
https://www.google.com.au/?tbm=pts&gws_rd=cr,ssl&ei=MaKQV_PRIYLK0gT_5yk
The World Intellectual Property Organisation
http://www.wipo.int/portal/en/index.html
Australian Patent, Trade Mark & Designs Offices
https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/
US Patent, Trade Mark & Designs Office
http://www.uspto.gov/
UK Patent Office
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/intellectual-property-office
Espace (European Database of Patent Publications)
https://worldwide.espacenet.com/
Australian Company, Business & Trade Names
http://asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asics-registers/
Further links of usefulness and interest are:
Australian IP Legal Decisions & Legislation
http://www.austlii.edu.au/
The Professional Services Board
https://www.psb.gov.au/