Serving Australian Inventors for over 50 Years.

The Inventors Association of Australia (IAA) was formed in 1958 by Stan E. Shrivell, an independent inventor who was dismayed at the lack of information, guidance and assistance available to inventors. He decided to do something positive about that situation. He aimed to help inventors and innovators to achieve success with their new products, to bring the benefits of new innovations to the general community and thereby to improve the standard of living and the employment situation. Hence the mission statement:

"Helping employment, exports, the disabled and the environment by networking inventions and innovations with the community, industry and commerce for the welfare of a better country."

Stan was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for founding the association and for helping inventors.

In 1963 Charles Smith visited Sydney from his home in Perth to exhibit several inventions at that year's Royal Easter Show. Charles joined the organisation and later served as Vice President. In 1965 Charles became the Association's third president since it was founded in 1958. When he moved to Sydney the following year, he became actively involved in the still fledgling organisation that was then functioning in NSW only. While travelling around Australia to promote his own inventions, he organised initial meetings of inventors throughout the country to operate as branches and sub branches. A branch was formed in Perth with the inspirational character of Fred Kelly as the first president.

Charles was recognised as National President of the IAA; each branch by then also had its own State President. In 1969 he organised the incorporation of IAA as a non profit company limited by guarantee, which was a prerequisite to the gaining of Federal Government grants to subsidise help for inventors.

Simultaneously Charles began lobbying ABC TV to produce a television program on inventions. The "ABC Inventors" program ran from 1970 to 1980. Many of our members (past and present) appeared on the original ABC Inventors and on the current ABC New Inventors programmes.

Early inventor's societies and associations

The first Inventors Association in this continent was founded in Sydney in 1893 – prior to federation - as the Inventors Association of NSW, its fate is unknown.

Another organisation, called The Australasian Institute of Patentees and Inventors, ran for a year from 1939. It published 6 good magazines (these are available in the state library) but sadly ended in a defamation dispute.

The Australian Society of Inventors and Patentees, ran for a few years in Sydney in the mid to late 1940's – Sir Mark Oliphant was the patron. It too appears to have suffered the same fate as its predecessor – wrecked by "constant disputes."

(Above material supplied by Stuart Fox and edited for inclusion on this website)

Logos and badges through the years

	IAA Original lapel badge designed by Stuart Fox in 1964. Some members still have their badges and it can be seen at thePowerhouse Museum. The original badge was made by GA Miller, 1 Muriel St., Rydalmere, NSW 2116. (Phone 02 9638 4222)www.millersbadges.com.au First batch of 200 was ordered by Mr Stan Shrivell on 5 August 1965
	This logo was used on the Inventor's Association of Australia Ltd's letterheads between 1972 and 1985 and the Association's Inventus Magazine between 1979 and February 1985.
	This logo was used on the Inventor's Association of Australia NSW Newsletters from 5 March 1985 The Association's Inventus Magazine creased publication on 1984.
Letterhead used by the Inventors Association of Australia (Federal) Inc and the state associations between 1990 and approximately 1997.
	Logo used on the Inventor's Association of Western Australia Inc brochures and letters between 1997 and 2006.
	Logo in acrylic used in Qld - over 20 years old.
	The logo used by the Inventors Association in Queensland from 1997. For part of this period the association re-named itself 'The Inventors Associations of Australia "Federal"'
	The logo designed by Bruce Bilney and adopted as the national logo between 2002 and 2006. It was used on the South Australian newsletter and website (inventors.asn.au) from 2002 to the present.
	Western Australian logo adopted in 2005, representing the world's first invention - a flint knife surrounded by the world's most useful invention – a wheel.
	Inventors Association of Australia Logo adopted by all states and the Federal association in 2007. Registered trademark.
	Variation on Inventors Association of Australia Logo adopted by all states and the Federal association in 2007. Registered trademark.
	Inventors Association of Australia (Vic) Inc Logo adopted in February 2010.