- What is an IP professional?
- How can an IP professional help?
- How to choose an IP professional
- Tips for meeting with your IP professional
- How to enforce your IP
- Do you have a question for us?
What is an IP professional?
An IP professional is an expert qualified/trained to help with IP applications. They can help provide advice at any time during your IP journey. Using an IP professional will help you get the greatest protection and make it more likely that your application will be successful.
IP professionals often specialise in particular areas (such as patents or trade marks). You’ll need to ensure you are talking to the right type of IP professional for your business. There are many firms out there who have the mix of specialised skills you will need.
How can an IP professional help?
An IP professional can help provide you with any advice relating to legal or business decisions in the IP space. This includes:
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preparing and submitting applications
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providing advice on the commercialisation of your IP
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developing an IP strategy for your business
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searching for ideas similar to yours
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the ongoing management of your IP and monitoring of potential infringements
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providing advice and action on international IP applications
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developing confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.
Paku - Two friends applied to trade mark their company name, Paku, to help protect their brand with a name that is unique to Aotearoa. View the full case study
How to choose an IP professional
When you get professional IP advice it is important to get the right fit of expertise to help you protect your IP. These directories of legal practitioners may be useful resources to find an IP professional with the right set of skills.
NZIPA (New Zealand Intellectual Property Attorneys Inc) - Member patent attorney firms
Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board – Register of patent attorneys and firms
The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa – Find a lawyer
Tips for meeting with your IP professional
Time with an IP professional can be expensive, so it’s important you are prepared for your meeting. Ask about costs up front so you know what to expect.
When you meet with your IP professional, they will want to know about your idea or invention. To make the best use of your time, before you meet make sure you:
Have a clear understanding
Have a clear understanding how your idea is different from others already. Your unique ideas are what sets your business apart from competitors.
Have some basic knowledge
Have some basic knowledge on the type of IP that may apply to your idea or invention. In many cases, we recommend reaching out to an IP attorney to help with your IP application.
Supply any documentation
Supply any documentation (such as plans, sketches, details of the process etc.) that are relevant to your application. It is important to keep your idea a secret until you have submitted your IP application.
Your competitors in the market
Research and document what your competitors are doing in the market. Do your research up front of other technology or products that are out in market similar to yours.
How to enforce your IP
If you think someone has infringed your rights, we recommend you engage with an IP professional. They can advise you on the best course of action and act on your behalf for the next steps. This could simply range from sending a cease-and-desist letter to further legal action.
An application for IP cannot be enforced - IP rights can only be enforced when they are granted.