Last year, a routine review of IPONZ’s fees identified a number of areas where changes could be considered. IPONZ prepared proposals to change some patent and trade mark fees, for which public submissions were sought between 25 June and 30 July 2018. After considering all submissions, revised proposals were then presented to Cabinet for approval.

Cabinet approved the revised changes to IPONZ fees at its meeting on 11 March 2019. Amendments to the Trade Marks Regulations 2003, the Patents Regulations 2014 and the Patents Regulations 1954 are now being drafted to give effect to the proposals.

A summary of all submissions, as well as the approved revised proposals, are now available on the IPONZ fees review and consultation page.

The fee changes are expected to be implemented in the third quarter of 2019. Once a final implementation date has been determined, IPONZ will notify our clients at least three months in advance of the effective date.