IPONZ has recently updated its trade mark practice guidelines to reflect updated practices on specifications relating to computer software. These changes clarify how our trade mark examiners will treat applications that use certain terms, such as “artificial intelligence software” or “software for vehicles”.

Our updated guidelines also clarify that for national trade mark applications filed on or after 1 January 2025, or for international applications that designate New Zealand on or after 1 January 2025, our examiners will consider the term “rental of software” and its equivalents to be too broad and too vague in Class 42.

View the updated Trade Mark practice guideline:

3c Annexure to computer services