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Geographical indications
Hearings
The IPONZ Hearings Office is a specialist tribunal that is responsible for administering proceedings under the Geographical Indications Registration Act 2006 in a fair, efficient and cost-effective manner.
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Designs
Legislation and hearings
Legislation In New Zealand, the Designs Act 1953 and the Designs Amendment Act 2010 govern the administration of rights to a design. These Acts are accompanied by the Design Regulations 1954 and the Designs Amendment Regulations 2011 .…
News and updates
Decisions of the Commissioner – September 2025
Decisions of the Commissioner issued in September 2025 are now available.
News and updates
The Plant Variety Rights Journal - October 2025
The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.
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Trade marks
Practice guidelines
Priority of trade mark applications
This document provides guidelines on the priority of trade mark applications under the Trade Marks Act 2002. These Guidelines do not constrain the judgement and discretion of the Commissioner of Trade Marks, and each application will be considered on its own merits.
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Geographical indications
Practice guidelines
Relationships between registered GIs and other rights
The interface between registered GIs and other rights is prescribed by the Act and by certain amendments to other legislation, such as the Trade Marks Act 2002.
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Geographical indications
Practice guidelines
Priority dates
The GI Act establishes a “first in time” priority system for the registration of GIs.
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Patents
The Patent Examination Manual
Section 40: Amendment of complete specification before acceptance
Before the acceptance of a complete specification, the applicant may, in the prescribed manner, amend that specification.
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Trade marks
International
Apply for an international trade mark
To file for an international application using IPONZ as the Office of Origin, you'll need to complete our online application form.
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Patents
The Patent Examination Manual
Sections 117-128: Restoration of patents and patent applications
We grant and register intellectual property (IP) rights in New Zealand. Our services help you protect your innovations so that you get the full economic benefit of your IP.
