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.
Get IP
Geographical indications
Detailed information about our practices relating to aspects of the filing, examination, and registration of geographical indications (GIs).
Get IP
Geographical indications
Using the geographical indications register
The GI register lists all geographical indications registered in New Zealand, as well as applications and proposed registrations.
Get IP
Geographical indications
European Union Geographical Indications and changes to legislation
Restrictions apply to the use of certain geographical indications terms on products as a result of the New Zealand – European Union Free Trade Agreement entering into force.
Get IP
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.
Get IP
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.
Get IP
Geographical indications
Practice guidelines
Priority dates
The GI Act establishes a “first in time” priority system for the registration of GIs.
Get IP
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.
Get IP
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.
