News and updates
The Journal - September 2026
The September 2026 edition of the Journal is now available.
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Patents
Patents Act 1953
1953 Patents Act practice guidelines
Below is a list of archived practice guidelines published by IPONZ under the 1953 Patents Act. These guidelines provide detailed information for patent practices including filing requirements and our examination and processing activities.
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Patents
Patents Act 1953
Examination of patent applications
Contrary to morality | Raising objections under section 17(1) The practice note of 2008 entitled Contrary to morality | Raising objections under section 17(1) has caused some confusion with respect to the nature of what would and would not be objectionable under section 17(1) of the…
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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.
IPONZ platform upgrade
IPONZ is undergoing a major platform upgrade. This page provides information, advice, and guidance to help you get ready for it, including what to expect, when changes are happening, and how to stay informed throughout the transition.
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Trade marks
Apply
Registering a trade mark is a good way to protect your brand and reputation. There are some things you need to consider before submitting a trade mark application.
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Trade marks
Maintain
Once you have a trade mark registration or application there are a number of changes you can make.
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Trade marks
Apply
Protected words
Registration of trade marks containing protected words may be difficult or prohibited.
News and updates
The Plant Variety Rights Journal - October 2026
The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available. Choose from the links below to view the sections of the Journal: General information [PDF, 206 KB] Plant variety right applications and registrations
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Plant Variety Rights
PVR Journal
The NZ PVR Journal contains information that the Commissioner is required, by the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987, to publish.
