News and updates
Decisions of the Commissioner – October 2025
Decisions of the Commissioner issued in October 2025 are now available online.
Manage IP
Search, apply, maintain and renew all registered forms of Intellectual Property using the case management facility.
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Trade marks
Practice guidelines
Classification and specification
Guidelines on sections 31 and 32 of the Trade Marks Act 2002, which concern the classification of goods and services and the breadth of a specification. These Guidelines do not constrain the judgment and discretion of the Commissioner of Trade Marks, and each application will be…
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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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Māori IP
Concepts to understand
Having an understanding of Māori culture will help you navigate New Zealand’s intellectual property laws and processes, and could save you time and money.
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Patents
Patents Act 1953
Patent proceedings
Opposition proceedings When a patent application is accepted by us, the applicant receives a notice of acceptance and the details of the patent application are published on our website and in the electronic Journal. The date of issue of the Journal becomes the publication date of…
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Trade marks
Trade Mark Hearings
International trade mark proceedings
New Zealand is a party to the Madrid Protocol governing the registration of International Trade Marks.
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Copyright
Crown copyright
Crown copyright protects work created or owned by the New Zealand government, including government forms, codes of practice, official press releases and public records.
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Māori IP
Māori imagery
Māori imagery has certain distinct features.
Copyright
Crown copyright protects work created or owned by the New Zealand government, including government forms, codes of practice, official press releases and public records.
