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Designs
Practice guidelines
Changes to assignment of designs
From 13 February 2012 there will be a change in practice relating to the assignment of designs: the filing of a request to record an assignment of a design will only be possible after the design has been registered. Any request to…
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Patents
The Patent Examination Manual
Section 7: Meaning of inventive step
An invention, so far as claimed in a claim, involves an inventive step if it is not obvious to a person skilled in the art, having regard to any matter which forms part of the prior art base. Compare: Patents Act 1977 s 3 (UK)…
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Patents
The Patent Examination Manual
Technical focus group
The purpose of the Patents Technical Focus Group (TFG) is to provide a forum for communication between client representatives and IPONZ in relation to the provision of technical patent intellectual property services in New Zealand. The Group meet to: feedback on proposed practices…
Days we are closed
IPONZ is closed on certain days of the year, including weekends and holidays. Some exceptions apply to applications and submissions made on these days.
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Patents
Renewal
You may need to pay application maintenance or patent renewal fees depending on the amount of time that has passed since your original filing date.
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Trade marks
Trade Mark Hearings
Revocation of registration of trade mark
Any aggrieved person may apply to have a trade mark registration revoked, based on specific grounds provided by law.
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Trade marks
Trade Mark Hearings
Fees
Item Fee Notice of opposition $350 Application for revocation $350 Application for declaration of invalidity $350 Application for cancellation or alteration No fee …
News and updates
New guide helps businesses integrate Māori cultural elements into their IP
The unique branding opportunities and commercial benefits that Māori culture represents have been opened up to more businesses with the launch of an intellectual property (IP) guide by the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ). The Guide to protecting intellectual property with a…
News and updates
Update to Trade Mark Hearings Guidelines
The Hearings Evidence guidelines for Trade Marks have been updated.
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Plant Variety Rights
Plant Variety Rights Act Review
A new Plant Variety Rights Act 2023 entered into force in January 2023, following a review of the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987.
