Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand


The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand is a New Zealand government agency responsible for the granting and registration of intellectual property rights, specifically patent, trade mark, design and plant variety rights. It is part of the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. According to its website, IPONZ "aims to ensure people realise the full economic potential of their intellectual property."

Activities

IPONZ has a long history, beginning with the establishment of the New Zealand Patent Office in 1870. It now administers the Patents Act 1953, Patents Act 2013, the Trade Marks Act 2002, the Designs Act 1953 and the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987.
Over the period from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012, IPONZ received 17,675 trade mark applications, 6,253 patent applications including Patent Cooperation Treaty National Entry filings, and 1,283 design applications.

Online services

IPONZ services are provided via its online case management facility. Its services include:
IPONZ produces a short and concise eNewsletter containing important intellectual property information and updates. Subscribers can elect to receive eNewsletters containing specific information of interest to them including: