Change ownership

You can request for change of ownership for any IP case online. You need to be a registered user of our services, Log On to complete the igovt logon process, under type of IP you wish to make the request select Maintain a case, Change Ownership from the type of IP menu on the left hand side. If you are already logged in, go straight to Maintain a case.

It is recommended that the new owners have a valid address for service in New Zealand, as this is a requirement of the various intellectual property statutes in New Zealand. If there are multiple owners, or an agent then you must determine who will receive correspondence from IPONZ.

You will also need to file evidence supporting any change in ownership for example the deed of assignment or a verified copy.

To enter a new owner on the register

1. You will need to be logged on as a registered user of the website. Read more... 
2. For example, a request to enter a new owner for a patent:
3. Select Maintain a Patent from the left hand menu of your Inbox. The Request Patent Change page will display.
4. Click Select cases(s) for Assignment from the Change Owner section to Search Patent Case(s).
5. You will be promoted to search for one or more Patents you wish to change the ownership of. Once you have identified the correct cases tick the check box to select. Then click the Select button. The Request a Change of Ownership on patent(s) will display.
6. Enter your Client Reference.
7. Select whether you are acting as the new owner or if you are acting on behalf of the owner. If you are acting on behalf of the owner, you will be listed as the agent. If you are authorised to become the agent for the application, you need to upload an Authorisation of Agent.
   If you do not wish to be recorded as the new agent for the assigned cases click the remove button to remove your firm as the agent. You will still be able to record the change of ownership, you just won’t be recorded as the new agent for the cases.
8. To add the new owner for the assigned cases select Search by the Applicant field. You will be taken to the Search Client screen. Search to find, or manually add, the new owner(s). By default the search will be restricted to clients in our database that you have already acted for.
9. To upload Agent Authorisation select Add by the Agent Authority field.
10. Add your documentary evidence to support to your request then select Submit to complete your request.

To divide a patent into two or more separate patents and assign some of those patents to another owner, click Select case for Division option from the Request Patent Change Screen.

How do I file an authorisation of agent?

Patents

Regulation 14 of the Patents Regulations 1954 state that any applicant, person or patentee may appoint an agent by signing and sending an authority to the Commissioner. There are no prescribed forms for an authority. However, the following information should be provided as prescribed in Regulation 14:

1. Name of the authorised person or organisation
2. A statement confirming that the person or organisation has been appointed as agent
3. The signature of the patentee or applicant

Please see section 103 of the Patents Act 1953 for related information about the practice as a patent attorney.