Trans-Tasman harmonisation trial

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) and IP Australia (IPA) (“the Offices”) have been collaborating to increase harmonisation of examination practices for trade marks, where possible, practical and appropriate.
A trial to recognise the previous examination decisions made by each office is now underway. The trial aims to further align and enhance the quality and consistency of trade mark examination and assess the feasibility of a future model of mutual recognition between the Offices.

Who can participate in the trial?

Any applicant who has filed a trade mark in one country who then files an application for the same mark in the other country can opt into the trial. Participation in the trial is voluntary, and is not a guarantee that the examination outcomes in both jurisdictions will be the same.

How to participate in the trial

The Offices have amended their respective application forms to include a tick box so that applicants can agree to participate in the trial and consent to disclosure of personal and examination information between the Offices. In Australia, only applications filed electronically will be part of the project.

Why become involved in the trial?

We envisage that the trial will:

• give more consistency and certainty for trade mark owners when filing in Australia and New Zealand;
• consolidate and preserve the gains in consistency made in previous stages of cooperation between the Offices; and,
• promote greater levels of collaboration for future initiatives between the Offices.

For more information on the trial, click here.