Patent attorney information

What is a patent attorney?

A patent attorney is a person that has specialised qualifications to act as a professional intermediary between clients (both local and overseas) and IPONZ. They deal with intellectual property, specifically, patents, trade marks, and designs. In practice, patent attorneys also deal with other aspects of intellectual property law, such as copyright, trade secrets and plant variety rights.

The New Zealand Institute of Patent Attorneys (Incorporated), ("NZIPA" or "The Institute"), established in 1912, is an incorporated body representing most Patent Attorneys registered under the New Zealand Patents Act, and who are resident and practising in New Zealand. Read more.

• The New Zealand Patent Attorney Register
• A guide to registering as a patent attorney in New Zealand
• Patent attorney examinations
• Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement for the patent attorney profession

See our Patent Attorney FAQs for more information.