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Processing timeframes for applications and correspondence

Below you will find an indication of expected turnaround timeframes for applications and correspondence lodged with the office.

All applications received at IPONZ are numbered in sequential order and a receipt confirming the application number and filing date is issued within one working day. If the application is filed online, the application number and filing date is available within minutes.

To track the progress of your application login to our View IP History service.

[image] View now.

[image] Main navigation processing timeframes .

 Patents

Applications

[image] 20 days.

Applications with a complete specification

  • 20 working days
  • For first examination report to be issued to applicant.

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications entering the NZ national phase.

  • National phase applications are ready for examination when: the English translation document has been received and the applications have passed 31 months from the earliest priority date. See below.
  • Applications ready for examination are processed in date order based on the 31 month examination date. The table below provides the corresponding 31 months examinable date of those patents currently under initial examination.

 

 

Technology Group (31 Month Examinable Date)

Biotechnology
Chemistry
Mechanical
Electrical
[image] 31 Jan 08.
[image] 6 Feb 08.
[image] 14 May 08.
[image] 25 May 08.

 

Correspondence

[image] 15 days.

Examination correspondence

  • 15 working days

[image] 15 days.

Assignment / change of name requests

  • 15 working days

 Trade Marks

Applications

[image] 5 days.

Search and / or Preliminary Applications

  • 5 working days
[image] 5 days.

Initial trade mark applications

  • 5 working days

Correspondence

[image] 15 days.

Relating to substantive issues (sections 17,18 and 25)

  • 15 working days
[image] 15 days.

Relating to series, classification, formality and / or other issues (sections 5, 21-24, 31, 32 and applicant details)

  • 15 working days
[image] 20 days.

Assignment / change of name requests

  • 20 working days
[image] 15 days.

Extension of time requests

  • 15 working days
[image] 15 days.

Request to merge

  • 15 working days

Note: Where evidence of use of the trade mark has been submitted to the Office, or the Office is considering whether to reject the application pursuant to section 43 of the Act, examination of the application can take between 4 and 6 months of receiving your correspondence.

 Designs

Applications

[image] 15 days.

Initial design applications

  • 15 working days
  • For first examination report to be issued to applicant.

Correspondence

[image] 15 days.

Examination correspondence

  • 15 working days
[image] 15 days.

Assignment / change of name requests

  • 15 working days

 

Last updated 17 November 2009

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