1. Filing an application

Applications for Patents

Applications for Patents in New Zealand may be made using our online services. The online filing forms supersede any paper forms formerly in use.¹
Any valid application made through the IPONZ online services will be given a filing date. If an application is filed on an Official closed day, such as on a weekend or statutory holiday, it will be assigned the next working day as the filing date. Applications for Patents in New Zealand may be accompanied by either a provisional or complete specification.

Correspondence from the Office

All correspondence in regard to an Application for a Patent will be provided to the applicant via IPONZ’s online services. Alerts about new correspondence from IPONZ will be sent via email to the case contact’s email address. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that their electronic contact details are kept up to date.

Deadlines from the Office

Deadlines in the Patent application process will be provided to the applicant via IPONZ’s online services. A failure to respond to a deadline will result in the application going abandoned. All enforced deadlines incorporate any available extensions of time and there is no requirement to submit other requests for extension of time.

Examination Hearing

In response to an issue raised by the Office and applicant may request a hearing using IPONZ’s online services. After the hearing, or after considering the applicant’s written submissions, the Assistant Commissioner will either accept or reject the applicant’s submissions. A decision will be issued in writing, stating the reasons for the Assistant Commissioner’s decision.
 

Footnote

¹Modifications to the forms are directed by the Commissioner under Patent Regulation 9.