6. Voluntary amendments to patent applications

Voluntary amendments to patent applications and specifications

Request to amend Patents or Patent applications may be submitted through IPONZ online systems.

The following amendment requests are permitted:

Provisional Application

• New specifications may be submitted
• Post-dating of the original filing date of the provisional date by up to six months.

Complete Applications and National Phase PCT applications prior to Acceptance

• New specifications may be submitted
• Request to change Patent of Addition to become independent
• Submission of other documentation in support of application.

Where a new specification is submitted the applicant must submit:

• The new specification in full.
• An electronic marked up copy of the proposed amendments indicating where additions and/or deletions have been made to the specification.
• Fee payment, where a voluntary amendment has been incorporated.⁶
• The applicant must indicate with their application if the amendment has been directed by the court.
   

Footnote

⁶Pursuant to regulation 103, and as notified in practice guidelines October 2012.