4.3.2 Applicant responds to the notice

Following receipt of the Notice, the applicant may avail themselves of the opportunity to be heard. Where the applicant requests a hearing, the request:

• Must be made in writing;
• Must indicate whether the applicant desires a hearing in person or a hearing based on written submissions; and
• Must be received by IPONZ on or prior to the expiry of the deadline specified in the Notice, taking into account any extensions of time that have been granted.

Upon receipt of the request for a hearing, the application will be forwarded to the Hearings Office.

Where the applicant requests a hearing in person, a hearing will be held before an Assistant Commissioner. Where the applicant requests a hearing based on written submissions, the applicant will be asked to forward its written submissions and an Assistant Commissioner will then consider those written submissions.

After the hearing, or after considering the applicant’s written submissions, the Assistant Commissioner will either accept or reject the application. A response will issue in writing, stating the reasons for the Assistant Commissioner’s decision and, where relevant, the materials used in arriving at the decision.