Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand

Trade marks

Distinguish your goods or services in the market place by using a trade mark. Your trade mark could include words, logos, shapes, colours, sounds, smells or any combination of these.

Protects your logo, name and brand
Costs $150 per class, excluding GST
Takes a minimum of 6 months to acquire
Can last up to 10 years before renewal

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Created automatically with original work, like artwork, books, websites, computer programs, drawings, plays, films, music, and sound recordings. You may use the symbol © to help you demonstrate that you claim copyright in a particular work, but you do not need to.

Learn more about Copyright

Protects original works
Free
Automatic right
Duration varies depending on the category

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Trade secret

Key confidential information that is not publicly known but that has real economic value to a business. Trade secrets include things like confidential processes, customer information, business strategies, and secret recipes.

Learn about protecting trade secrets when hiring staff on business.govt.nz

Maintains competitive advantage
Generally free
Self enforced
Valid as long as you don't disclose this information

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Company name registration

A registered business name stops any other person from registering a company with that name. Reserving your company name is the first step in incorporating a company in New Zealand.

Search and apply for company names on the Companies Register

Maintains competitive advantage
Usually costs less than $200
Instantly available online
Valid as long as you are trading or trading as that name

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Domain name registration

A domain name helps people locate your website. It distinguishes your website from global competitors.

Search and register domain names on the Domain Names Register

Helps ensure you have a presence on the web
Usually costs less than $100
Instantly available online
Usually leased on a 1 - 5 years plan

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Other registered IP types

IPONZ also grants and registers the following types of IP.

Patents

Designs

Plant variety rights

Geographical indications

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Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure enters into force on 17 March 2019

15 February 2019

Update to Trade Mark Practice Guidelines

01 February 2019

Events & education

Become an expert in owning your ideas with presentations, and other resources to improve your understanding of IP.

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Guide to IP basics

Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) grants and registers IP rights in New Zealand. This includes trade marks, patents, designs, plant variety rights and geographical indications. We also provide general information about non-registered IP including copyright.

Our services help you protect your innovations so that you get the full economic benefit of your IP.

Learn more about IPONZ