Getting started

A trade mark identifies a unique product or service. For example, the term BUDGET SUPERMARKET for retail services in relation to food and household items is unlikely to identify one trader from any other in that trade channel.

The benefits of registering a trade mark include:

• Exclusive right to use the trade mark throughout New Zealand to promote the goods and/or services it covers.
• Use the ® symbol with the trade mark
• Legal protection to deter others from trying to imitate your brand.
• A good trade mark will distinguish your business from others.
• Adds value to your business that can increase over time as the mark becomes established in the market.
• You can sell or assign the trade mark to another person or business, or license its use to other parties.

• Apply for a trade mark

  Step by step guide that will help make the application process easy to follow and understand.

• Search existing trade marks

  Check existing trade marks for the same or a similar trade mark is not already on the register or in use.

• Fees

  Trade marks cost $150 per class (excluding GST) to apply and $350 per class (excluding GST) to renew every 10 years.

• Classification search

  Find the correct classifications of goods and services terms that are pre-approved.

• International trade marks

  Taking your business overseas? Apply in over 100 participating countries with a single application.

• Search and preliminary advice

  We suggest using this service before applying to register your trade mark.

Managing trade marks

After applying for a trade mark you will hear from us within 15 working days.

Once you have a registered trade mark, no one else can use that name or logo or sign for a similar goods or services. 

You can build your business’ reputation, knowing nobody can legally use your name or logo or other sign to pretend to be you or your company.

• Examination process

  Once submitted, your application to register a trade mark will be examined by this process.

• Practice guidelines

  Our practices and procedures relating to aspects of the filing, examination and registration of trade marks.

• Maintaining

  Once you have filed a trade mark there are a number of things you must do to keep your registration.

• Renewing

  A trade mark registration can be renewed every 10 years. The renewal fee is $350 per class (excluding GST).

• Enforcing

  You are responsible for monitoring the way your trade mark is used and protecting it against infringement.

• Hearings

  Our role is to administer hearing proceedings to determine disputes and challenges relating to trade marks.