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News and updates

The latest news from the Intellectual Property Office

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IPONZ services during COVID-19

IPONZ’s online services will continue to be available as normal, with some allowance provided for issues related to COVID-19.

The Journal - March 2020

The March 2020 edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner – February 2020

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in February are now available online.

Warning - Misleading invoices

Be aware of unsolicited or fraudulent IP protection, promotion or advertising services being offered to IP holders.

The Journal - February 2020

The February 2020 edition of the Journal is now available.

New Zealand’s trade marks are now on EUIPO’s TMview

As of 17 February 2020, IPONZ has made its trade mark data available to the European Union Intellectual Property Office’s (EUIPO) 'TMview' search tool.

Decisions of the Commissioner – January 2020

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in January are now available online.

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility

Improvements to our IPONZ online case management facility as of 13 February 2020.

The Journal - January 2020

The January 2020 edition of the Journal is now available.

New patent and trade mark fees will commence from 13 February 2020

Updates to IPONZ’s patent and trade mark fees will come into force on 13 February 2020.

Decisions of the Commissioner – December 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in December are now available online.

Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Act 2019 enters into force

The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Act 2019 has entered into force as of 13 January 2020.

Marrakesh Treaty enters into force

The Copyright (Marrakesh Treaty Implementation) Amendment Act entered into force on 4 January 2020.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - January 2020

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - December 2019

The December edition of the Journal is now available.

Holiday closure period for IPONZ website services

IPONZ website services will be unavailable between 24 December 2019 and 3 January 2020.

Decisions of the Commissioner – November 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in November are now available online.

Have your say: Consultation on Discussion Paper on geographical indications

Consultation is open until 27 March 2020 on a discussion paper for the protection of geographical indications proposed by the European Union as part of the EU-N

The Journal - November 2019

The November edition of the Journal is now available.

Reminder on final round of New Zealand patent attorney examinations under transitional arrangements

IPONZ reminds all remaining candidates that the registration deadline for the final round of New Zealand patent attorney examinations is on 1 February 2020.

Decisions of the Commissioner – October 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in October are now available online.

Update on Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill

Royal assent has been given to the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill affecting Intellectual Property legislation.

Update to Hearings Guidelines for Trade Marks

IPONZ has recently updated its hearings guidelines relating to costs awards and how parties may be heard.

WIPO update on the implications of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, and more

The following updates may be of interest to New Zealand users of Intellectual Property (IP) services.

The Journal - October 2019

The October edition of the Journal is now available.

Kiwi Business Boost launches in the Hawke’s Bay 11-21 November

Business.govt.nz launches Kiwi Business Boost in November 2019, starting in the Hawke’s Bay.

The Decisions of the Commissioner – September 2019

The Decision of the Commissioner issued in September is now available online.

Update of patent practices for GPPH expedited examination requests

IPONZ has updated its practices when assessing expedited examination requests under the GPPH.

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility as of 10 October 2019.

Update to Hearings Guidelines for Trade Marks

IPONZ has recently updated its hearings guidelines relating to pre-hearing directions and evidence.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - October 2019

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - September 2019

The September edition of the Journal is now available.

IPONZ patent and trade mark fees will change on 13 February 2020

The amendments to regulations to update patent and trade mark fees have now been approved by Cabinet and the Executive Council. The changes to fees will come into force on 13 February 2020.

Decisions of the Commissioner – August 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in August are now available online.

Whole-of-government work programme announced for Wai 262

Several intellectual property legislation reviews may be included in a whole-of-government approach to issues raised in the Wai 262 claim.

The Journal - August 2019

The August edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner – June and July 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in June and July are now available online.

Tell us what you think about Plant Variety Rights services

MBIE would like to know about your experiences with our operational processes for Plant Variety Rights.

The Journal - July 2019

The July edition of the Journal is now available.

Search your new trade mark idea quickly and easily with a new tool

The new Trade Mark Check tool is now live and available as an option to search logos and word marks on the trade mark register.

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility

Improvements to our IPONZ online case management facility as of 18 July 2019.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - July 2019

The Journal - June 2019

The June edition of the Journal is now available.

2019 WIPO Roving Seminar presentations now available

Speaker presentations from the 2019 WIPO Roving Seminars in New Zealand are now available on the IPONZ website.

Final round of New Zealand patent attorney examinations under transitional arrangements

A schedule has been recently announced for the final round of New Zealand patent attorney examinations under the transitional provisions of the trans-Tasman reg

Decisions of the Commissioner – May 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in May are now available online.

Update to Trade Mark Practice Guidelines

IPONZ has recently updated its practice guidelines relating to the term annexure general “retail, wholesale and distribution services”.

Have your say: Consultation on Issues Paper for Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill

Consultation is open until 2 August 2019 on a Discussion Paper for the proposed Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill.

The Journal - May 2019

The May edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner - April 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in April are now available online.

Update to Patents Examination Manual on task due dates

IPONZ is changing the way in which task due dates are set as a patent application approaches its deadline to be placed in order for acceptance.

Candidates sought for a New Zealand Chairperson of the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has commenced a recruitment process to appoint a New Zealand Chairperson to the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board.

The Journal - April 2019

The April edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner – March 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in March are now available online.

Update on IPONZ fees review and consultation (April 2019)

Following public submissions on proposals to change some of our fees, IPONZ sought Cabinet approval on the resulting updated proposals. These updated proposals

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - April 2019

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - March 2019

The March edition of the Journal is now available.

New division and merger process for International Trade Mark Registrations

From 21 March 2019, IPONZ processes will allow for division and merger requests for international trade mark registrations.

Decisions of the Commissioner – January and February 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in January and February are now available online.

2019 WIPO Roving Seminar programme and registration

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will be returning to New Zealand as part of its worldwide series of free roving seminars in April.

Update to Trade Mark Practice Guidelines

IPONZ has recently updated its practice guidelines relating to the filing of trade mark applications.

The Journal - February 2019

The February edition of the Journal is now available.

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

New Zealand has recently acceded to the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

Update to Trade Mark Practice Guidelines

IPONZ has recently updated its practice guidelines relating to the term “featuring” in trade mark specifications, and to the division process for national trade

The Journal - January 2019

The January edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner – December 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in December are now available online.

Consultation on geographical indications (GIs) in the EU-NZ free trade agreement

As part of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the European Union and New Zealand, your views are sought on recognition of and protection for GIs.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - January 2019

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - December 2018

The December edition of the Journal is now available.

Schedule of costs changes for IPONZ hearings from 1 February 2019

Decisions of the Commissioner – November 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in November are now available online.

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility

We’ve made a number of improvements to our website and online case management facility as of 6 December 2018.

Amendment to the Patents Act 2013 in effect from 30 December 2018

Sections of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Amendment Act 2018 will amend the Patents Act 2013 from 30 December 2018.

The Journal - November 2018

The November edition of the Journal is now available.

Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement takes effect on 30 December 2018

The CPTPP and several associated amendments to the Copyright Act, Patents Act and Trade Marks Act will enter into force on 30 December 2018.

Tell us what you think about our services

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) is currently reviewing our online services and would like your feedback.

Have your say: Consultation on Issues Paper for Copyright Act review

Consultation on Issues Paper for review of the New Zealand Copyright Act 1994.

Update on IPONZ fees review and consultation (November 2018)

In June and July 2018 IPONZ sought public submissions on proposals to change some of our fees.

Decisions of the Commissioner – October 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in October are now available online.

The Journal - October 2018

The October edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner – September 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in September are now available online.

IPONZ supports Cyber Smart Week 2018

Cyber Smart Week runs from 8 to 12 October this year. IPONZ has partnered with CERT NZ to provide some tips to help keep your information secure online.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - October 2018

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - September 2018

The September edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner – August 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in August are now available online.

The Journal - August 2018

The August edition of the Journal is now available.

Update to Patent Opposition Guidelines (2013 Act)

IPONZ is currently seeking feedback on several updates to its schedule of costs for hearings.

IPONZ continues Taking Care of Business Roadshow 2018 participation

The Taking Care of Business Roadshow resumes this August!

Decisions of the Commissioner – July 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in July are now available online.

Have your say on schedule of costs changes for IPONZ hearings

IPONZ is currently seeking feedback on several updates to its schedule of costs for hearings.

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility as of 1 August 2018.

The Journal - July 2018

The July edition of the Journal is now available.

Standard pre-hearing directions for IPONZ hearings

IPONZ has established a set of standard pre-hearing directions for IPONZ hearings.

Decisions of the Commissioner – June 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in June are now available online.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - July 2018

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - June 2018

The June edition of the Journal is now available.

Update to Trade Mark Practice Guidelines and Specifications

IPONZ has recently updated its practice guidelines relating to geographical indications and the similarity of certain goods and services classes.

Have your say on patents and trade mark fees paid to IPONZ

IPONZ is currently seeking feedback on several change proposals identified as part of a recent fees review.

Decisions of the Commissioner – May 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in May are now available online.

Kiwi innovators show how to “Dream it. Do it. Own it” with IP

IPONZ now provides more resources to help raise awareness and understanding of intellectual property in New Zealand.

The Journal - May 2018

The May edition of the Journal is now available.

Have your say: Review of Primary Business Data on NZBN Register

Consultation on proposed changes to NZBN Primary Business Data

IPONZ Masterclass: Madrid Protocol update and working group proposals

IPONZ invites IP professionals and agents to attend a detailed discussion of current and future Madrid Protocol issues on 6 and 7 June 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner – April 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in April are now available online.

ONECheck gets a makeover

Business.govt.nz has recently re-launched its ONECheck tool.

IPONZ joins Taking Care of Business Roadshow 2018

The Taking Care of Business Roadshow hits the road again in 2018!

The Journal - April 2018

The April edition of the Journal is now available.

Access blocked for older browsers from 27 May 2018

Our website hosting provider is changing a configuration to ensure that our websites and the data hosted on them stay secure. This change will block version 1.1

Patent Technical Focus Group meeting updates

The Patents Technical Focus Group (TFG) provides a forum for communication between client representatives and IPONZ in relation to the provision of technical pa

Decisions of the Commissioner – February and March 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in February and March 2018 are now available online.

World IP Day Event – Powering change: Women in innovation and creativity

IPONZ, NZIPA and IPSANZ have joined forces to organise a special panel event to celebrate World IP Day 2018.

Amended Patents, Trade Mark and Design Regulations enter into force

Amendments to the Patents Regulations 2014, the Trade Mark Regulations 2003, the Trade Marks (International Registration) Regulations 2012, and the Design Regulations 1954 will enter into force on 5 April 2018.

Abstract drawings now available for National Phase Entry applications

IPONZ has now resolved a previous issue relating to abstract drawings for National Phase Entry applications.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - April 2018

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - March 2018

WIPO CASE Integration

IPONZ is now a providing office for the purpose of accessing the WIPO CASE system.

Amended Patents, Trade Mark and Design Regulations gazetted

Amendments to the Patents Regulations 2014, the Trade Mark Regulations 2003, the Trade Marks (International Registration) Regulations 2012, and the Design Regulations 1954 have been notified in the New Zealand Gazette as of today.

The Journal - February 2018

The February edition of the Journal is now available.

Candidates sought for Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board

The Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board is currently seeing a New Zealand representative.

Applications are now open for the 2018 DesignEuropa Awards

You may wish to nominate holders of European Union Registered Community Designs for the 2018 DesignEuropa Awards.

Decisions of the Commissioner – January 2018

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in January are now available online.

The Journal - January 2018

The January edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner – December 2017

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in December are now available online.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - January 2018

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - December 2017

The December edition of the Journal is now available.

Pending Updates to Trade Mark Practice Guidelines and Specifications

IPONZ expects several changes to take place for Trade Mark practices and specifications in January 2018.

Enrolments open for IP courses

Decisions of the Commissioner - October and November 2017

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in October and November are now available online.

Holiday closure period

IPONZ’s offices will be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Patent attorney examinations in July 2018

Registration is now open for New Zealand patent attorney exams which will be held from 3 to 5 July 2018.

Abstract drawings not available in National Phase Entry applications

IPONZ has recently been made aware of a change to WIPO’s PATENTSCOPE tool.

Tell us what you think about our services

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) would appreciate your feedback to help us improve our services, including our new website.

The Journal – November 2017

The November edition of the Journal is now available.

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility as of 23 November 2017.

Update to Trade Mark Hearings Guidelines

The Hearings Evidence guidelines for Trade Marks have been updated.

Vodafone email clients must act promptly to maintain IPONZ services

If you use a Vodafone email account you need to update your email address for key IPONZ services.

The Journal - October 2017

The October edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner - September 2017

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in September are now available online.

The PVR Journal - October 2017

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - September 2017

The September edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner August 2017

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in August are now available online.

The Journal - August 2017

The August edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner - June / July 2017

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility as of 3 August 2017.

The Journal - July 2017

The July edition of the Journal is now available.

Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act and Regulations come into force

The Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act and Regulations come into force today. The Act creates a register for wines and spirits, which will be administered by IPONZ.

IPONZ joins Global Patent Prosecution Highway

The PVR Journal - July 2017

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - June 2017

The June edition of the Journal is now available.

Government launches review of the Copyright Act

Geographical indications regulations released

Decisions of the Commissioner - May 2017

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility

We’ve made a number of improvements to our case management facility as of 1 June 2017

Updates to release of information held by IPONZ

We have updated our fact sheets relating to the Release of Information under the Patents Acts.

The Journal - May 2017

The May edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner - April 2017

The Journal - April 2017

The April edition of the Journal is now available.

World IP Day Seminar – Innovation Improving Lives

Decisions of the Commissioner - March 2017

The PVR Journal - April 2017

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - March 2017

The March edition of the Journal is now available.

WIPO Roving Seminars presentations are available

Patent Attorney examinations in July 2017

WIPO Roving Seminar programme and registration

IPONZ is pleased to announce the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will be coming to New Zealand as part of its worldwide series of free roving seminars.

Decisions of the Commissioner - February 2017

Trans-Tasman patent attorney regime comes into force

The Journal - February 2017

The February 2017 edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner - January 2017

Change in Commissioner of Patents, Trade Marks, Designs and Plant Variety Rights

The Journal - January 2017

The January 2017 edition of the Journal is now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner - December 2016

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - January 2017

The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.

The Journal - December 2016

The December 2016 edition of the Journal is now available.

Eleventh edition of the Nice Classification

The eleventh edition of the Nice Classification comes into force on 1 January 2017.

Patent Attorney examinations in February 2017 – papers D and E

Holiday closure period

IPONZ’s office will be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Update to Frequently Cited Cases

Improvements to our online case management facility

Improvements to the IPONZ online case management facility as of 7 December 2016.

Decisions of the Commissioner - November 2016

The Journal - November 2016

Tell us what you think about our services

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) would appreciate your feedback to help us improve our services, including our new website.

Geographical indications regime a step closer

A geographical indications regime for wines and spirits is a step closer after the Geographical Indications (Wines and Spirits) Amendment Bill passed its third reading yesterday.

Patents Amendment Bill passes

The trans-Tasman patent attorney regime has been given the go ahead after the Patents (Trans-Tasman Patent Attorneys and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passed its third reading.

Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand declared closed on Tuesday 15 November 2016

Due to the pending completion of building assessments in Wellington following a major earthquake on Monday 14 November, the Commissioner is satisfied that under these circumstances it is necessary and desirable to close IPONZ at short notice.

Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand declared closed on Monday 14 November 2016

Due to a major earthquake on Monday 14 November 2016 the Commissioner is satisfied that under these circumstances it is necessary and desirable to close IPONZ at short notice.

Candidates sought for Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board

The New Zealand government is seeking an experienced New Zealand patent attorney to serve on the new Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board.

Update to Patent Attorney registration, renewal and examination processes

IPONZ’s guidelines and procedures for Patent Attorney registration are being updated in preparation for the Patents (Trans-Tasman Patent Attorneys and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.

Update to Patents Examination Manual and Practice Notes

IPONZ has recently made updates to its Patents Examination Manual, which are summarised in our recent Practice Notes.

Decisions of the Commissioner - October 2016

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in October 2016 are now available online.

The Journal - October 2016

Review of New Zealand’s ASEAN FTA

Consultation on ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

Meeting notes for Hearings Technical Focus Group

The IPONZ hearings technical focus group meeting notes are now available online.

IPONZ closed for Labour Day – 24 October 2016

IPONZ’s office will be closed for business on Labour Day, Monday, 24 October 2016.

Upcoming scheduled online service maintenance

IPONZ online services will be unavailable from 5:00am on Saturday, 15 October 2016 to 6:00pm on Sunday, 16 October 2016 NZDT.

Decisions of the Commissioner - September 2016

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in September are now available online. Select the links to see the decisions.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - October 2016

The Journal - September 2016

New dates added to Taking Care of Business roadshow

In response to popular demand, the Taking Care of Business roadshow will host five additional events between October and November 2016.

Start of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time will commence in New Zealand on Sunday, 25 September 2016.

Public submissions invited on transitional provisions of the Patents Act

Consultation on proposed amendments to transitional provisions of the Patents Act 2013 relating to divisional patent applications.

Enhancements to the IPONZ Case Management Facility

Enhancements to the IPONZ Case Management Facility have been made as of 15 September 2016.

Submissions on proposed Geographical Indications regulations and fees now available

The public submissions on the proposed regulations and fees for the Geographical Indications Bill are now available.

Decisions of the Commissioner - August 2016

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in August 2016

The Journal - August 2016

New trade marks hearings guidelines

Creative sector study – Survey of creative sector participants

MBIE is undertaking a survey as part of its ongoing study of the creative sector. This survey is open to copyright holders, copyright licensees and copyright contributors who work in the creative sector.

Decisions of the Commissioner - July 2016

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in July 2016

The Journal - July 2016

The July edition of the Journal is now available.

Update on the Trans-Tasman Patent Attorneys Amendment Bill

Parliament’s Commerce Committee has reported back to the House on the Trans-Tasman Patent Attorneys Amendment Bill.

MBIE seeks public submissions on TPP patent term extensions

Consultation on regulations implementing the patent term extension provisions in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Amendment Bill.

Public submissions on Geographical Indications Regulations and fee schedule

Public submissions are now invited on the proposed regulations and fees for the Geographical Indications Registration Act until 29 July 2016.

Decisions of the Commissioner - June 2016

Decisions of the Commissioner issued in June 2016.

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - July 2016

Creative Sector workshops

Help the government understand the way creative works are created and disseminated by registering for MBIE’s Creative Sector workshops in Auckland and Wellington.

The Journal - June 2016

IPONZ supporting small business roadshow

Enhancements to the IPONZ Case Management Facility

Welcome to the new IPONZ website!

New guide helps businesses integrate Māori cultural elements into their IP

Decisions of the Commissioner

WIPO Digital Access Service

IPONZ closed for Queen's birthday - 6 June 2016

The Journal - May 2016

WIPO system issues affecting Madrid trade mark applications and related opposition proceedings

IPONZ to implement WIPO Digital Access Service

IPONZ website redevelopment

Country code update

Commerce Commission intervenes to recoup money for New Zealand trade mark owners

Decisions of the Commissioner

Updates to release of information held by IPONZ

The Journal - April 2016

World IP Day 2016 – Digital Creativity: Culture Reimagined

Decisions of the Commissioner

Patent Technical Focus Group meeting updates

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - April 2016

The Journal - March 2016

Public submissions on the Geographical Indications Amendment Bill

End of Daylight Saving Time reminder

Update to trade mark practice guidelines

IPONZ closed for Easter Holidays - 25 and 28 March 2016

Patent attorney exams 2016 – Dates and deadlines

MBIE seeks public submissions on TPP Intellectual Property implementation

Enhancements to the IPONZ Case Management Facility

The Journal - February 2016

Decisions of the Commissioner

The Journal - January 2016

IPONZ closed for Waitangi Day - 8 February 2016

Decisions of the Commissioner

IPONZ closed for Wellington Anniversary Day – 25 January 2016

Public submissions on the Marrakesh Treaty

The Plant Variety Rights Journal - January 2016

Archived news

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