We’ve made a number of improvements to our website and online case management facility as of 18 June 2021.
New tool for searching pre-approved trade mark goods and services terms
We are pleased to announce that Trade Mark Specification Builder, a new tool for searching pre-approved trade mark goods and services terms, is now available on our website.
Trade Mark Specification Builder provides a more streamlined interface to help identify pre-approved goods and services terms. These terms can then be included in the specification section of trade mark applications.
The search uses artificial intelligence to provide better results and related terms. Plans are underway to integrate similar features into our trade mark application form.
Data importation issue resolved for national phase entry applications
We have recently resolved an issue involving international patent applications with special characters in their titles. These patent applications previously encountered errors when entering national phase in New Zealand, which required applicants to use alternative workarounds.
International patent applications with special characters should now import normally into our case management facility.
3-month period before restrictions or cancellations of NZDs are actioned
Notifications of the restriction or cancellation of international trade mark registrations designating New Zealand (NZDs) from their office of origin will no longer be immediately actioned in the New Zealand trade mark register.
Instead, our case management facility will automatically impose a 3-month delay before implementing the change. This delay is to provide an opportunity to request for the NZD to be transformed into a national application or registration. Applicants must still email us at mail@iponz.govt.nz to request for this transformation.
- See more information on transforming an international trade mark registration designating New Zealand
Expanded proceedings for patent-related disputes between parties
We have recently expanded the options for patents proceedings. Our online system now allows requests for the Commissioner to resolve the following:
- Disputes as to the rights of parties in respect of an invention (Section 28 of the Patents Act 2013);
- Disputes as to the sale, lease, grant of licenses, or exercise of rights in relation to a patent (Section 26 of the Patents Act 2013); and
- Disputes as to the parties and/or manner in which a patent application is to proceed (Section 131 of the Patents Act 2013).
Updated patents letters
The following patents-related letters have been refreshed, and now include better references to relevant patents legislation for objections and response due dates:
- Correction of Error reports.
- Amendment after Acceptance reports.
- Re-Examination reports.
Closure of cheque payment option
Due to our banking services provider formally ceasing all cheque-based services in late June 2021, we no longer accept cheque payments.