Update to trade mark practice guidelines

Skip to content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

Caution:

Some customers are receiving fraudulent emails from companies claiming to be legitimate law firms, legal service providers or intellectual property (IP) attorneys. Please exercise caution if you receive unexpected messages urging action on IP rights.

More information about recent unsolicited emails
Close
Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand

Update to trade mark practice guidelines

IPONZ has updated its guidelines on International Non-Proprietary Names (INNs), INN stems and offensive trade marks.

We have updated our Absolute grounds - General practice guidelines.

The significant changes are in the following sections:

  • 2.7 – International Non-Proprietary Names (INNs)
  • 2.8 – INN stems
  • 4 – Offensive trade marks.

View the updated trade mark practice guidelines:

4 Absolute grounds - General

Published on March 11, 2026
Top