Register of trans-Tasman Patent Attorneys
The trans-Tasman patent attorney register records the names of all registered patent attorneys licensed to provide patents advice in New Zealand and Australia.
If you require the services of a patent attorney, or want to verify the qualifications of one, you should check the trans-Tasman patent attorney register.
Only a registered patent attorney may provide you with professional assistance in New Zealand or Australia to:
- Apply for and obtain a patent; or
- Prepare and amend patent specifications; or
- Get advice on the validity of patents and their infringement.
It is an offence for anyone else to provide these patent services or hold themselves out as a patent attorney, or patent agent.
Joint trans-Tasman registration regime
All patent attorneys are registered under a joint registration regime with Australia.
The joint regime allows patent attorneys to provide services in both jurisdictions and ensures they have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to competently provide advice on patents.
The key features of the joint registration regime are set out in the Arrangement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of New Zealand Relating to Trans-Tasman Regulation of Patent Attorney [PDF, 94 KB]. The joint registration regime is implemented through the following legislation:
New Zealand
Australia
Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board and Designated Manager
The joint registration regime is overseen by the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board and the Designated Manager, who are responsible for administering the regulatory and disciplinary regimes for patent attorneys.
The Board’s website provides detailed information about the joint registration regime, and its functions and processes.
Making a complaint about a patent attorney or incorporated patent attorney firm
All registered patent attorneys and incorporated patent attorney firms are subject to a professional code of conduct setting out minimum standards of ethical and professional behaviour.
Any breaches of that code and/or instances of professional misconduct or unsatisfactory professional conduct are subject to a formal complaints and disciplinary process.
Information on how to make a complaint about the standard of service or conduct of a patent attorney can be found on the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board’s website. Please follow the directions provided on the Board’s website when making a complaint about a patent attorney or incorporated patent attorney firm.
The Board will investigate your complaint and, if appropriate, commence disciplinary proceedings against the patent attorney before the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Disciplinary Tribunal. Any decision of the Tribunal may be appealed to the Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal.