The Journal
Country code information
The country of convention priority is identified by a two-letter code conforming to the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) Standard ST.3 "Recommended Standard on Two-Letter Codes for the Representation of States, Other Entities and Intergovernmental Organizations". The code for convention countries is as follows: …
Get IP
Geographical indications
Hearings
The IPONZ Hearings Office is a specialist tribunal that is responsible for administering proceedings under the Geographical Indications Registration Act 2006 in a fair, efficient and cost-effective manner.
Get IP
Designs
Legislation and hearings
Legislation In New Zealand, the Designs Act 1953 and the Designs Amendment Act 2010 govern the administration of rights to a design. These Acts are accompanied by the Design Regulations 1954 and the Designs Amendment Regulations 2011 .…
News and updates
Decisions of the Commissioner – September 2025
Decisions of the Commissioner issued in September 2025 are now available.
News and updates
The Plant Variety Rights Journal - October 2025
The latest quarterly edition of the Journal is now available.
Get IP
Trade marks
Practice guidelines
Priority of trade mark applications
This document provides guidelines on the priority of trade mark applications under the Trade Marks Act 2002. These Guidelines do not constrain the judgement and discretion of the Commissioner of Trade Marks, and each application will be considered on its own merits.
Get IP
Geographical indications
Practice guidelines
Relationships between registered GIs and other rights
The interface between registered GIs and other rights is prescribed by the Act and by certain amendments to other legislation, such as the Trade Marks Act 2002.
Get IP
Geographical indications
Practice guidelines
Priority dates
The GI Act establishes a “first in time” priority system for the registration of GIs.
Get IP
Patents
The Patent Examination Manual
Section 40: Amendment of complete specification before acceptance
Before the acceptance of a complete specification, the applicant may, in the prescribed manner, amend that specification.
Get IP
Trade marks
International
Apply for an international trade mark
To file for an international application using IPONZ as the Office of Origin, you'll need to complete our online application form.
