Design Patent in New Zealand
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Design Registration
Standard
$6500
Pay as you go Features Included
Premium
$9500
All in One Features Included
Patent Registration Process in New Zealand
NZ Patent Search
Search IPONZ database and global prior art to assess novelty under NZ Patents Act 2013.
NZ-Compliant Drafting
Prepare complete specification meeting NZ requirements: claims, description, abstract (max 250 words), and drawings.
Filing Strategy
Choose between:
• Direct NZ application
• PCT national phase entry (31-month deadline)
Formalities Examination
IPONZ checks:
• Application completeness
• Patentability exclusions (e.g., software alone)
• Māori advisory committee referral if relevant
Early Publication
Application publishes after:
• 18 months (direct filings)
• 3 months (PCT national phase entries)
Substantive Examination
IPONZ examines:
• Novelty/inventive step (global prior art)
• Industrial applicability
• Sufficiency/disclosure
• Exclusions (methods of treatment, etc.)
Examination Reports
Respond within:
• 12 months (standard)
• 2 months (if expedited)
• Extensions available (with fees)
Acceptance
• Granted if all requirements met
• Opposition period: 3 months
• Māori committee may advise on cultural issues
Patent Grant
• Term: 20 years from filing
• Renewal fees due annually from 4th year
• No utility models in NZ
Key NZ Patent Features:
- Software Restrictions: "Computer programs as such" excluded unless producing a technical effect
- Māori Consultation: Applications involving traditional knowledge may be referred to the Māori advisory committee
- Expedited Examination: Available for green technologies or under Global PPH
- No Post-Grant Opposition: Oppositions must be filed within 3 months of acceptance
Timeline: Typically 3-5 years for standard patents. PCT national phase entries often faster if using foreign examination results.
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Proven Success
Trusted by thousands for trademarks, patents, and design protection.
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Utility Patent Registration in New Zealand – Start Smart, Protect Your Invention
In New Zealand, patent protection is available for novel, useful, and inventive inventions through the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ). Unlike some jurisdictions, New Zealand does not offer a separate "utility model" or "innovation patent"; instead, all inventions are protected under a standard patent. Registering a patent grants the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, sell, or license the invention for up to 20 years, helping protect competitive advantage and encourage innovation. We assist local and international clients with filing, prosecution, and enforcement of patents in New Zealand.
✅ Frequently Asked Questions
• New (novel) – not disclosed anywhere globally
• Inventive – not obvious to someone skilled in the art
• Useful – capable of industrial application
• Human beings and biological processes for their generation
• Methods of treatment, diagnosis, and surgery on humans
• Inventions contrary to public order or morality
• Abstract ideas, mathematical methods, and purely mental processes
2. IPONZ conducts a formalities check
3. Request examination (within 5 years of filing)
4. Substantive examination and response to objections
5. Acceptance and grant (if approved)
• Expert drafting of patent specifications
• Representation before IPONZ
• PCT national phase filings and priority claims
• Legal support for oppositions, renewals, and licensing
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