{"id":1392,"date":"2020-12-16T11:43:11","date_gmt":"2020-12-16T11:43:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nz.legalvision.com.au\/?p=1392"},"modified":"2025-06-25T18:50:02","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T05:50:02","slug":"how-to-apply-for-patent-protection-in-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/intellectual-property\/how-to-apply-for-patent-protection-in-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Apply for Patent Protection in New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A patent gives you protection and control over an invention. In New Zealand, the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) is responsible for granting and registering <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/intellectual-property\/intellectual-property-types\/\">intellectual property rights<\/a>, including patents. The process is fairly complex, and your application must comply with the law. In this article, we set out what you need to do to obtain patent protection with the IPONZ as well as some of the benefits of patent registration. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is Patent Protection?&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A patent is a legally enforceable right that is granted for an invention. In New Zealand, a patentable invention could be a:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">new product or process;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">new uses of known products;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">business methods;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">computer software; or&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">genetically modified organisms.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To obtain patent protection, your invention or innovation must, as a minimum:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">be novel (new);&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">involve an inventive step; and&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">be useful.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This means that your invention must not already be in use or published about. Therefore, it is important to keep your invention confidential if you wish to obtain patent protection.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What Are the Benefits of Patent Protection?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are a number of benefits to patent protection. A patent will provide you, as the owner, with the exclusive right for up to 20 years to<\/span><b> exploit <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">your patent (and to prevent others from using your invention).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box box--info box--icon\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When the invention is a product, the term \u2018exploit\u2019 includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">hiring the product;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">selling the product;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">disposing of the product;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">or using of the product; or<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">importing the product.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Where the invention is a process, it includes using the process to do any of those actions above.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-size: inherit\">A patented invention is a valuable business asset as it can give you a monopoly in the market for a certain period of time. You can license your patent to others so that they can use your invention or innovation. In return, for you may receive payment in the form of a royalty or a license fee.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div class=\"mb-8 text-2xl font-bold text-orange\">\n        Need legal advice?\n        <br>\n        <span class=\"text-lg not-prose\">\n                            Call <a href=\"tel:+64800005570\" class=\"not-prose\">0800 005 570<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n                <br>\n                Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you within one business day.\n                    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n<div class=\"not-prose flex justify-center text-left gform_input_bg_white    \">\n    <script>\nvar 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The <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/intellectual-property\/how-to-apply-for-patent-protection-in-new-zealand\/\">patent process<\/a> is fairly complex, and we recommend that you speak to a patent lawyer before you file a patent application. This is a good idea to ensure your invention and application meet all the requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before you apply for a patent, you should search the patent register to make sure that your invention does not already exist, ensuring that the use or manufacture of your invention will not infringe the rights of another party. Once you have assured yourself that your invention is new, you will need to write a <\/span><b>patent specification<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which is a description of your invention. The specification must include detailed information on the construction and use of the invention. This could be demonstrated by way of diagrams or drawings.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Should I File a Provisional or Complete Specification?&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In New Zealand, you can file your patent application with either a <\/span><b>provisional <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">specification or a <\/span><b>complete <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">specification. A provisional application will generally comprise of a broad description of the invention and, by itself, is not enough to obtain a patent.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can file a provisional specification to give yourself a little more time to develop and assess commercial opportunities before you decide as to whether you will continue with the patent application. It will establish a priority filing date and filing number for your patent claims.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A complete specification describes your invention in more detail and must include a set of claims, which define the scope or boundary of the protection sought for your invention. Generally, you must file a complete specification within 12 months after filing your provisional specification. Otherwise, your application will be abandoned.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are specific requirements for what you must include in a patent specification and requirements for the formatting of a patent specification.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, a patent specification must include (amongst other things):&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a title for the invention;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a description of the technical field (what the invention relates to or is suitable for);<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a statement of the invention or summary of the essential and preferred features of the invention; and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a detailed description of the invention and the claims which define the scope or boundary of the invention.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I Have Submitted a Complete Specification, Now What?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once you submit a complete specification, you must then request an examination. IPONZ will examine your complete specification within approximately three months. The examiner will assess whether your invention meets the requirements of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Patents Act<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and will issue a report setting out any objections that need to be overcome to progress your application. Some common objections include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">that the subject matter of the claim is not patentable subject matter in New Zealand;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">that the title of the patent specification does not adequately identify the subject matter of the invention; and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">that there is insufficient detail in the body of the specification to enable a skilled reader to produce or perform the invention.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once the examiner\u2019s objections have been overcome, they will publish your application in the IPONZ Journal and any person, who has reasonable grounds to, may oppose the grant of your patent. An opposition must be filed within three months of the date of publication of the specification. If no opposition is made, or no opposition is successful, your patent will be granted, and the Deed of Letters Patent will be issued.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You should be aware that a New Zealand patent will only give you protection within New Zealand. If you would like to obtain patent protection in another country, you will need to file a patent application in that country too.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The process for obtaining a patent in New Zealand is complex. Help from a patent attorney will give you the best chance of securing patent protection. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--warning\">\n    <p>LegalVision cannot provide legal assistance with patents. We recommend you contact your local law society.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1606880228344\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What is a patent?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A patent is a legally enforceable property right that is granted for an invention. In New Zealand, examples of a patentable invention could include a new product or process, business methods or computer software. To gain a patent the invention must be new, useful and involve an inventive step.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1606880258379\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What does it mean to exploit a patent?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Patent protection will provide the owner with an exclusive right to exploit the patent for up to 20 years. The meaning of exploit where the invention is a product includes the making, hiring, selling, using, disposing of, or importing of the product. Where the invention is a process, it includes using the method to undertake any of those actions.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1606880271477\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What are common objections to a patent application?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A common objection is that the subject matter of the claim is not patentable subject matter in New Zealand. Additionally, the title of the patent specification might not identify the subject matter of the invention adequately. Another common objection is that there is not enough detail in the body of the specification to enable a skilled reader to produce or perform the invention.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A patent gives you protection and control over an invention. In New Zealand, the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) is responsible for granting and registering intellectual property rights, including patents. The process is fairly complex, and your application must comply with the law. In this article, we set out what you need to<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/intellectual-property\/how-to-apply-for-patent-protection-in-new-zealand\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;How to Apply for Patent Protection in New Zealand&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13195,"featured_media":877,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"219316,219097,1639,1957,203585,1205","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[24,25,49,51],"class_list":["post-1392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-intellectual-property","tag-startup","tag-small-business","tag-patent","tag-intellectual-property"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Apply for Patent Protection in New Zealand | LegalVision New Zealand<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you looking to protect a patentable invention in New Zealand? 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