New Zealand is a global Innovation hub. Below, you’ll find a quick guide for the filing routes, procedures, and fees for patent filing in New Zealand.
Patent Filing in New Zealand – The Options
Seeking a patent in New Zealand? You may use the following routes:
1. Direct Filing with the New Zealand IP Office (IPONZ)
- With this route, you can file a patent application with the New Zealand IP Office (IPONZ)
- If you receive a grant, it shall be valid only in New Zealand.
2. International Filing via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
- This option allows you to file a single international application simultaneously in many countries.
- PCT has 152 Contracting States and is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
- However, the granting of a patent in New Zealand remains under the control of the IPONZ, i.e. “national phase”.
3. International Filing via Paris Convention
- This option is similar to PCT. Hence, the Paris Convention allows simultaneous multi-country filing.
- Paris Convention has 177 Contracting States and is also administered by WIPO.
- However, the granting of a patent in New Zealand remains under the control of the IPONZ.
- The Paris convention offers a relatively faster route as compared to the PCT and it is more economical.
Filing Requirements (IPONZ): Overview
The complete set of documents must include the following:
- The Applicant’s details (Full name, address, and Nationality)
- The inventor’s details (Full name and address)
- Complete
specification including:
- Title
- Description
- Claim or claims to the invention
- Abstract
- Drawings (if any)
- Address of legal service in New Zealand or Australia.
- Appointment of a patent agent, when required (if you don’t have a legal address in New Zealand)
For international applications, you must enter your PCT international application number so that information can be retrieved from WIPO.
Filing Options (IPONZ)
You can file your application online through IPONZ’s E-filing Portal.
Patent Fees: Overview
| Action | Fee |
| Provisional patent application | $100 |
| Complete patent application | $250 |
| Convention patent application | $250 |
| National phase entry (PCT) | $250 |
| Patent examination request | $500 |
To know more, visit Patent Fees.