- FICPI 2024
- Update to NZIPO Processing Times
- IP Australia Fee Update
- NZIPA Council
- New Staff
FICPI 2024
FICPI’s 22nd Open Forum conference held in Madrid is coming up soon. Theodore Doucas will be attending on behalf of Zone. He looks forward to reconnecting with old friends and developing new connections.
Update to NZIPO Processing Times
The New Zealand Intellectual Property Office has increased their processing time for first examination of both national application and international registrations designating New Zealand.
For National Trade Mark Applications (filed directly with the NZIPO) an initial response is expected within 35 working days (increased from 15)
For International Registrations designating New Zealand (filed via WIPO) an initial response is expected within 100 working days (increased from 15).
More information regarding the expected examination timeframes can be found on the
NZIPO’s website.
IP Australia Fee Update
IP Australia undertakes a comprehensive fee review every four years and has completed its 2023-24 review. As a result, it is implementing some fee changes from 1 October 2024.
Click here for a summary of these fee changes. Some fees have increased while others have decreased. The most significant changes are:
- Revised costs that can be awarded in patents, trademarks, or design rights proceedings such as oppositions and revocations/removals. Click here for more detailed information on these changes.
- Changes to the way excess claim fees are incurred for patent applications. When examination is requested on or after 1 October 2024, a fee will apply for claims exceeding 20, at the first examination report stage. If the number of claims increases beyond those at first report and beyond 20 claims, a further fee will be charged at acceptance stage.
For national applications, excluding those with expedited examination requests, IP Australia will provide 6 months’ notice before starting examination. This will allow applicants to amend their applications before the first examination report.
For expedited examination requests made within the first 6 months of this new fee structure, IP Australia will attempt to notify the applicant’s representative if excess claim fees will apply, allowing applicants to amend their applications before the first examination report.
Click here for more detailed information on this change.
NZIPA Council
Kylie Jenner is currently on the Council of NZIPA (New Zealand Intellectual Property Attorneys Inc – see
https://www.nzipa.org.nz/ ). The NZIPA looks after the interests trans-Tasman registered Patent Attorneys, and trademark specialists who reside and practice in New Zealand. Its Council administers NZIPA. Kylie will be attending their annual conference, AGM and pre-conference Council meeting in Wellington. Terms on council are of one year duration and Kylie will be seeking re-election at this year’s AGM.
New Staff
Since our last newsletter we are pleased to welcome a new staff member.
Kylie Jenner – Senior Paralegal in the Renewals and Trade Marks team in our Auckland office.
