Improved Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand Website

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand website has now improved its navigation, search and online transactions.

For more information about the changes click here

New High Court Chief Justice

The Australian Government recently announced the appointment of Justice Robert French (currently of the Federal Court) as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.

Justice French takes up the position from 1 September, becoming the 12th Chief Justice appointed to the High Court since Federation, and the first from Western Australia. The current High Court Chief Justice Murray Gleeson will retire on 29 August. This appointment represents a significant change to the High Court bench and one that will prove very interesting especially in the area of IP given his Honour's experience in this area.

IPONZ - Examination delays continue

There are ongoing delays at IPONZ in considering responses to Examination Reports. Consideration of responses for substantive issues is now taking approximately 6-8 months.

Applicants are encouraged to file their responses electronically via the IPONZ website. Correspondence filed online will automatically generate a confirmation receipt and can be tracked online.