Trademark Registration in New Zealand
Overview of Trademark Protection in New Zealand
The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) is responsible for overseeing trademark registrations in New Zealand, granting exclusive rights across the entire country with a single application. As a member of the Madrid System, New Zealand can also be designated in an International Registration (IR) through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), streamlining the process for companies looking to secure trademark protection in multiple countries.
Aspect
Details
Official Trademark Office
Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ)
Relevant Law
The Trademark Act 2002, principles of common law also apply
Countries Covered
New Zealand
Registration Period
10 years (renewable)
Renewal Requirement
Every 10 years
Trademark Examination
The application process includes a classification, and formalities check alongside an examination on both absolute and relative grounds. The absolute grounds assessment primarily evaluates whether the mark is distinctive enough to differentiate your goods and/or services from those of others.
Additionally, under relative grounds, IPONZ will examine whether your mark conflicts with any identical or similar prior registrations.
Opposition Period
3 months after publication
Use Requirement
Must be used within 3 years of registration to maintain validity
Average Registration Time
6 months if no refusals or objections occur
Unique Aspects
– New Zealand is a member of the International MADRID Trademark System (WIPO).
– New Zealand’s patent and trade mark laws include specific provisions for the protection of mātauranga Māori.
– New Zealand has a multiple-class filing system, making it possible to apply for broader protection under a single trademark application
Fixed registration prices. No surprises.
We simplifying legal hurdles—transparency and fair pricing always come first.
The National Registration fee, starts at:
Basis fee New Zealand
Starting at EUR 1700
Additional class
on request
Trademark registration prices are per trademark and always include the local official authority fee and Trademarkhost services like…
- Identical check
- trademark assessment
- Risk analysis
- Strategy advice
- Classification analysis and specification
- Filling of Applications up to and including registration
- Certificate of registration
- First advice refusal and/or opposition
VAT: For EU members all prices are exclusive of VAT.
Aprox. Prices: These are indicative, non-binding, starting prices and the final cost may vary depending on your specific situation, including the number of classes, and any changes to official fees set by the relevant government authority.
International Registration system: If you are considering using the Madrid International Trademark System, please note that costs per country are typically lower compared to filing directly through national procedures. We’re happy to check whether this option is suitable for your specific case — just get in touch with us for a tailored quote.
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