New Zealand
New Zealand patent application requirements and general information
1.- New Zealand Patent application requirements
Below you will be able to find the requirements we ask for our patent application service in this jurisdiction:
– Patent Filing service form.
– Patent specifications (abstract, description, claims and drawings) in English and in Word format.
– Copy of any amendment made to the patent specifications if it applies.
– Copy of the priority document, PCT application number or ISR (International search report) if it applies.
– Payment upfront.
– Power of attorney signed. The template of this document will be sent once the service request is confirmed.
2.- General information of the New Zealand process
– Priority: The time limit for the PCT national phase entry is 31 months from the earliest date of priority and for the national filings (non-PCT) the term for filing the application claiming conventional priority is 12 months from the priority date. However the restoration of these terms is possible under certain circumstances and paying additional fees.
– Examination: The Request for examination must be filed within 5 years from the Filing Date or within two months from the patent office notification to do so. The first examination report is issued between 12 and 18 months from the date of the examination request.
In New Zealand it is possible to request an accelerated examination under the PPH (Patent Prosecution Highway).
– Patent Grant: In New Zealand no official fees must be paid for the granting of the patent.
– Maintenance: Maintenance fees are payable to maintain the application and any resultant patent in force, commencing on the 4th anniversary of the effective application date, and annually thereafter.
– Patent term: 20 years from the date of filing of the application.
For further information you can visit the website of the New Zealand Patent office in the following link: