TRADEMARK INTERNATIONAL

Trademark Registration in .

Learn everything you need to know about the New Zealand trademark registration process. New Zealand is considered to be a booming economy, with a diverse range of businesses competing in a tough marketplace and major export being the dairy industry. Competition in today’s market is becoming cut-throat which makes it tough to survive and distinguish yourself. One of the ways in which businesses can showcase their distinctiveness and authenticity is through a trademark. With the help of a trademark, a business can protect itself legally from infringements and counterfeiting, while uplifting its brand image.

To understand the New Zealand trademark registration process , let us have a look in detail.

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Trademark registration services in New Zealand

New Zealand follows a first-to-use system which means that a brand that is commercially used first will have superior rights over the trademark than the one who files later, thus receive the trademark registration. To register a trademark in New Zealand, the applicant can file an application online with the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ). You can register a multiple class trademark application in New Zealand.

To register your trademark in New Zealand, all the documents submitted must be in English or Maori. However, if the documents are submitted in Maori, an English translation may be requested. If the application is neither in English nor in Maori, a verified English translation must be provided at the time of filing.

Types of Trademarks

Types of trademarks in New Zealand

There are different types of trademarks that can be registered in New Zealand. This mostly includes slogans, shapes, names, phrases words, images, 3D shapes, holograms, smells, colours, or a combination of these. The most important factor to look for when registering a trademark is to see if it is distinguishable and distinctive.

Similarly, some trademarks cannot be registered, including state symbols, flags, public figures, trademarks that are deceptive, trademarks that go against the public interest, trademarks going against moral grounds, descriptive trademarks.

How to register a trademark in New Zealand?

Step 1

Search

It is always good to search for existing trademarks to understand the available trademarks’ intricacies. This also helps in understanding why a trademark might have been refused or if you are infringing on someone else’s trademark. A thorough trademark search will also let you know of similar and identical trademarks.

Step 1

Step 2

Application

IPONZ accepts multiple class application filing so that the applicant does not have to file individual applications everytime for each class. There is additional cost associated with each extra class.

There are certain requirements set by IPONZ for the application. This includes:

  • The name and address of the applicant;
  • If the applicant is a business, then the type of legal entity it is;
  • Details of the trademark and if it contains design elements then a drawing of the trademark will also be needed;
  • List of goods and services offered;
  • The class or classes under which the goods and services offered will fall.

Other than these details, to process the application the official fee has to be timely paid.

If a priority is claimed, the priority document is only required when the commissioner requests for it.

Step 2

Step 3

Examination

Once the application is filed, it is given to an examiner who checks the application on absolute and relative grounds. The trademark registration application is checked if its complete, if there are an inaccuracies, and if the trademark is registrable in the first place or not. Your trademark is also checked for distinctiveness.

The examiner also checks if there are similar or identical trademarks already registered or applied for, and if the trademark complies with all the regulations. 

If there is any problem with the application, the examiner sends an official notice to the applicant containing the reasons for refusal. The applicant is given time to respond to any objections raised in due time.

Step 3

Step 4

Publication

If the examination report is accepted, or if the applicant responds to the objections raised accordingly and clarifies the issues raised, the application gets advertised in the Intellectual Property Office Journal. The publication is done for 3 months.

Step 4

Step 5

Opposition

The publishing of application allows interested parties to oppose the trademark that can be based on various reasons. Opposing parties are encouraged to first contact the applicant to settle the dispute before actually filing an opposition. If the opposing parties feel they cannot resolve the issue then they can file a Notice of Opposition.

Once an opposition is filed, the applicant has two months to respond via filing a counter statement. If the applicant fails to file a counter statement then the trademark application will be deemed abandoned.

If the applicant files a counter statement and provides the relevant evidence then the opponent has another two months to repond to the applicant.

Step 5

Step 6

Registration

If there is no opposition filed, if the dispute is resolved or if the the decision is in favour of the applicant, the trademark gets registered and IPONZ issues a certificate of registration. 

The entire trademark process takes around 9-10 months after the initial application.

Step 6
Price of Trademarks

Trademark registration cost in New Zealand

The cost may vary according to the legals fees and the number of classes. The cost of filing the application is $100 per class. The overall cost to register a trademark in the New Zealand ranges from $200 to $1000, depending on the number of classes and legals fees and the government taxes.

Age of Trademarks

How long does the trademark last?

Trademark New Zealand lasts for 10 years.

Trademark can be renewed 12 months before the expiration by providing a declaration of use again. The renewal can also be processed 6 months after the expiration date, by paying an additional fee.

The cost to renew a trademark is $200 per class. If the trademark is not used within 3 years of registration then it gets invalidated.

It is important to understand the extent of which a trademark protects its owner from infringements and counterfeiting. It provides exclusivity to the trademark owner over the goods and services and offers authenticity infront of the customers, building the overall goodwill of the business.

 

At Trademark International, we provide hassle-free trademark registration services catered to your needs, in compliance with the international requirements and standards. Trademark registration in New Zealand doesn’t have to be complicated, and that’s why Trademark International is here to assist with all of your intellectual property needs. 

*What to do?  How to do it?  When to do it?  Will it work?*

If these are the questions that come to your mind when thinking of registering a trademark, you have come to the right place. We, at Trademark International, answer these questions and more! Offering multiple trademark services, we guarantee client satisfaction. For expert advice and consultation, contact us now!

Frequently Asked Questions

The process for registering a trademark varies from country to country. To file for a trademark in the US, you can file an online application with the USPTO. The USPTO entertains two types of applications: ‘In-use’ and ‘Intent to use’. The online application is known as Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).

Just like every country has its own registration process, the cost varies as well. Depending on the legal fees and the length of the process, the cost can go up or down. In the US, the price of registering a trademark ranges from $500 to $3000.

You need to file an application which should contain: your name and address, if it’s a business then the type of legal entity it is, details of the trademark, list of goods and services, the details of the class(es). 

Yes, you can file for both: a local and an international trademark. Some countries entertain a single application to register a trademark locally as well as internationally. 

Yes. It is possible to register a trademark in multiple countries with a single application but it depends on which union the country is part of. You can do this through the Madrid Protocol or EUIPO. 

Countries have different laws regarding what can be registered as a trademark. In the US, the types of trademarks that can be registered are slogans, shapes, names, phrases words, images, 3D shapes, holograms, smells, and colors.