The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has partnered with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) to introduce a new Patent Prosecution Highway programme on 1 November 2024.
This programme allows you to accelerate examination of a patent application in China or New Zealand when an equivalent application has been found at least partially patentable in the other country.
This pilot programme complements the existing Global Patent Prosecution Highway program, which allows for accelerated examination based on reports from 28 IP offices around the world, including New Zealand. The introduction of a Patent Prosecution Highway programme between CNIPA and IPONZ means that accelerated examination of patent applications is now available for our three largest trading partners, which is a welcome addition for New Zealand innovators.
For New Zealand businesses, this program offers a simpler and more practical route for accelerating the examination process in China, one of our largest trading partners. For both smaller and larger businesses, the ability to navigate China’s IP system at a faster pace removes a persistent barrier, allowing for a more straightforward approach to IP protection in an essential market.
For our international clients, especially if you are already filing applications in China, the new pathway gives you another option for accelerating patent prosecution in New Zealand.
If you’re interested in using this programme to secure protection in China or New Zealand, our team of experienced attorneys can guide you through the process. Get in touch and one of our experts will help you turn your ideas into assets.
