BREXIT – Intellectual Property Update

Brexit – Intellectual Property Update Since voting in June 2016 the UK is finally set to leave the European Union today, 31 January 2020. Various transitional provisions are in place over the next twelve months.  Intellectual property provisions have mostly been discussed and agreed to. The following outlines some key provisions for European Community intellectual property rights. The first important aspect is that there is no disruption to IP services during the transition period – […]


Singapore – New Zealand – Upgraded CEP now in force

Singapore – New Zealand – Upgraded CEP now in Force   Great news for those doing business with Singapore – on 1 January 2020 the upgraded Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) came into force. One of the main benefits is that New Zealanders are now able to visit the city-state visa-free for three months, up from one month under the old agreement.  Companies with an office in Singapore are also allowed to send employees there for […]


How the changes to IPONZ’s trade mark fees affect you!

Changes to New Zealand Intellectual Property Government Fees In 2018 the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) identified a gap between the fees being charged and the cost of recovery. IPONZ are only allowed to charge fees to recover the costs of its services from those who directly benefit from them. This review identified that most patent related fees needed to increase, whereas trade mark related fees needed to decrease. Following the review process, […]


Ironside McDonald champions 2019 AMCHAM Awards

Ironside McDonald champions AMCHAM awards   We were pleased to be part of the 2019 AMCHAM Awards. There are so many great companies doing great business between NZ and the USA. Sue was part of the judging team and got to see some incredible businesses. Rachel presented the award to the Exporter of the Year <$1m. Congratulations to Whip Around. It was a lovely night! Congratulations to all the winners.


KIA ORA trade mark

Kia Ora trade mark 16 September 2019 A hot topic in the news this week is the trade mark application filed by AIR NEW ZEALAND for the KIA ORA trade mark. On 17 May 2019 Air New Zealand filed a trade mark application for its stylised use of KIA ORA covering magazines, both printed and digital. There have been objections from the Maori Council on the registration of the mark. Just earlier this week we […]