Protecting your IP rights in PNG

Intellectual Property protection (IP) in Papua New Guinea is governed by legislation dating from 1978 (trade marks) and 2000 for patents and designs. The legislation was influenced by the Australian IP legislation of the time.

The Intellectual Property Office of Papua New Guinea (IPOPNG) controls the registration of Intellectual Property rights (patents, trade marks and designs). The applications need to be filed by filling out the prescribed forms and filing these at IPOPNG together with the required fees.

IPOPNG is proposing to create an electronic registry which when operating, will allow online filing and searching. The date for this facility is unknown at this stage.

Currently the applications need to be sent to IPOPNG Office with the required fees. If the applicant is from outside PNG, the applicant needs to appoint a local agent as the address for service. Once the system is electronic, this requirement may or may not be retained.

If you wish to protect your IP rights in PNG we can assist with the completion of the forms and payment of fees and prosecuting the applications through to acceptance and registration.

Russell Law / Elena Szentivanyi - October 2013

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