The Australian Federal Court has found an artificial intelligence (AI) can be an inventor for the purposes of Australian patent law.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Penny Walsh and Jesse Strafford to Senior Associate. Both are Registered Patent Attorney in Australia and New Zealand and work across a range of IP rights.

As a signatory to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), New Zealand is required to update its PVR regime by 30 December 2021. The new Plant Variety Rights Bill had its first reading on 19 May.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has successfully opposed the registration of her colloquial nickname AUNTY HELEN in New Zealand. We take a look at this interesting and slightly different case.

We were surprised to read that staff at some law firms were working such long hours that they were not paid the legal minimum wage for the hours worked. In New Zealand the minimum wage paid to any worker is set by the government and is reviewed each year.

Until 30 September 2021 the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) is trialing an initiative to schedule hearings for proceedings which can be heard by the Assistant Commissioner at short notic

How should an invention which lies in a combination treatment with two or more different active ingredients be claimed in New Zealand?

A recent decision of the New Zealand Assistant Commissioner of Patents has highlighted the importance of taking the time to carefully consider the wording of Swiss-type claims in New Zealand.

Both IPONZ and IP Australia provide all their services through electronic portals. It is therefore business as usual for filing applications and other correspondence with either office.

In recognition of the unprecedented nature the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak is having on businesses IP Australia has modified their processes and practices to support businesses and where possible will extend deadlines.