Those with inventions in information and communications technology (ICT) were hoping that the Australian Full Federal Court would provide some much-needed guidance for how to assess whether computer-related inventions are patentable in Australia.

The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released a discussion document calling for submissions about changes to the Patents Act 2013, including divisional applications, extensions of time for hearings, utility, poisonous priority and exhaustion of rights.

MBIE has called for submissions regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by IPONZ, including use to make "complex discretionary decisions". In principle, this could include an AI system deciding whether to grant IP rights on New Zealand patent, trade mark, or design applications.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the government agency responsible for New Zealand's IP policy and laws, is proposing a review of New Zealand's IP laws, including the Trade Marks Act 2002.

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand has released the result of their review of Office fees and subsequent consultation. We look at what this means for patent and trade mark Applicants in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Court of Appeal clarifies points of law in New Zealand as to revocation, conflicting applications/registrations, and ownership in International Consolidated Business Pty Ltd v S C Johnson & Son Inc [2019] NZCA 61.

The Australian Government recently enacted legislation to repeal section 51(3) of the Australian Competition and Consumer Act 2010, which exempted conditions in the licensing or assignment of IP rights from being subject to competition law. The New Zealand Government is proposing to follow suit.

Several recent decisions of the Assistant Commissioner of Patents suggest that we may see a relaxation of how the Patents Act 2013 and its regulations are applied in New Zealand.