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.

In recognition of the interruptions to business and difficulties with accessing business documents, IP Australia has provided a streamlined process for extension of time requests. However, this streamlined process should not be treated as a general power of extension.

Once the transition period expires on 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom will exit the European Union. We take a look at what this means for your European trade mark and design rights.

The government has recommended a change to the deadline for filing a divisional patent application in New Zealand, abolishing the current 5 year deadline and replacing it with a requirement that any divisional applications be filed during the examination phase of the parent.

Several small yet significant changes are on the horizon for New Zealand Intellectual Property Laws. A number of these proposals have now been agreed to by cabinet and will proceed to draft legislation.

Congratulations to the students at Victoria University of Wellington's School of Design Innovation, on their success in a very challenging year.

The Australian Government has proposed a number of legislative amendments to the Designs Act 2003 to provide more flexibility for designers during the early stages of getting protection and to simplify and clarify aspects of the designs system.

Henry Hughes Law is a boutique IP law firm associated with Henry Hughes IP, and is proud to have been named a finalist in the Western Union Business Solution Intellectual Property Specialist Law Firm of the Year category in the New Zealand Law Awards 2020.