Discover the risks and dangers of failing to register a trademark to understand the value and importance of trademark registration for your brand.
The Risks of Not Registering a Trademark
New Zealand Trademark Registration
Protect Your Brand in New Zealand Through a Simple Process Backed by Certified Local Attorneys
Simple steps to register your trademark
STEP 1
Comprehensive Trademark Study
Before filing your trademark in New Zealand, you must evaluate any issues that may arise during the registration process. Our Comprehensive Trademark Study not only lists similar trademarks (graphic and phonetic) that may conflict with yours but also provides you with an Attorney's opinion on the trademark registration possibilities and the class(es) that your goods/services belong to.
- Graphic and phonetic similarity trademark search report
- Trademark attorney's analysis and advice
- Trademark class recommendation
STEP 2
Trademark Application Filing
Specialized attorneys will file your trademark application in New Zealand and carry out all the necessary formalities to bring your application for approval and registration. As soon as your trademark is filed, we will send you a filing report that will include the application number and application date. Also, we will send you a scanned copy of the filed application.
- Process Handled by Experienced Trademark Attorneys
- Filing the Report & a Scanned Copy of the application
- Tracking the Registration Process Online
Additional Services in New Zealand
Discover how our services help protect and strengthen your brand in New Zealand.
Trademark Search
Check if your trademark is available for registration with our easy-to-use search tool.
Search TrademarkTrademark Renewal
Renew your trademark to maintain uninterrupted protection for your brand.
Renew TrademarkDomain Registration
Safeguard your local domain with ease through our trusted partner, Register.Domains.
Search .NZ DomainsFrom our Blog
National vs. International Trademark Registration
Discover how national and international trademark registration compare, the pros and cons of each, and which is right for you.
Commonly Asked Questions About Trademark Registration
Learn answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on trademark registrations to improve your trademark knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I previously filed my trademark in another country, can I claim priority in New Zealand?
Yes. If you filed your trademark in another country within the last 6 months, you can claim priority in New Zealand based on that earlier filing.
How long does it take for a trademark to be registered in New Zealand?
Typically, if there are no oppositions or objections, trademark registration in New Zealand takes about 12 months.
Do I need to provide a Power of Attorney?
Yes. A simple Power of Attorney is required. "Simple" means no notarization or legalization is needed.
What are the steps involved in the trademark application process in New Zealand after filing?
The application process follows these steps:
- formal requirements
- classification
- clarity
- descriptiveness
- distinctiveness
- deceptiveness
- conflicts with existing registrations
- whether the mark or its use is offensive to significant community groups, like the Maori
- bad faith
Who is eligible to challenge my trademark application in New Zealand?
Any person has the right to challenge a trademark application.
If I register my trademark in New Zealand, will it be protected in other regions?
Registering your trademark in New Zealand provides protection in New Zealand and Tokelau. It's unclear if this protection extends to Niue or the Cook Islands. For more details, consult a trademark attorney.
Does registering a trademark in New Zealand provide any legal rights?
In New Zealand, trademark rights are based on the 'first to use' principle. You don't need to register a trademark to claim ownership; simply using it first can establish your rights.
How long is a trademark valid once it has been registered in New Zealand?
The trademark registration is valid for 10 years starting from the application or priority date.
Do I need to use my trademark in New Zealand before applying for registration?
Before you apply for registration, you must either be using the trademark or plan to use it soon.
Can a registration be canceled in New Zealand?
Registration can be canceled for the following reasons:
- The mark is descriptive.
- The mark is misleading, deceptive, or disparaging.
- The mark lacks distinctiveness.
- The mark is generic.
- The mark serves a functional purpose.
- It involves protection of armorial bearings, flags, and other state emblems.
- The mark goes against public …
What rights do you gain by registering a trademark in New Zealand?
Registering a trademark gives you the following rights:
- the sole right to use the trademark
- the ability to allow others to use the trademark through licensing
- the right to oppose later trademark applications that conflict with yours
- the right to request cancellation of a conflicting trademark registered after yours …
What is the duration of the opposition period in New Zealand?
The opposition period starts on the day the acceptance is published in the official journal.
The opposition period concludes three months after the acceptance is published in the official journal.
What actions are necessary to fulfill the usage requirement for a trademark in New Zealand?
You need to use your trademark within three years of its registration date.
The usage should be real and not just symbolic. The trademark must be used in New Zealand.
Still have questions?