Trademark registration in New Zealand | Trademark | Trademarkcart
                     Benefits of Trademark 
registration in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the prevailing trademark legislation is the 
Trade Marks Act 2002. The principles of “common law” 
apply. Trademark protection is achieved by registration. It 
can also be obtained by adequate public recognition. 
Enforcing a non-registered trademark is expensive and can 
be hard, formal registration is encouraged.
1. A trademark application has to 
be registered and filed before the 
New Zealand Government Agency. 
2. A legal address for service 
located in New Zealand must be 
advised to the New Zealand 
Government Agency at the time of 
applying. 
3. Foreign applicants do not need a 
domestic registration. 
4. The application process involves 
a formal review, an examination of 
distinctiveness and a search for 
earlier trademarks. 
5. It takes approximately 2-4 weeks 
before an office action is issued by 
the New Zealand Government 
Agency for trademarks, however, a 
minimum of 6 months applies from 
filing to full registration. 
6. The action period is 3 months 
after publication in the Official 
Journal of Trade Marks. 
7. Trademark registration in New 
Zealand is valid for 10 years and 
starts with the registration date. 
The registration is renewable for 
periods of 10 years.