IPONZ and CNIPA launch Patent Prosecution Highway Programme

IPONZ has announced that it has entered a bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) agreement with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) with effect from 1st November 2024.

Uruguay Joining PCT in 2025

From 7th January 2025 Uruguay (UY) will be bound by the PCT. Hence, international applications filed on or after 7th January 2025 will automatically designate Uruguay.

Judge Allows Patent Divisional Deadline Reprieve But Legislative Change Preferable

A recent High Court decision provides some hope to applicant’s who seek to correct an error when their patent application missed a deadline due to no fault of their own.

Incentive to File Prior to IP Australia Increasing Many Official Fees

IP Australia has now confirmed wide ranging official fee changes that will take effect from 1st October 2024, following its earlier consultation on its draft Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS).

Q&A with Tom Robertson

Tom Robertson is a senior member of Pipers' IP team with a deep understanding of, and decades of experience in, patents, trade marks, and design law. His extensive practice spans the agricultural, viticultural, mechanical, and electrical sectors, as well as a strong background in trade mark law and IP searching.

Some of Tom’s career highlights include his role as an Examiner at IPONZ, where he played a part in advising on the drafting of New Zealand’s Trade Marks Act 2002, and his significant experience with Australian IP law garnered from his time in our firm’s former Brisbane Office.

A Registered Patent and Trade Mark Attorney, Tom also serves as the current President of the New Zealand Intellectual Property Attorneys Inc. (NZIPA). At Pipers IP, Tom helps to drive innovation and delivers outstanding results for our clients.