IP News to Peruse
From 23rd November 2025, the amounts payable in Swiss Francs (CHF) for International Registrations that designate or subsequently designate New Zealand, and for renewals involving New Zealand designations, will lower by more than 15%.
Read moreFrom 1st October 2025 the EPO will allow for the filing of patent drawings in colour or grey-scale provided they are in an electronic format.
Read moreIn Cabo Concepts Ltd v MGA Entertainment (UK) Ltd 2025 EWHC 1451, despite findings of abuse of a dominant position and unjustified threats of patent infringement against MGA, Cabo’s claim for damages failed as the Judge held on a counterfactual basis that Cabo would not have traded profitably in any event.
Read moreIn Angel Playing Cards Co Ltd [2025] NZIPOPAT 6 the Assistant Commissioner (AC) refused claim amendments that were only made after the section 71 deadline had passed.
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1. Introduction
Patent and design marking are practical tools used by rights holders to notify the public that a product is protected by patent or design rights and to signal legal protection against copying. While not mandatory under New Zealand law, marking offers enforcement benefits and can strengthen a party's legal position in the event of infringement. Markings can also serve other purposes, for instance, they may help to demonstrate to customers or investors that your products are innovative. These markings are typically applied as physical markings on the products or its packaging. Nowadays, virtual marking is also gaining importance as a flexible and efficient way to communicate IP protection; however, it is not yet recognised as a legally sufficient form of notice under New Zealand law.