Betting on Allowability of Late Patent Claim Amendments Proves Too Risky
In 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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IP News to Peruse
Patent and Design Marking in New Zealand
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.
Supreme Court Upholds Copyright in Artworks Qualifying as Relationship Property
The Supreme Court has confirmed both that copyright in artworks fall within the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA) definition of ‘property’ and that those copyrights should be classified as relationship property if that property was ‘acquired’ during the relationship.
Read morePipers IP Receives IP-Coster Excellence Award
We are honoured to receive the IP-Coster Excellence Award 2024, recognising our service, dedication, and contributions over the past year.
Read moreIt’s just a jump to the left, and a step to the right – divisional time warp proposed
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is seeking feedback on draft amendments to the transitional provisions of the Patents Act 2013 that have applied the validity conditions of the Patents Act 1953 to divisional applications of pending 1953 Act applications filed after the draft amendments enter into force.
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