As part of progression towards a Single Economic Market (SEM) Cabinet approval has now been given for the Trans-Tasman Single Application Process (SAP) and Single Examination Process (SEP). Under the SAP simultaneous applications in both countries will be able to be filed via either the IPONZ or IP Australia websites. This is expected to be in place in March 2015, being 6-months after the commencement of the New Zealand Patents Act 2013. Eventually, an examiner from the office whose website is used for the SAP will examine both applications according to the law in each country. However, initially this will be done through a pilot program and involve public consultation. The decision on whether to fully roll-out the SEP is not expected to be made until 2017. Now that Cabinet approval has been given the required changes to the forthcoming Patents Act 2013 will be included as part of the yet to be introduced Patents (Trans-Tasman Patent Attorneys) Amendment Bill. Further detailed work on implementation will also be undertaken in the interim.
