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Annual Technical Report on Industrial Design Information Activities in 2015 submitted by New Zealand

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Where URLs are requested below, it is preferred that either URLs which are likely to remain stable over time (three years or more) are provided, or home (main) page URLs are provided with a short explanation of how to access the corresponding information.

The expression "industrial designs" covers industrial designs and models.

Offices which issue design patents should report their design patent information activities in this series of Annual Technical Reports.

I. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Outline of main policies and plans aimed at development of industrial design information activities and expected time frames for their realization. New projects launched or resumed this year in the context of the policies(plans) mentioned above, short description: aims, partners, tasks.

 

Since 2012 IPONZ has had a 100% online business model which makes it simpler and easier for businesses to apply for and maintain their intellectual property rights, including patents, trade marks, designs and plant variety rights.  

IPONZ has a programme of work to grow awareness and use of intellectual property in New Zealand. This programme is based on in depth customer research, completed in 2015, which gives IPONZ a better understanding of its customers helping maximise their experience across different channels and systems.

As part of this programme IPONZ also began a project to redevelop the IPONZ website, for implementation in 2016. The new website would have improved content and provide a quicker and easier way to access information to help customers understand and manage their intellectual property. 

Statistics: changes in terms of application filings and grants (registrations) with respect to previous year; trends or areas experiencing rapid changes

 

In 2015 IPONZ had:

  • 1,322 design applications filed.
  • 10,384 total designs on the IPONZ register.

The introduction of IPONZ’s online services has made it easier for private applicants to file directly with IPONZ and as a result IPONZ has noticed a trend of more applications from private individuals or companies, as opposed to using an attorney as their agent.

Other matters and useful links (URLs): annual report of the Office, news page, statistics, etc.

 

Following are some useful links to pages from the IPONZ website.

II. SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Information and support provided by the Office to applicants regarding filing on paper and/or e-filing (instructions, seminars, etc.) - URLs. Availability of the application dossier in electronic form.

 

IPONZ operates a 100% online business model. One of the main features of the model is its online case management facility where customers search, apply and manage all IP cases. Other features of the facility include:

  • Self-service options for customers to update and maintain their own contact details.
  • Improved access to, and control over, all of their applications and registrations including the ability to follow an online workflow system to complete applications.
  • The ability to monitor case progression through their IPONZ inbox.
  • Management of their own messages from IPONZ by creating their own subscription for notifications about specific cases or changes to processes.
  • Electronic correspondence and all transactions take place in ‘real time’.
  • Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow customers to build software that connects directly to the IPONZ system.

All case management information connects seamlessly to and from the IPONZ website. All design information on the website is easily available to customers and includes a guide that helps with the application process.

The website also has Design Practice Guidelines which contain detailed information on practices and procedures that relate to aspects of the filing, examination and registration of designs. IPONZ also has detailed information to help customers with their search for existing designs.

Classification and reclassification activities; classification system used, e.g., International Classification for Industrial Designs (Locarno Classification), other classification

 

For all design article applications, IPONZ uses the International Locarno Design Classification System (version 9) to the third level. More information can be found in the Practice Guidelines.

III. SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE

Main types of publications in the field of industrial design information, outline of the content (industrial design applications, design patents, registrations, etc.) and medium (on paper, on CDs, online - URLs).  

Official Gazettes:  main types of announcements, frequency of publication, medium (on paper, on CDs, online – URL), etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IPONZ’s website is the leading source of information about IP in New Zealand and the key channel for communicating to customers. IPONZ’s website is kept up to date and any information that customers need to know features in the news section. Customers can also receive the subscription-based newsletter.

 The designs section of the IPONZ website has a search function, a step by step guide to the application process and other details to help people get started and manage their design.

 IPONZ’s Call Centre is another point of contact for customers to obtain information about designs and other intellectual property.

 IPONZ is required by legislation to publish the Journal which contains information the Commissioner is required to advertise. It is a monthly publication with general information in PDF format and an online searchable section with all designs applications and registrations. This is the main source of information for all applied for, registered and withdrawn designs.

 

 

 

 

 

 IV. ICT SUPPORT TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE

Specific software tools supporting business procedures within the Office: general description, characteristics, advantages, possible improvements

 

 

 

 

IPONZ operates a 100% online case management facility which is used by both staff and external clients for all aspects of IP applications, examinations and maintenance. This facility is an easy to use web interface which seamlessly links with IPONZ’s website. The case management facility:

 

 

 

  • Provides tips on how to complete an application.

  • Enables external users to search, apply for, maintain and protect their IP.

  • Enables internal users to complete the processing and examination of applications.

 

 

 

  • Provides a mechanism to upload documents in real time via the web, to the publicly accessible intellectual property register.

  • Interfaces to other international intellectual property organisations and New Zealand Government agencies.

  • Provides the ability to accept and process payments.

 

 

 

IPONZ uses an automated image recognition tool to conduct design similarity searches on denominations and images when examining a design application. The use of this tool by IPONZ means a more comprehensive and better quality examination.

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, IPONZ examiners use a range of external tools to conduct novelty and date specific searches.

 

 

 

 

 

IPONZ also offers a range of Application Programme Interfaces (APIs) so businesses can build software that connects directly to the IPONZ system. This government-to-business web service is offered to high volume clients, such as law firms, patent attorney firms and renewals agencies so they can submit information directly to IPONZ without needing to use the case management facility.

 

 

 

IPONZ is committed to continual operational improvement so regularly enhances functions in the case management facility to address feedback from internal and external users and to improve the facility. These enhancements are communicated to customers regularly, via the website and email for subscribers. 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

V. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AIMED TO SUPPORT USERS IN ACCESS AND EFFICIENT USE OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION

Publications related to different business procedures and industrial design information sources available to users, for example, books, brochures, Internet publications, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

IPONZ produces a range of publications to support and promote the use of designs and intellectual property.

 

 

 

In 2015 IPONZ produced an infographic on the Different Types of Intellectual Property which provides a snapshot of the ways to protect a name, brand or idea using examples and images.

 

 

 

In association with IP Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, IPONZ produced a downloadable guide on the business aspects of intellectual property called Business Briefing: Maximising the potential of Intellectual Property for your business.

 

 

 

 

Cooperation with universities, technology and innovation support centers, etc. Education and training: training courses, e learning modules (URLs), seminars, exhibitions, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

IPONZ partners with other New Zealand Government agencies, such as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and www.business.govt.nz, an agency that supports small to medium sized businesses, ensuring there is relevant and up to date IP content on their channels.

 

 

 

IPONZ also works in collaboration with other Government agencies in a range of ways, including attending and supporting small business roadshows, a series of events held around the country each year where people from across different business-focused government agencies give an overview of the support available to them.

 

 

 

 

VI.INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION

Participation in international or regional activities and projects related to industrial design information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IPONZ’s design examiners undertook informal cooperation and information sharing activities with IP Australia on a regular basis during the 2015 year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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