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