New Zealand Commerce Minister Craig Foss welcomes the new patent laws.

On August 14, 2014, the Patent Regulations 2014, under the Patent Act 2013, was published in the New Zealand Gazette. The legislation will be effective on September 13 and replaces the Patents Act 1953.

“This legislation will bring New Zealand patent law into the 21^st century with a more consistent, high quality patent examination process,” Foss says. “It ensures innovations are novel and useful while providing greater freedom to adapt and improve existing innovations."

“This is a significant step forward – Kiwi inventions will enjoy world-class intellectual property protection," Foss adds. “Aligning our patent laws more closely with international best practice will boost innovation and help create a more productive and competitive economy – an important part of the government’s Business Growth Agenda."