Patent Attorneys
Trans-Tasman patent attorney regime
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and IP Australia are developing a single governance body responsible for patent attorney registration, training and disciplinary standards across Australia and New Zealand. This initiative is part of the Single Economic Market (SEM) outcomes framework, which aim to create a seamless trans-Tasman business environment.
The majority of Australian and New Zealand patent attorneys are registered in both countries. The registration regime will provide economies of scale, saving time money and effort for the profession as a whole.
Bilateral arrangement
In March 2013 Australia and New Zealand signed a bilateral arrangement for the trans-Tasman regime of patent attorneys.
The joint regime will provide consistent accreditation and professional standards in both countries. The changes will cut red tape and standardise regulation for attorneys, many of whom are already registered in both jurisdictions. The arrangement is to be implemented in legislation, expected to be introduced into the Australian and New Zealand parliaments this year.
More information
- Bilateral Arrangement PDF [92KB]
- Bilateral Arrangement DOC [146KB]
- Trans-Tasman patent attorney regime fact sheet PDF [124KB]
- Trans-Tasman patent attorney regime fact sheet DOC [146KB]
Last Updated: 02/4/2013
