Changes to New Zealand Designs Practice

In line with the New Zealand Designs Amendment Regulations 2011, as of 19 April 2011 the following changes apply to New Zealand designs practice:

Commissioner of Designs now has the discretion to restore abandoned design applications or lapsed design Registrations.

Previously, the New Zealand Designs Act did not include any provision for restoring abandoned design applications or lapsed design registrations. As per similar provisions in other jurisdictions, the restoration process involves submitting to the Commissioner reasons why the abandonment or lapsing was unintentional. Importantly, it should be noted that the application for restoration must be made within 3 months of abandonment or within 12 months of lapsing.