Release of Exposure Draft of Patents Bill - 20 December 2004

[ Last Updated 26 October 2005 ]

Media Statement by Hon Judith Tizard, Associate Minister of Commerce

Associate Minister of Commerce Judith Tizard announced today the release by the Ministry of Economic Development of a draft Patents Bill for consultation.

"Today's release marks a major milestone in the government's review of New Zealand's intellectual property legislation," said Judith Tizard. "The Bill updates New Zealand's patent legislation and brings it into line with that of other developed countries."

"This consultation exercise will help us check that the legislation accurately reflects the policy decisions government has taken. Patent attorneys and many people in business have a wealth of knowledge and experience about the current law. We hope to draw on this knowledge to ensure that any unintended consequences of changes to the legislation are minimised."

"The draft Patents Bill is intended to replace the Patents Act 1953. The criteria for granting a patent will be strengthened to ensure that patents are only granted for genuine innovations. To be patentable, an invention must be a "manner of manufacture" as at present, and must be new, non-obvious and useful. Novelty and obviousness will be measured against all matter made available to the public anywhere in the world, by any means."

"The Bill reflects the government's commitment to facilitating economic growth through innovation. A modern and effective patent law provides an incentive for innovation, while maintaining an appropriate balance between the interests of innovators and the interests of users of patented technology," said Judith Tizard

Following the consultation process it is planned to introduce the Bill by mid-2005.

Submissions on the draft Bill will close on 11 March 2005. Copies of the draft Bill can be downloaded from the Ministry of Economic Development website or obtained from:

Warren Hassett
Regulatory and Competition Policy Branch
Ministry of Economic Development
P O Box 1473
Wellington