The Government is developing a whole-of-government approach to address the issues raised in the Wai 262 inquiry. This creates an opportunity to take a holistic approach to protecting mātauranga and taonga Māori in the intellectual property system.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment sought feedback on a discussion document exploring a small number of outstanding policy issues in the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987. These included Treaty of Waitangi compliance issues and operational issues relating to the Plant Variety Rights Office.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment sought feedback on a discussion document exploring proposed regulations to support the new PVR regime.

In New Zealand, the layout design of semi-conductors and integrated circuits is protected by the Layout Designs Act 1994.

IP Australia and MBIE sought feedback on the performance of the trans-Tasman patent attorney registration regime. IP Australia also sought feedback on the Australian trade marks attorney registration regime.

This page is about the protection of new plant varieties and our review of the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987.