Trade Mark Compliance Costs Under Discussion
The government is considering reducing the compliance costs associated with applying for and maintaining trade marks. The International Trade Mark Treaties discussion paper looks at the feasibility of NZ joining a number of international trade mark treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
The Treaties considered are the Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (the "Nice Agreement"); the Trademark Law Treaty; and the Madrid Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement (the "Madrid Protocol").
Treaties like the Madrid Protocol are specifically designed to remove trade barriers and reduce the transaction costs for business wanting to trade and invest overseas, hence the government's interest.
The discussion paper also includes a general review of the provisions under sections 83 to 87 of the Trade Marks Act 2002 for registering a person as a licensee of a registered trade mark. In addition, the paper considers a specific provision under section 81.
Submissions close on 24 April 2006. Copies of discussion paper are available from the Ministry of Economic Development's website: www.med.govt.nz/ip/trademarks/treaties/accession/ |
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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