1. Before you start applying for a patent, it is a good idea to check that the invention hasn't already been patented.
2. Prepare a patent specification. A patent specification is a written description of an invention. The specification provides detailed information on how to make and use the invention. Preparation of a patent specification is a complex matter. IPO advises applicants to contact a patent attorney for professional assistance.
3. Your patent attorney will advice you which type of application will be the best for your patent.
4. Once your attorney has prepared all the required documents to obtain a patent. An application will be lodge with New Zealand's IPO.
5. Pay the application fee.
6. After submitting your application, expect to hear from the IPO within three months.

List down the documents required for successfully completing the procedure.

e.g.
1. Proof of child birth from the Hospital.

New Zealand Intellectual Property Office

Freephone within New Zealand
0508 447 669

Freephone from Australia
1800 796 338

International callers
+64 3 962 2607

Your invention must be novel, involve an inventive step, and be useful.

You can patent a new product or process, the material it is made from, or how something is made.

• Provisional specification: $100
• Complete specification: $250
• Convention: $250
• PCT - Entry into national phase: $250
• Request for examination or re-examination: $500

Note: All fees exclude GST (15%) and are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).

Other Patent Related Fees

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

After submitting your application, expect to hear from the IPO within three months.

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type="website">video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the "&" inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver, 
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M" Video ID is "Y0US7oR_t3M". 
	

Please provide instructions on obtaining the certificate/documents.
e.g. The state office holds birth records since january 1908.

A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

A patent is a right that is granted for an invention.

This procedure provides you information on how can secure a patent in New Zealand.

A New Zealand patent gives protection within New Zealand. To obtain patent protection in another country, a patent application needs to be filed in that country, or in a region including that country.

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

New Zealand Intellectual Property Office

More information which might help people.