New Zealand Intellectual Property Attorneys Inc (previously New Zealand Institute of Patent Attorneys Incorporated), was established in 1912. It is an incorporated body representing most Patent Attorneys registered under the New Zealand Patents Act, and Trade Mark Attorneys and IP Lawyers who are resident and practising in New Zealand. The current membership of NZIPA comprises comprises 161 Fellows, 1 Honorary, 35 Students, 18 Non-resident, 15 Associates and 6 Retired. A Council of 9 Fellow members is elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. They meet at least monthly throughout the year to manage the affairs of the Institute. NZIPA is governed by a set of Rules. The Rules set out the objects of the Institute, which are as follows: - To maintain a representative group of registered New Zealand patent attorneys. - To promote the interests of NZIPA. - To assist in developing, promoting and maintaining the integrity of the laws and regulations relating to intellectual property matters. - To preserve and maintain the integrity and status of the patent attorney, trade mark and IP lawyer profession by setting and administering Rules. - To provide means to resolve differences between Members of the Institute, and between members of the public and Members of the Institute. - To arrange and promote opportunities to acquire and share knowledge about the patent attorney profession. Our members are very familiar with intellectual property laws in New Zealand, and also in overseas countries.
