Patent renewal fees in New Zealand: costs, due dates and grace period
You pay patent renewals in New Zealand to the IPONZ, in NZD, up to year 20. The schedule starts at your fourth filing anniversary, granted or not. Miss a due date and you get a 6-month grace period, with a surcharge set by your fee tier.
What are the patent renewal due dates in New Zealand?
New Zealand counts annuities from the filing date, and the amount depends on which patent year you are entering. A due date can arrive while the application is still pending.
The first renewal falls due at your fourth filing anniversary, payable to the IPONZ.
For example, if the filing date is 2020-02-01, the first renewal will be due by 2024-02-01.
Every later annuity falls due on the anniversary of the filing date, each year, until year 20.
For example, if the filing date was on September 9, then all subsequent annuities will be due on September 9 each year.
Official patent renewal fees by year in New Zealand
Official fees payable to the IPONZ, by patent year, in NZD.
| Year | Official fee (NZD) | ≈ USD | Cumulative (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | — | — |
| 2 | — | — | — |
| 3 | — | — | — |
| 4 | 200 | $119 | 200 |
| 5 | 200 | $119 | 400 |
| 6 | 200 | $119 | 600 |
| 7 | 200 | $119 | 800 |
| 8 | 200 | $119 | 1,000 |
| 9 | 200 | $119 | 1,200 |
| 10 | 450 | $268 | 1,650 |
| 11 | 450 | $268 | 2,100 |
| 12 | 450 | $268 | 2,550 |
| 13 | 450 | $268 | 3,000 |
| 14 | 450 | $268 | 3,450 |
| 15 | 1,000 | $596 | 4,450 |
| 16 | 1,000 | $596 | 5,450 |
| 17 | 1,000 | $596 | 6,450 |
| 18 | 1,000 | $596 | 7,450 |
| 19 | 1,000 | $596 | 8,450 |
| 20 | — | — | 8,450 |
| Full term · years 4–19 | 8,450 | $5,038 | 8,450 |
In New Zealand, the renewal fee will vary depending on whether your patent has been granted or not. During the application process, the renewal fees will be lower, and after the grant, the renewal fees will be higher.
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Missed a patent renewal deadline in New Zealand?
A six-month grace period runs from the day after the due date. You can still pay the renewal fee with a surcharge set by your fee tier, and the patent continues without interruption. Once the grace period closes, the patent lapses.
If you miss a renewal due date of 15 March 2026, the patent enters the grace period on 16 March 2026. Settle the renewal fee and the surcharge by 15 September 2026 to keep the patent in force.
Patent renewal fees in other jurisdictions
The same schedule, deadlines and grace rules, in the jurisdictions we are asked about most.
Looking for a different jurisdiction?
Patents, trademarks and designs in other countries and regions.
Other IP renewals in New Zealand
Patents aren't the only rights that lapse without renewal. New Zealand also protects trademarks and designs. Each on its own schedule and fee scale.
Trademarks
Designs
Renewal terms and official fees for registered industrial designs in New Zealand.
1. What do I pay while the application is pending?
The same annuities you pay after grant. New Zealand starts the schedule at your fourth filing anniversary, and it runs whether or not the office has granted your patent by then.
2. When can I pay the renewal fee?
Up to 3 months before the due date, and no earlier. Send it earlier and the office rejects the payment.
3. Can I renew a patent after missing a due date?
Yes. You get a 6-month grace period, starting the day after you miss the due date. Pay the renewal fee plus a surcharge inside that window and your patent stays in force. Your fee tier sets the amount. Miss the window too and the patent lapses.
4. How long does a patent last?
Up to 20 years from the filing date, as long as you pay every annuity on time. Stop paying and it lapses at the end of the grace period that follows the last due date.
Patent renewal FAQ
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