How much does it cost to register a trade mark in New Zealand?

Filing a trade mark in New Zealand costs from NZ$100 per class if you file directly with the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) online. This makes New Zealand one of the most affordable countries in the world for trade mark registration. If you file via the Madrid Protocol from Australia, costs start from around AUD 4,000 for a single-class application including WIPO fees and professional fees.

This article covers the government fees, explains what affects the total cost, and compares direct filing with the Madrid Protocol.

Need a cost estimate? Use our international filing fee calculator for a personalised quote, or contact us to discuss your NZ filing strategy.

Quick cost summary

Filing method	First class	Each additional class
IPONZ direct (online)	NZ$100	NZ$100
Madrid Protocol (WIPO fees only)	653 CHF base + 46 CHF (NZ designation)	46 CHF
Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 4,000 total	Additional class fees apply

All fees are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Check the IPONZ fee schedule and WIPO Madrid fee calculator for the latest rates.

What affects the cost?

Number of classes

IPONZ charges a flat NZ$100 per class, making multi-class applications straightforward to budget for. Most small businesses need one or two classes. New Zealand uses the Nice Classification system (45 classes), the same system used in Australia.

Professional fees

If you engage a trade mark attorney to handle your application, their fees are in addition to the IPONZ government fees. NZ attorney fees for a straightforward single-class application typically range from NZ$500 to NZ$1,500 depending on the scope of service.

If you file directly with IPONZ as a foreign applicant without a New Zealand address for service, you will need to appoint a local agent, which adds to the cost.

Post-filing costs

If IPONZ raises objections during examination, or if a third party opposes your application, resolving those issues adds to the total cost. New Zealand has an opposition period after acceptance, similar to Australia.

Direct filing vs Madrid Protocol

Filing directly with IPONZ

Item	Cost
IPONZ filing fee (per class, online)	NZ$100
NZ agent (if required)	NZ$500–1,500+
Estimated total (one class, no agent)	NZ$100
Estimated total (one class, with agent)	NZ$600–1,600+

Pros:

• Extremely low government fees — NZ$100 per class is among the cheapest in the world
• The registration is standalone and independent of your Australian registration
• IPONZ has a straightforward online filing system
• English-language jurisdiction, familiar to Australian businesses

Cons:

• Foreign applicants without a NZ address for service must appoint a local agent
• Only covers New Zealand
• Must be managed separately from other international filings

Filing via the Madrid Protocol

Item	Cost
WIPO base fee	653 CHF (~AUD 1,050)
NZ designation fee	46 CHF (~AUD 75)
Professional service fee	From AUD 2,750 (covers up to 3 countries)
Estimated total (one class)	From ~AUD 4,000

Pros:

• Single application can cover NZ and other countries simultaneously
• No need to appoint a local NZ agent at the filing stage
• Centralised management of your international portfolio

Cons:

• The international registration depends on your base Australian registration for the first five years
• Significantly more expensive than filing directly if NZ is the only country you need
• The WIPO base fee alone is more than 10 times the IPONZ direct filing fee

Key consideration: If New Zealand is the only country you need to protect, filing directly with IPONZ is almost always the better value option. The NZ$100 government fee is a fraction of the Madrid Protocol cost. The Madrid route only makes sense for NZ if you're filing in multiple countries simultaneously.

For a detailed comparison, see our article on the pros and cons of filing directly vs using WIPO.

Local agent requirements

If you file directly with IPONZ and you do not have an address for service in New Zealand, you must appoint a local trade mark agent. A New Zealand patent attorney or IP firm can act as your agent and address for service.

If you file via the Madrid Protocol, a local agent is not required at the filing stage. If IPONZ raises objections, you may need to engage a local representative to respond.

Renewal fees and obligations

New Zealand trade mark registrations last for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely.

Requirement	When	Fee
Renewal (per class)	Every 10 years	NZ$200 per class

New Zealand does not require periodic proof of use to maintain a registration, similar to Australia. However, a third party can apply to revoke your mark if it has not been genuinely used in New Zealand for a continuous period of three years.

Example cost scenarios

Scenario	Approx. cost
One class, direct filing (DIY, online)	NZ$100
One class, direct filing + NZ agent	NZ$600–1,600
Two classes, direct filing (DIY, online)	NZ$200
One class, Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 4,000
NZ + US + EU via Madrid (one class each)	From ~AUD 6,400

Use our international filing fee calculator for a tailored estimate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to trade mark a name in New Zealand?

The IPONZ government fee is NZ$100 per class when filing online. If you appoint a local agent, their fees typically add NZ$500 to NZ$1,500. Filing via the Madrid Protocol from Australia starts from around AUD 4,000 for one class.

Do I need a NZ agent to file a trade mark?

If you file directly with IPONZ and do not have a New Zealand address for service, yes — you must appoint a local agent. If you file via the Madrid Protocol, no local agent is needed at the filing stage.

How long does NZ trade mark registration take?

IPONZ typically processes applications within 12 to 18 months from filing to registration. If the application is accepted, it is advertised for a three-month opposition period before registration.

Is it cheaper to file directly in NZ or use the Madrid Protocol?

For New Zealand alone, filing directly is significantly cheaper. The IPONZ fee is just NZ$100 per class, while the Madrid route costs upwards of AUD 4,000 for one class once you factor in the WIPO base fee. The Madrid Protocol is only more cost-effective if you're filing in multiple countries at once.

Do I need to use my trade mark in NZ to keep it registered?

There is no mandatory use filing requirement. However, a third party can apply to have your trade mark revoked if it has not been put to genuine use in New Zealand for a continuous period of three years. Keep records of how and when you use your mark.

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For a step-by-step guide to registering a trade mark in New Zealand, see our NZ trade mark registration guide. For an overview of international filing options, see how to file an international trade mark.

Ready to protect your brand in New Zealand? Get a fee estimate or contact us to discuss your options.

Please note, the information in this article is general in nature and is not legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice tailored to you and your circumstances.