The request should name the applicants for the patent in the foreign country, and the countries or organizations in which the application is to be made, and include a description of the invention, preferably as an attached copy of the specification to be filed abroad or a detailed synopsis of the subject matter.

In response to the request, IPONZ will issue a permit (if appropriate) by reply e-mail. This will be the only form of permit issued and serves as the written permit as required under section 25(5).

It should be noted that a New Zealand resident does not need a foreign filing permit where:

(a) the resident has made an application for a patent in New Zealand for the same invention at least six weeks before intending to file a corresponding foreign patent application; or

(b) the resident is making a foreign application which is claiming convention priority from an application for the same invention filed abroad by a non-resident.