IP Australia – Business as usual
It is still business as usual at IP Australia. However, changes have been made to in person services in wake of COVID-19 restrictions such as hearings and in person payment/ lodgement. Most IP Australia personnel are now working from home. The latest update from 1 April 2020 is reproduced below (excluding a WIPO section):
IP Australia continues to provide its services. We are making changes where needed to ensure we comply with COVID-19 restrictions. For example, we are now conducting our hearings by video conferencing, telephone or written submissions.
We understand that the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak may impact the ability of applicants and their representatives to process applications. Further information for applicants is provided below.
IP Australia has adopted working arrangements to ensure the safety of our staff. We are committed to processing your requests and responding to your enquiries as usual during this time.
As the COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving, we recommend checking this page regularly for updates. Our online services and contact centre are available:
- IP Australia Online Services available 24×7
- Phone: 1300 651 010 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) Canberra time
- International: +61 2 6283 2999
Filing of documents and making payments
Most of IP Australia’s staff are now working from home which means from 1 April 2020, Discovery House, 47 Bowes Street, Phillip, ACT 2606 will no longer be able to accept documents or payments in person. Please use eServices for filing and payments.
Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ)
IPONZ have now updated working status under the current national COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions. IPONZ staff are now working from home. Due to this, IPONZ now warn that their ability to deal with time sensitive matters may be affected. However, any delay in processing will be taken into account if further action is required. Extensions are available to applicants affected by COVID-19 and will be treated favourably. The latest update from 31 March 2020 is reproduced below:
IPONZ services during COVID-19
We recognise the unprecedented nature of current events and the impact that the response to COVID-19 is having on the community and businesses.
If circumstances related to COVID-19 have affected you or are affecting your ability to respond by a deadline please apply for an extension of time. Such requests will be treated favorably by IPONZ. If this is not possible please contact us directly using the online form.
IPONZ is closely monitoring incoming requests and dealing with any time sensitive matters. As IPONZ staff are having to work remotely, we will not usually be able to achieve our published processing timeframes.
If you have corresponded with IPONZ in relation to a time-sensitive matter within the prescribed time, you may not receive a response within the typical time period. Please rest assured that any deadline will be treated as having been conditionally met and the IPONZ delay in processing will be taken into account if further action is required.
As the situation continues to change we will keep you informed through our website.
