Associate Trade Mark Examiner

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

•    Utilise and develop your research, problem solving and analytical skills
•    In-house comprehensive examiner training and career pathways
•    Join a diverse, collaborative and high-performing team in Christchurch[MG1.1][JP1.2]
•    Flexible working conditions to support work-life balance
x1 Entry level permanent Associate Trade Mark Examiner opportunity
x1 Entry level fixed-term Associate Trade Mark Examiner opportunity for 12 months  
•    Salary range: $60,727 - $70,625[JP2.1] + kiwisaver and Wellness Benefits

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:

Within our IPONZ Trade Marks Team we currently have opportunities based in our Christchurch Office for one fixed term, and one permanent, Associate Trade Mark Examiner role. 

Associate Trade Mark Examiner is the first stage in IPONZ’s structured trade mark examiner training programme. Associate Examiners [MG3.1][JP3.2]initially train and work under supervision as they build their skills towards independently examining trade mark applications.
 
In these roles you will utilise your research, evaluation and analytical skills, to examine trade mark applications to ensure that they meet requirements under the current legislation. This includes formalities examination, conducting appropriate research to determine whether or not the trade mark is distinctive and whether or not it is confusingly similar to other trade marks already on the register.
 
You will receive initial training and support from the team to assist you in the role.

About IPONZ

IPONZ sits within the Te Whakatairanga Service Delivery business group which strives to work with businesses, employees and consumers to help them participate effectively in the market place.
 
Innovation and creativity are important elements in gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace and for many business ventures intellectual property is one of their most important assets. Through the provision of our services at IPONZ, we aim to ensure people realise the full economic potential of their intellectual property.
 
You will be familiar with some famous trade marks, for example, Magnum ice creams, Dove beauty bar and of course Buzzy Bee toys. A letter, word, phrase, sound, smell, shape, logo, aspect of packaging or any combination of these can be a trade mark. Used well, a trade mark can become a valuable business asset.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

•   Skills in researching, interpreting, analysing, problem solving and evaluating information and its practical application, including writing reports
•    Excellent verbal and written English language skills, and can communicate ideas clearly both verbally and in writing
•    Robust interpersonal skills including the ability to work with a wide range of people, and a strong customer focus
•    Comfort working in the grey within a fast paced and changeable environment
•    A focused, detail oriented, conscientious, and responsive approach
•    The ability to learn quickly and receive and implement feedback well
•    Effective decision making and time management skills
•    Tertiary qualification

About MBIE - Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahunga roa o ngā iwi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapa kua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

How to Apply - Me pēhea te tono:

Click here to view a position description. 

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Matt Guy at matt.guy@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/20402 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 24th of Nobvember 2026