Senior Trade Mark Examiner

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Provide key technical leadership in trade mark and geographical indications examination practice  
• Provide advice and support to MBIE policy and legal teams on the development and trade mark and geographical indications legislative and regulatory frameworks
• Join a diverse, collaborative and high-performing team in Christchurch
• Salary - $90,995 - $107,359 Permanent role

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

As a Senior Trade Mark Examiner you will be responsible for examination of trade mark applications under the Trade Marks Act 2002 and Trade Mark Regulations 2003, including the application of relevant trade mark practices and policies, case law and international treaties.
 
The role may also involve the examination of applications for Geographical Indications (‘GIs’) under the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act 2006 and Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Regulations 2017. 
 
The role has a strong knowledge leadership component, and training and coaching elements on matters relating to the application of trade mark law, examination practice and process. The role contributes significantly to ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance, providing effective client service and supporting the manager in building overall performance and capability within the team.

You will be reporting to a Team Leader Trade Marks & GIs.
 

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

• Extensive knowledge or experience of Trade Mark and GI examination, law and practice and a background in IP
• The ability to understand and apply relevant Trade Mark and GI legislation and case law, and to use it to inform decisions and practice changes
• Proven ability to coach and mentor
• The ability to work under high pressure, and to do so within the boundaries of existing legislation, procedures and precedents
• Attention to detail, and proven skills in decision making and time management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to express thoughts, information and ideas in a clear, concise and appropriate manner
• A drive for personal development
• The ability to work effectively with others as part of a team
• Previous experience at IPONZ or equivalent IP Office

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About 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 ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki 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 kaupapakua 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.

Ētahi kōrero mō IPONZ - About IPONZ:

IPONZ sits in the Business and Consumer branch in the Te Whakatairanga Service Delivery group.

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) helps New Zealand businesses protect their name, brand and ideas to realise the full economic potential of their intellectual property. IPONZ is globally recognised as one of the most innovative intellectual property systems.
 

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. Click here to view a position description. All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a CV and cover letter. 

Email Matt Guy at matt.guy@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/16769 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 4 March 2025