Overview
Papua New Guinea has an established Intellectual Property system, administered by the Intellectual Property Office of Papua New Guinea under the Investment Promotion Authority. Its framework covers trademarks, patents, and industrial designs, each governed by specific rules and examination procedures. With a growing economy and a variety of key industries, the protection of IP assets remains an important focus, both for local and international businesses.
Compared to many other jurisdictions in the region, Papua New Guinea’s IP structure is relatively modern, although it requires separate local applications in most cases to secure protection.
International Conventions
Papua New Guinea is a member of:
- Paris Convention
- Berne Convention
- TRIPS
- WIPO
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
IP office
Trademarks in Papua New Guinea are processed by the Intellectual Property Office of Papua New Guinea. A single-class registration system is in place, meaning each application may only cover one class of goods or services. If protection is needed in multiple classes, separate applications must be filed for each class. The process includes a formal examination to ensure the trademark complies with local legal requirements.
- Initial trademark registration lasts for 10 years
- Renewal is possible every 10 years, indefinitely
- Applications must include applicant details, a copy of the trademark, and the list of classes
- Papua New Guinea is not part of the Madrid System, so international protection must be pursued independently
- Oppositions or challenges follow local administrative procedures
Given the importance of brand protection for many industries, it is advisable to monitor the local register to safeguard trademarks against conflicts.
Patents also fall under the oversight of the Intellectual Property Office of Papua New Guinea. Applicants can seek protection either via a direct local filing or by designating Papua New Guinea through the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
- Patent protection may last for up to 20 years from the filing date
- Renewal fees must be paid annually to keep the patent valid
- Each patent must meet requirements of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability
- Because Papua New Guinea is a contracting state to the PCT, international applicants can seek protection in the country by entering the national phase of a PCT application, subject to local filing and examination requirements.
Local examination procedures ensure that only those inventions meeting the necessary criteria obtain protection.
Industrial designs are likewise administered by the Intellectual Property Office, with a registration system emphasizing originality and visual distinctiveness. Although not as commonly used as trademarks or patents, industrial design rights are crucial for those seeking to protect product aesthetics.
- An initial design registration typically spans 5 years
- Renewal is generally possible in 5-year increments, up to a maximum total of 15 years
- Each application must include depictions of the design and relevant applicant details
- Papua New Guinea is not a member of the Hague System for international design registration
Applicants should evaluate whether local design protection aligns with their broader IP strategies, particularly given the growing range of products entering the market.
