New IP management policy to boost research commercialisation

The policy is part of the Government’s broader reforms to the science, innovation and technology system. It sets out how IP generated through government-funded research should be protected, managed and used, with the goal of unlocking greater value for New Zealand.

Under the new policy, university researchers will have the first right to commercialise their inventions. They can choose to progress this themselves or work with their university. If the researchers choose to work with their university, the universities will be responsible for protecting and managing the IP and the equity share they can take in a spinout company is limited.

Public research organisations (PROs) will continue to have the first right to commercialise their IP, but researchers will be involved in key commercialisation decisions. If a PRO chooses not to pursue commercialisation, the researcher will have the option to do so.

The policy will apply to most IP supported by funding from within the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio from 1 July 2026.

The new approach makes sure researchers have more control over the commercialisation of their inventions, with clear rules around ownership.

Read more:

Intellectual Property (IP) management policy

Read the Minister’s announcement:

New IP rules to boost research commercialisation(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz