IPONZ platform upgrade

About the project

The purpose of IPONZ Platform Upgrade is to modernise the ageing platform that manages intellectual property rights, patents, trademarks, designs and related services to gain efficiencies and deliver improvements for customers.

Current focus

Assess the independent quality assurance report and recommendations upon receipt and prepare an options paper for internal governance.

Latest update

An independent quality assurance report has been completed and makes recommendations on the project’s next steps. These are due to be considered by internal governance on 21 September 2026.

Red status

Project is at significant risk after critical delivery milestones were missed and governance intervention is required.

Path to Green

Project moved into a structured assessment phase aimed at containing costs, stabilising the project and move to the most appropriate path forward for IPONZ.

• Oversight and governance strengthened.
• Commissioned an Independent Quality Assurance (IQA) review for making an objective assessment of the project.
• Prepare an options paper for consideration by internal governance on 21 September 2026.

Expected benefits

• A modern and more reliable platform for patents, trademarks and designs.
• Improved digital services for intellectual property customers and staff.
• Reduced operational risk associated with ageing technology.
• Greater flexibility to maintain and develop intellectual property services over time.

These benefits are extracted from the Benefits Realisation Plan.

Latest Change Request

Change Request type: Schedule, Scope, Financial

Schedule: Extension of business case timeline to 31 October 2024 to accommodate higher Delegated Financial Approvals required.

Scope: Changes to the project scope for additional necessary documentation to support the Business Case approval process.

Financial: Increase of Opex funding in FY24/25 to complete the business case.