Associate Patent Examiner Level 1
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Tēnei tūranga – About the role
The Associate Patent Examiner level 1 role is the first stage in IPONZ’s structured patent examiner training programme.
Associate Patent Examiners train and work under full supervision as they build their skills in examination of patent applications and specifications under the Patents Act 2013, and Patent Regulations 2014. Training also covers relevant patent practices and policies, case law and international treaties (such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty and the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property). Associate Patent Examiners are actively mentored and coached by the patents team as they develop their knowledge, skills and experience.
Under IPONZ’s Patent Examiner Training Programme, an Associate Patent Examiner Level 1 has the option to apply for progression to Associate Patent Examiner Level 2 in the IPONZ progression rounds held in April and October each year. Provided they meet the necessary criteria and competencies they will be promoted to Associate Patent Examiner Level 2 (the final stage of patent examiner training).
Ngā herenga – Requirements of the role
Personal specifications
- Technical expertise in identified subject matter areas
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to search specialist databases, and assess the relevance of large volumes of complex information
- Strong attention to detail
- Effective decision making and time management skills
- Ability to work as part of a team and on your own
- Relevant tertiary qualification in science or technology, or extensive and comparable relevant experience
- Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand
Takohanga tuhinga o mua – Key accountabilities and deliverables
Complete the first stage of Patent Examiner Training
- An Associate Patent Examiner level 1 is expected to complete the first stage of their Patent Examiner training and progress to Associate Patent Examiner Level 2 via the bi-annual IPONZ Progression rounds within 9 – 15 months
Patent Examination (for non-complex patent applications and specifications)
- Shows a basic understanding of legislative requirements and examination practice when examining patent applications in accordance with the delegated functions of the Commissioner (Patents Act 2013, sections 218 & 220). Examination includes:
- identification and searching of the prior art base,
- drafting and issuing examination reports under supervision,
- generating and updating supplementary examination documents and materials,
- assessing responses to examination reports (including proposed amendments and arguments)
- Examinations meet agreed quantity and quality standards, and comply with business processes
- Proposing acceptance of applications and specifications under full supervision
Workload Management - Self
- Prioritise own work queue to ensure timely completion of allocated work
- Maintain effective communication with Team Leader (and/or buddy) to ensure workloads are balanced and achievable
Contributing Positively to the Team and IPONZ
- Works co-operatively and effectively with others towards achieving Patent Team and IPONZ goals
- Participates in team discussions, assists in the identification of solutions, and resolution to issues and problems
- Participates in organisational processes
- Participates in organised individual or team learning activities
- Seeks feedback on own performance
Self-Management
- Models positive behaviours
- Models the desired values and culture of the organisation
- Acts with honesty and integrity
- Welcomes feedback and is receptive to input from others
Wellbeing, health & safety
- Displays commitment through actively supporting all safety and wellbeing initiatives
- Ensures own and others safety at all times
- Complies with relevant safety and wellbeing policies, procedures, safe systems of work and event reporting
- Reports all incidents/accidents, including near misses in a timely fashion
- Is involved in health and safety through participation and consultation
Tō tūranga i roto i te Manatū – Your place in the Ministry
The Associate Patent Examiner 1 position reports into a Team Leader, Patents in IPONZ, in the Business and
Consumer Branch. The branch sits within the Te Whakatairanga Service Delivery group.
To mātou aronga – What we do for Aotearoa New Zealand
Hīkina Whakatutuki is the te reo Māori name for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Hīkina means to uplift. Whakatutuki means to move forward, to make successful. Our name speaks to our purpose, Grow Aotearoa New Zealand for All.
To Grow Aotearoa New Zealand for All, we put people at the heart of our mahi. Based on the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi, we are committed to upholding authentic partnerships with Māori.
As agile public service leaders, we use our breadth and experience to navigate the ever-changing world. We are service providers, policy makers, investors and regulators. We engage with diverse communities, businesses and regions. Our work touches on the daily lives of New Zealanders. We grow opportunities (Puāwai), guard and protect (Kaihāpai) and innovate and navigate towards a better future (Auaha).
Ngā matatau – Our competencies
Cultivates innovation We create new and better ways for the organisation to be successful by challenging the status quo generating new and creative ideas and translating them into workable solutions.
Nimble learning We are curious and actively learn through experimentation when tackling new problems by learning as we go when facing new situations and challenges.
Customer focus We build strong customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions by listening and gaining insights into the needs of the communities we serve and actively seeking and responding to feedback.
Decision quality We make quality and timely decisions that shape the future for our communities and keep the organisation moving forward by relying on an appropriate mix of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement to make valid and reliable decisions.
Action oriented We step up, taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with purpose, urgency and discipline by taking responsibility, ownership and action on challenges, and being accountable for the results.
Collaborates We connect, working together to build partnerships with our communities, working collaboratively to meet shared objectives by gaining trust and support of others; actively seeking the views, experiences, and opinions of others and by working co-operatively with others across MBIE, the public sector and external stakeholder groups.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
As an agency of the public service, MBIE has a responsibility to contribute to the Crown meeting its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Te Tiriti). Meeting our commitment to Te Tiriti will contribute towards us realising the overall aims of Te Ara Amiorangi – Our Path, Our Direction, and achieve the outcome of Growing New Zealand for All. The principles of Te Tiriti - including partnership, good faith, and active protection – are at the core of our work. MBIE is committed to delivering on our obligations as a Treaty partner with authenticity and integrity and to enable Māori interests. We are committed to ensuring that MBIE is well placed to meet our obligations under the Public Service Act 2020 (Te Ao Tūmatanui) to support the Crown in strengthening the Māori/Crown Relationship under the Treaty and to build MBIE’s capability, capacity and cultural intelligence to deliver this.
Mahi i roto i te Ratonga Tūmatanui – Working in the public service
Ka mahitahi mātou o te ratonga tūmatanui kia hei painga mō ngā tāngata o Aotearoa i āianei, ā, hei ngā rā ki tua hoki. He kawenga tino whaitake tā mātou hei tautoko i te Karauna i runga i āna hononga ki a ngāi Māori i raro i te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ka tautoko mātou i te kāwanatanga manapori. Ka whakakotahingia mātou e te wairua whakarato ki ō mātou hapori, ā, e arahina ana mātou e ngā mātāpono me ngā tikanga matua o te ratonga tūmatanui i roto i ā mātou mahi.
In the public service we work collectively to make a meaningful difference for New Zealanders now and in the future. We have an important role in supporting the Crown in its relationships with Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi. We support democratic government. We are unified by a spirit of service to our communities and guided by the core principles and values of the public service in our work.
What does it mean to work in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Service?(external link) — Te Kawa Mataaho The Public Service Commission
