To lift the performance of the science and innovation system, the Government is working to improve commercialisation outcomes from publicly funded research. It has recently finalised the Intellectual Property Management Policy and supporting guidelines to support this objective.
The government has introduced the national Intellectual Property (IP) Management Policy that gives more rights to researchers to commercialise their own inventions.
The policy sets out how Public Research Organisations, universities, and other organisations should manage IP that is created or supported by government funding received through the science, innovation and technology portfolio. It will be phased in through relevant funding contracts from 1 July 2026.
Intellectual Property (IP) Management Policy
MBIE’s Commericalisation Engagement Guidelines support researchers, institutions, and technology transfer offices to navigate commercialisation. They provide helpful, easy-to-use advice tailored for New Zealand’s distinct research and commercialisation environment.
These Guidelines sit alongside New Zealand’s Intellectual (IP) Management Policy which sets expectations around how Public Research Organisations, universities, and other organisations should manage IP that is generated as a result of government funding received through the science, innovation and technology portfolio.
Commercialisation Engagement Guidelines
Cabinet agreed to a national Intellectual Property management policy for universities and Public Research Organisations.
PDF, 317KB, 4 pages
Cabinet paper seeking agreement to a national Intellectual Property management policy for universities and Public Research Organisations.
PDF, 409KB, 20 pages
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https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/refocusing-the-science-innovation-and-technology-system/research-commercialisation
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