Australia and New Zealand Intellectual Property Patents, Trade Marks, Copyright, Designs, Litigation Acacia Law: Intellectual Property experts in Australia and New Zealand © 2003-2011 Acacia Law Patents are granted for a finite term of up to 20 years from the date of filing a patent application. Patents protect ideas (how something works). To file a patent, a patent specification needs to be prepared. A patent specification is a detailed document that sets out the invention, including the claims to the invented monopoly sought. Patent specifications are both legally and technically complex and should be prepared by qualified patent attorneys. We have very competitive rates for preparing and filing patent applications and specifications. PCT National Phase entries: We are happy to accept PCT National Phase entry applications from foreign associates for both New Zealand and Australia. We offer very competitive rates for the prosecution of National Phase applications up to grant and beyond. Paris convention and non-convention patent applications: We offer very competitive rates for handling Paris convention and non-convention applications in Australia and New Zealand. We also prepare and file provisional patent applications on behalf of clients. Patent searching: We perform patent searches and advise on patentability and freedom to operate issues. In New Zealand, for New Zealand clients, there is sometimes 50% funding available for Freedom to Operate Searches. Please contact us directly on website@acacialaw.com for further information.