Awareness and Perception of Intellectual Property Rights and its processes in New Zealand – The disconnect between innovation and commercialisation, a study based on the Students at Victoria University’s School of Design

Abstract

In New Zealand intellectual property (IP) is seen as an economic driver, however in recent years patent applications have plateaued and design applications decreased in comparison to the previous years. A review of the New Zealand IP system suggested raising IP awareness through education.

Students studying at the School of Design at Victoria University create new IP on a daily basis; however currently the school plays no active role in providing IP information to its students. A survey conducted with media and industrial design students confirmed that students have only a basic understanding about IP rights and have not necessarily the knowledge or understanding on how to protect their IP.

Most of the time registering a patent requires external investment, disclosure of the IP to other parties as well as getting lawyers involved to ensure the process is followed appropriately. The research identified that there are two succinct parts to the IP protection process. The first is about making an informed decision about whether and how to protect the IP and the second part of actually taking actions to protect the IP. The first part is particularly important for students to decide if they want to continue with the second part, where patent attorneys need to get involved in particular for patent applications.

It is recommended that the School of Design lead an initiative with its stakeholders to raise not only awareness, but also understanding by making the first part of the IP protection process part of the overall design process and IP in general part of the curriculum. This will encourage students to think actively about IP rights. They will learn how to make informed decisions about their IP, which is not only beneficial for the students, but also for patent attorneys, IPONZ as well as students’ future employers and the New Zealand economy.