0.-16

1943 NEW ZEALAND

PATENTS, DESIGNS, AND TRADE-MARKS FIFTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 128 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1921-22

REPORT

(The figures in parentheses are for 1941) 1 have the honour, in accordance with section 128, to submit my report on the administration of the Act during the year 1942. The business of the Office is indicated generally in the tables annexed. Patents Inventions relating to the war continue to show an increase, such as, for example, explosives and firearms 64 (34); aeronautics 25 (15). There was a slight decrease in telephony and telegraphy 227 (246). It is interesting to note, however, that nearly four times as many applications were filed in this class (which includes radio and similar apparatus) as in the class showing the next highest number of applications —namely, explosives. The reciprocal arrangements and co-operation existing with the British authorities in regard to war inventions continue to work satisfactorily, as well as the provisions instituted to ensure that the local inventions likely to be of value in the prosecution of the war are fully considered. During the year consideration was given to the question of improving various machinery provisions to meet more fully conditions which have arisen as a result of the war, and legislation has been drafted with a view to bringing the New Zealand Patent law in this respect in line with that in the United Kingdom. Trade-marks The decline in the number of applications received for registration of trade-marks which has naturally followed as a result of the war is still evident, and the number of applications received during the year was 136 less than in 1941. The advantages of the provisions of the Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Amendment Act, 1939, in regard to registered user of trade-marks has been availed of to meet war conditions in many cases where overseas proprietors of trade-marks have been able to make satisfactory arrangements with New Zealand manufacturers. Emergency Regulations In a considerable number of cases advantage has been taken of the provisions of the Patents, Designs, Trade-marks, and Copyright Emergency Regulations 1940 in order to safeguard the rights of registered proprietors and applicants where inability to take the requisite action has been due to circumstances arising out of the war. Staff The difficulties caused by the loss of experienced staff are being mot, as far as possible, by the training of temporary appointees. Conclusion The appendix contains :— A. Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 31st December, 1942. B. Table showing Receipts and Payments for each of the Last Ten Years. C. Total Number of Applications for Patents and for Registration of Designs and Trademarks recorded for the Years 1914 to 1942 (inclusive). A. H. Ihle, Commissioner of Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks. The Patent Office, Wellington, 27th April, 1943.