The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has repeated its warning about unsolicited or fraudulent IP protection, promotion or advertising services being offered to IP holders.

IPONZ says any communications about an IP case from anyone other than IPONZ, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) or the recipient's appointed IP professional should be treated with caution "particularly if they are preparing to charge you a fee for the service".

It says trade mark registration lasts for 10 yaers and costs $350 per class (GST excluded) to renew.

IPONZ says typical requests are letters inviting people to pay fees to publish their IP registration in publications which appear to be of an official nature. "You may also find yourself the target of offers to protect your rights overseas".

"Letters from unfamiliar organisations, especially letters requesting payment for unsolicited services, should be treated with caution. These companies may try to create the false impression that they represent an official organisatino."