Whether you are new to intellectual property (IP) and would like a basic overview, or are looking for more detailed information, our helpful info section has valuable resources developed to educate and inform.
Intellectual property is often the most valuable but least understood asset of successful businesses. Intellectual property can include innovations, products, processes and know how, as well as trade marks and the goodwill of an associated business.
For more specific information, click on the headings below.
General Info
Intellectual property rights protect intangible creations of the mind.
Patents
A patent provides protection for the ideas embodied in novel technologies, products and processes.
Why apply for a patent?How do I determine if my invention is patentable?Information required for filing a patentProcedure for obtaining a patentChallenging a patent application or granted patentPatent infringementPCT – the Patent Co-operation TreatyOverseas applicationsGlossary of common termsPatent FAQsPatents Act 2013
Design Registration
A design registration provides protection for aspects of the appearance of an article, such as its shape, configuration, pattern or ornamentation.
Copyright
Copyright is a property right which automatically exists in certain categories of original works.
Trade Marks
A trade mark may comprise any marking such as a word, phrase, symbol, picture or any combination of these.
Why register a trade mark?International trade mark registration: the Madrid systemGuide to trade mark useCompany namesEnforcing rights in unregistered trade marksWhat can be registered as a trade mark?Information required for filing a trade mark applicationList of classes of goods and servicesProcedure for registering a trade markTrade mark assignmentsTrade mark licencesFalse invoicesTrade mark FAQsTrade mark opposition FAQs
Plant Variety Rights
Plant variety protection extends to virtually any kind of plant which fulfills the criteria of being new, distinct, homogeneous and stable.
Domain Names
Having the right domain name is crucial in today’s commercial world – so too is enforcing your rights in domain name registrations.
Border protection
Trade mark and copyright rights can be used to stop the importation of counterfeit products.
Fair trading in New Zealand
The Fair Trading Act 1986, the tort of passing off, the Sale of Goods Act 1908 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
Litigation / Disputes
Oppositions, alternative dispute resolution, infringement proceedings, anti-counterfeiting, domain name disputes, fair trading in New Zealand.
Commercialisation
Intellectual property agreements, licensing, joint ventures, franchising, competitive intelligence, due diligence, and IP audits.
Search & Watching
IP myths
There are many misconceptions around intellectual property and the rights individuals have in their ideas and inventions.
Not sure where to start?
Our handy guide will help you get to grips with IP and how it can be leveraged to create value in your business.
We wrote the book
As authors of New Zealand’s most comprehensive legal text on intellectual property law, we are the number one authority on New Zealand intellectual property matters.