IP in New Zealand

Author Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust Licence Public Domain

 

Jane Lambert

On 19 Dec 2022, the Intellectual Property Office published Guidance on IP in New Zealand.  The Guidance covers trade marks, patents, designs, copyrights and enforcement.  It has links to the Department for International Trade to report trade barriers and the British New Zealand Business Association for advice on doing business in New Zealand.

The Guidance introduces readers to the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand ("IPONZ") which registers patents, trade marks, designs, plant varieties and geographical indications.  It also offers guidance on copyrights, trade secrets, domain names and company names.  Applications for NZ patents, trade marks or designs can be made directly to IPONZ  or through international conventions.   Important differences appear to be grace periods for patents and designs, the requirement of an address for service in Australia or New Zealand and a 50-year copyright term.

IP owners can bring infringement proceedings through the civil courts though there is a warning in the Guidance that "this can often be very time consuming and expensive."  Alternative dispute resolution procedures such as mediation, arbitration and expert determination are said to be available.  There are also customs procedures to prevent the importation of infringing articles and criminal penalties for copyright piracy and counterfeiting,  There is a link to a page on IP Enforcement which is maintained by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Readers will find more information about this topic on my New Zealand page.  Anyone wishing to discuss this topic may call me on +44 (0)20 7404 5252 during office hours or send me a message through my contact form.