If you’re running a furniture or homeware business in New Zealand, it’s important to ensure you’ve met all the legal requirements. Our legal team specialises in helping small businesses and startups with all their legal needs, from contracts to intellectual property protection and privacy. Get in touch today!
To establish a furniture and homeware business in New Zealand, you will need to prepare and register a variety of legal documents. Key requirements include:
- Registering your business name with the New Zealand Companies Office (https://companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/).
- Obtaining Workers' compensation insurance and business insurance (e.g. public liability, professional indemnity).
- Securing Council approval (if operating from a commercial premise) and a lease agreement (if renting premises).
- Having Health and safety policies and procedures in place, in accordance with WorkSafe New Zealand (https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/).
- Complying with privacy and data protection policies and procedures, as outlined by the Privacy Commissioner (https://www.privacy.org.nz/).
- Obtaining a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) and registering for Goods and Services Tax (GST) with Inland Revenue (https://www.ird.govt.nz/).
- Getting the right legal documents drafted, such as Business Terms and Conditions and Supply Agreements.
Your IP is often the key to your business' success. In a software or technology business, it's important to keep your IP secure. To effectively protect your creative works, you'll need to understand the type of IP you intend to keep secure and the specific process required.
Copyright protection applies automatically to creative, original works in New Zealand (however, you may still wish to display copyright disclaimers for clarity!).
For further legal protection, you can also register a trade mark with IP New Zealand. This lists your IP on an online register and prevents other people from using it - so it's officially and legally yours.
There is also the option to patent your IP, but there is a very specific criteria for doing so. Our IP lawyers can guide you through your options.
If you have suppliers for your clothing business in New Zealand, it's crucial to document the specifics of your arrangement in writing. This ensures that if any issues arise in the supply chain, you have a formal agreement to refer to, which can help resolve any disputes or concerns efficiently.
A Supply Agreement in New Zealand will typically include details on payment terms, the goods being supplied, expectations regarding quality, delivery timeframes, termination rights, and warranties.
For more information on drafting a Supply Agreement in New Zealand, you can visit the New Zealand Business website at https://www.business.govt.nz/ or consult with a legal professional who specializes in New Zealand commercial law.
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