Intellectual Property Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on intellectual property for new zealand businesses.
Are New Zealand Trade Marks And Copyright Valid Internationally? (2026 Updated)
If you’re building a brand in New Zealand, it’s completely normal to assume your intellectual property rights “travel” with you - especially if you sell online, ship overseas, or have customers finding...
5 January 2025·
11 min read
Who Owns The Copyright In NFTs? (2026 Updated)
NFTs are still a popular way to sell digital art, music, memberships, in-game assets and all sorts of “digital collectibles”. But one question keeps catching people out (on both the creator side...
5 January 2025·8 min read
Trade Marks – What Are They And Why Do We Need Them? (2026 Updated)
Your business name, logo, and “look and feel” are often the first things customers notice. If people remember you for anything, it’s usually your brand. That’s exactly why trade marks matter. They’re...
5 January 2025·11 min read
‘Black Friday’ Is A Registered Trade Mark: Can Other Brands Use It? (2026 Updated)
Don’t Use The ® Symbol Unless It’s Actually Your Registered Mark Some businesses add ® to look official. That can backfire. You should only use the registered trade mark symbol if the...
5 January 2025·2 min read
Guide To Trade Mark Infringements New Zealand (2026 Updated)
Your brand is often one of the most valuable things you build - sometimes before you even realise it. Your business name, logo, product name, packaging, and even a tagline can become...
5 January 2025·9 min read
Preparing An Evidence Of Prior Use Report (2026 Updated)
If you’ve ever applied for a trade mark in New Zealand and hit a snag (like an objection or a competing application), you’ll know the process can feel surprisingly technical, surprisingly fast,...
5 January 2025·10 min read
Instagram And Copyright: Who Owns The Rights To Your Gram? (2026 Updated)
Instagram can be a huge growth channel for New Zealand businesses. It’s where you build brand trust, run ads, collaborate with creators, and show off your products in a way your website...
5 January 2025·6 min read
Copyright In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence (2026 Updated)
AI tools have made it easier than ever to generate images, music, code, articles and marketing assets in minutes. If you’re running a business, that’s exciting - but it also raises a...
5 January 2025·9 min read
Protect Your IP With A Defensive Trade Mark (2026 Updated)
Your brand is often one of your most valuable business assets. It’s the name customers search, the logo they recognise, and the “shortcut” they use to choose you over a competitor. But...
5 January 2025·4 min read
A Guide To The Trade Marks Act 2002 (2026 Updated)
Your brand is often the first thing a customer notices - your name, logo, tagline, or even the “look” you use consistently across your products and marketing. And once your business starts...
5 January 2025·7 min read
How To Search For An International Trade Mark
It’s no secret that marketers across the globe have long established that with quality products and services, it’s important for businesses to have their own distinct brand. This is because in a...
23 January 2024·6 min read
Pre-Existing Intellectual Property Rights: Who Owns What?
Establishing your intellectual property (IP) rights is essential for any business. As IP can play a key role in your business’ growth and presence, you want to be able to share it...
23 January 2024·6 min read
Can AI And ChatGPT Own Intellectual Property? Legal Considerations For Your Business
AI and ChatGPT have revolutionised various aspects of our lives, from writing itineraries for trips to providing financial advice for businesses. With the growing use of ChatGPT for business activities, a number...
23 January 2024·6 min read
Is ChatGPT Copyright Free?
ChatGPT has taken the business world by storm, offering endless possibilities - and risks! A common question we get from clients is how copyright laws work with AI, and what issues this...
23 January 2024·4 min read
Understanding Copyright In Wedding Videography: Can You Use Commercial Tracks?
As a wedding videographer, soundtracks are an important part of creating a memorable wedding video for your clients. However, you may be wondering about any copyright issues when using someone else's music...
14 November 2023·6 min read
What Is IPONZ & How Do They Operate?
As a business owner, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is going to play a key role in ensuring your business’s success. IP tends to be a fundamental aspect of most businesses. Due...
30 August 2023·8 min read
What You Need to Start a Podcast in New Zealand: Legal and Business Checklist
Launching a podcast in New Zealand is not just about recording gear and editing software. This guide covers the legal and business checklist, from
16 August 2023·12 min read
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