Business Law Library & Tracker

Copyright, Software & Digital Content

Creative ownership, software rights, licensing and online content.

Sources last reviewed 28 July 2026

Main law guides

157

Acts, regulations and codes worth reading first

Topics

60

Plain-English clusters

Published case explainers

96

Selected cases with a business lesson

Tracked updates

8

New, amended & reviewed

Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.

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Main laws

Main lawNew Zealand

Copyright Act 1994

1994 No 143

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionContracts & CommercialAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsCopyright, Software & Digital ContentLicences, Permits & Registrations
Main lawNew Zealand

Designs Act 1953

1953 No 65

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionFood & Product ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusTrade Marks, Passing Off & BrandingCopyright, Software & Digital ContentLicences, Permits & Registrations
Main lawNew Zealand

Patents Act 2013

2013 No 68

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionContracts & CommercialContractors & Worker StatusRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsCopyright, Software & Digital ContentLicences, Permits & Registrations
Main lawNew Zealand

Russia Sanctions Act 2022

2022 No 6

PriorityIn force5 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceCopyright, Software & Digital ContentDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand

Resale Right for Visual Artists Act 2023

2023 No 59

PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceCopyright, Software & Digital ContentTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawNew Zealand

Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015

2015 No 63

PriorityIn force5 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Digital & EcommerceRegulatory ComplianceCopyright, Software & Digital ContentStandards, Accreditation & Certification

Cases