Business Law Library & Tracker
IP & Brand Protection
Trade marks, copyright, designs, brand use and ownership of creative work.
Sources last reviewed 17 Aug 2026
Main law guides
158
Acts, regulations and codes worth reading first
Topics
60
Plain-English clusters
Published case explainers
97
Selected cases with a business lesson
Tracked updates
11
New, amended & reviewed
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
Get legal helpMain 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
Trade Marks Act 2002
2002 No 49
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionTrade Marks, Passing Off & BrandingLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand
Major Events Management Act 2007
2007 No 35
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceTransport, Shipping & LogisticsTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawNew Zealand
Plant Variety Rights Act 2022
2022 No 61
PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, 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
Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981
1981 No 47
PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand
Geographical Indications Registration Act 2006
2006 No 60
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceTrade Marks, Passing Off & BrandingProduct Safety, Labelling & RecallsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand
Haka Ka Mate Attribution Act 2014
2014 No 18
PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsTelecommunications, Media & Content
Cases