Business Law Library & Tracker
IP & Brand Protection
Trade marks, copyright, designs, brand use and ownership of creative work.
Sources last reviewed 7 Sept 2026
Main law guides
158
Acts, regulations and codes worth reading first
Topics
60
Plain-English clusters
Published case explainers
98
Selected cases with a business lesson
Tracked updates
13
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