If you’re running a technology or software development business, you need to ensure you meet all the legal requirements. Our legal team specialises in helping small tech businesses with their legal needs, from privacy compliance to intellectual property protection. Contact us today to learn more!
To set up a technology or software development company 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).
- Protecting your intellectual property (e.g. patents, trademarks) through IPONZ (Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand) (https://www.iponz.govt.nz/).
- Complying with data protection and privacy policies and procedures under the Privacy Act 2020 (https://privacy.org.nz/).
As a business, one of your key priorities is ensuring you're compliant with the Privacy Act 2020 and the New Zealand Privacy Principles. This often involves having a strong Privacy Policy in place that is drafted to your business' specific requirements.
Generally, a Privacy Policy will let users know how you intend to collect, store, and distribute their personal information.
To further protect customer data, it's advised that you have a strong cyber security system in place. While this will look different for every business, generally it should involve having NDAs, confidentiality clauses, two-factor authentication, and Non-Compete clauses in your contracts.