Registered designs protect new and original aesthetic features of an article, such as the shape, configuration, pattern, and ornamentation. While there are similarities and overlap with other rights, registered designs provide a number of advantages that can be leveraged to best protect your intellectual property.

The New Zealand Plant Variety Rights Bill, the Bill had its third reading before Parliament on 16 November 2022, received Royal Assent on 18 November, and the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will commence on 24 January 2022.

 The New Zealand Commerce Commission has issued draft guidelines on the application of competition law to intellectual property rights for feedback as a result of amendments to the Commerce Act.

Under the NZ Trade Marks Act 2002 the true owner of a trade mark is the first entity to use or seek to register that mark. This article looks at why it is critically important to the validity of a trade mark registration that the application is filed in the correct name. 

 Advising the IPONZ and IP Australia Christmas closure dates, and wishing all our wonderful clients a restorative holiday season.

 IPONZ has recently clarified its practice for a trade mark applicant to overcome such an objection on evidence that it has used its trade mark from a date earlier than the priority date of a cited application or registration.

 Following the recent conclusion of Free Trade Agreement negotiations between New Zealand and both the EU and the UK, new intellectual property obligations for the Government have emerged. Hon Carmel Sepuloni, the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, has announced the establishment of the Artist Royalty Scheme.

Legal disputes between successful bands who have parted ways are not an uncommon occurrence. Such events are a cautionary tale, not only for musicians but to all individuals who band together on small-scale business ventures. Whether you are a musical group or your talents lie in a tech start-up, it is prudent to anticipate partners going their separate ways in the future.

 Henry Hughes IP has been recognised for its hard work this year by receiving a number of awards. Rankings were based on a number of attributes, including initiatives, achievements, longevity in the industry, points of difference, third party references and client service approach.