Intellectual Property Policy

Copyright
The term "copyright" refers to a bundle of exclusive rights conferred by the Copyright Act 1994 ("the Act") in relation to original works.
Designs
In New Zealand, protection is provided to registered designs through the Designs Act 1953. IPONZ is the government agency responsible for the registration of designs.
Intellectual Property Enforcement
Information about civil and criminal enforcement of intellectual property rights, and related projects.
Intellectual Property Information Sheets
Intellectual Property Information Sheets regarding types of intellectual property, general information and contact details.
International Organisations & Instruments
Information relating to international intellectual property organisations, instruments, and related websites.
Integrated Circuit Designs
Layout Design rights protect the layout designs of integrated circuits.
Geographical Indications
Geographical Indications protect indications used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation or other characteristic that are due to that place of origin.
Parallel Importing
"Parallel Importing" refers to importation of legitimate copyright goods (not "pirated" goods) other than through the authorized local importer or supplier. The Ministry is the government's principal advisor on parallel importing.
Patents
Patents protect an invention that is a "method of new manufacture".
Plant Variety Rights
Plant variety rights give breeders control over the commercialisation of their varieties helping them to obtain a financial return from their efforts and investment.
Trade Marks
Trade marks protect a sign or symbol used to distinguish the goods and services of one trader from those of another.
Traditional Knowledge
Introduction page regarding the relationship between intellectual property policy and legislation and the traditional knowledge of indigenous and local communities.
Contact IP Policy Group
For further information (except legal advice), please contact the Intellectual Property Policy Group.
Archive
Intellectual Property topics which are no longer current can be found in the archive section. These documents may no longer be updated or contain the most current information but are still provided for your reference.