An introduction to IP

Intellectual property (IP) is often the most valuable asset listed on a business’s balance sheet, so it’s wise to secure your original IP just as you would any of your physical assets.

An item of IP can be anything from an original idea for a product, to new features, a unique look or uniquely identifiable logos or slogans. Each can provide you with competitive advantages and needs to be protected.

On this page:

• Protecting intellectual property
• Copyright in New Zealand
• Copyright protection overseas
• What is a trademark?
• What is a patent?
• What is a design?

Top

Protecting intellectual property

All businesses create and use IP, but only successful ones learn to protect, manage and exploit these assets while avoiding conflict with their competitors’ IP rights. Find out more about protecting your IP.

Copyright in New Zealand

Learn all about copyright law in New Zealand, how and when it comes into effect, and how copyright indicators can be used to protect original and unique work.

Copyright protection overseas

Work copyrighted in New Zealand is automatically protected under copyright law in some overseas markets if the territories are part of the same international agreements. Find out about protecting your copyright overseas.

What is a trade mark?

Unique brands, logos and slogans can be highly valuable assets in their own right. Learn more about trade marks.

What is a patent?

If you successfully patent a concept, you can then use it exclusively with protection against competitors for the next 20 years. But just what can be patented? Find out more about patents.

What is a design?

While patents protect the concept behind a product, design registration protects its unique look and design features. Find out more about designs and what you can and can’t register.

Find out more about intellectual property considerations when starting a business.