Learn IP

What is intellectual property?

IP is fundamental for most businesses and is a tool for creativity and innovation. There’s IP in everything and IP is everywhere. From the food you eat, to the mobile phone you use, the books you read, and the music you listen to. IP is likely involved in every aspect of your day.

Types of IP

IP gives you the exclusive use of your brand, innovation, or idea. Some IP types apply automatically, other types need to be registered with us.

Brands and creative IP

IP can help support and strengthen your brand, or protect something you have created. A combination of different types of IP may be useful for your business.

Trade marks

For example, brands, logos, and slogans

Designs

For example, fashion design

Copyright

For example, written or artistic work

Technical IP

Technical IP can help you protect something new you have developed. These range from unregistered and free, to complex and higher cost.

Patents

For example, inventions

Designs

For example, product design or decoration

Plant variety rights

For example, a new species of plant

Trade secrets

For example, confidential information

Copyright

For example, a computer program

Collective IP rights

Collective IP rights are registered brands or indications that can be used by multiple people, businesses, or organisations.

Collective trade marks

A brand for members of an association to indicate they are part of a group.

Certification trade marks

A brand to show goods or services meet set requirements.

Geographical indications

Registered places that have specific goods with characteristics linked to that location

Protecting and registering your IP

By registering your IP, you are helping protect your business position in the market.

Why you should protect your IP

IP registration

Tips for protecting IP

IP enforcement

Wai Mānuka – Three friends launch a premium, non-alcoholic drink made from locally sourced ingredients and take it to market with a powerful trade mark that uses Māori motifs. View the full case study

Māori IP considerations

New Zealand IP law includes specific rules that apply when we review applications that could be offensive to Māori or contrary to Māori values. Applications that include elements of Māori culture, such as words or designs, are reviewed by the relevant Māori Committee. There is no extra cost for this review.

If you’re thinking about applying to register IP that includes elements of Māori culture or traditional knowledge, we recommend that you get advice from an IP professional.

More information about Māori IP

IP must be registered in each country

While there is no such thing as a worldwide IP application, international law makes the process easier. Registration of IP across the world is done on a country-to-country basis. This means if you file your trade mark application with the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand, once granted, your trade mark is protected in New Zealand alone. This is the same for granted patents, designs and plant varieties.

If you’re considering exporting and want to protect your IP in different countries across the world, it’s best to get the advice of an IP professional.

Information on international trade marks

Information on international patents

Professional help for your IP

The world of IP can be quite complex and technical. IP professionals can help you with your IP strategy and any IP applications you want to file.

What is an IP attorney?

How can an IP professional help?

How to choose an IP professional

Tips for your first meeting with your IP professional

Case Studies

Ideas come in all shapes and sizes. It is likely that no matter what your business or industry is, intellectual property (IP) could help you along your journey. Find out more about how these New Zealand companies have leveraged IP to get to where they are today.