Insights

Article \ 24 Sep 2021

Using electronic signatures in New Zealand and Australia

There has been a trend recently, especially during the pandemic, of increased use of electronic signatures to sign documents. We have seen a wide range of practises in terms of how people do electronic signatures, some of which meet the level requirements and some of which do not. This article summaries those requirements in New Zealand and Australia and gives some practical tips.

Article \ 17 Sep 2021

What’s new for New Zealand patents?

Recently, there have been several updates in the patent space in New Zealand. AJ Park experts Christine Egan and Katie Wei summarised these changes.

Article \ 13 Sep 2021

New Zealand: Evidentiary requirements for statutory declarations made abroad

Kathleen Henning and Kieran O'Connell explore a recent case which emphasises the importance of submitting reliable evidence in invalidation proceedings, even where proceedings are undefended

Article \ 30 Jul 2021

Upcoming changes to make amends for Australian designs

The Australian Government are progressing a programme of reforms to ensure the Australian design rights system is fit for purpose and to…

Article \ 22 Jul 2021

MBIE opens consultation on Plant Variety Rights regulations and fees

As part of the review of the Plant Variety Rights (PVR) Act 1987, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) has…

Article \ 21 Jul 2021

IPONZ clarifies guidance on trade mark disclaimers in New Zealand

A recent trade mark decision by the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) provides guidelines regarding the circumstances where disclaimers should…

Article \ 25 Jun 2021

New Plant Variety Rights Bill introduced to Parliament

In New Zealand, plant variety rights are protected by the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987. This Act is now over 30 years…

Article \ 18 Jun 2021

Australian innovation patent system approaches the finish line

The Australian innovation patent system is being phased out, with key changes taking place on 25 August 2021 (AEST). Steps must be…

Article \ 10 Jun 2021

In a time of global crisis amid pandemics and economic instability, you might not expect intellectual property issues to attract global attention.…

Article \ 3 Jun 2021

Advertisement pulled due to incorrect pronunciation of Māori place name

In April 2021, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) of New Zealand upheld a complaint against a radio advertisement that mispronounced the Māori…

Article \ 1 Jun 2021

What on earth are NFTs and why do trade mark…

You’ve probably recently heard about something called “NFTs” and about various digital artworks and videos being “sold” for significant sums. According to…

Article \ 21 May 2021

The distinctiveness standard for stylised trade marks in New Zealand

In New Zealand, a trade mark must not be registered if it has no distinctive character under section 18(1)(b) of the Trade…