K&L Gates LLP (JD Supra New Zealand)

Registration of a trade mark is the first step in protecting a brand. However, it is also important for brands to keep a watch on competitors and oppose applications to register marks which are similar to their brands. This was highlighted in a recent New Zealand case involving Australian handbag and accessories business Mimco. Originally published in Ragtrader - June 2018. Please see full...

As the first 100 days of the Prime Minister Jacinta Arden led Labour government comes to a close this week, we take a look at the status of the government's proposed amendments to workplace and immigration policy to date. Labour's priorities within its first 100 days in this space included a mix of new policies and undoing changes made by the National-led government over the past nine years.

A bill aimed at enhancing protections for victims of domestic violence in New Zealand has received strong cross party support this year. This means that the proposed changes, including a number of changes relating to employment, are likely to be enacted in 2018.

The Supreme Court of New Zealand (Court) last month handed down the latest in a series of decisions, both in New Zealand and Australia, relating to the enforceability of 'statutory charges' over insurance monies – and it is not good news for Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance policyholders or their insurers.

Following on from recent patent law changes in the U.S. and Australia, New Zealand recently passed the Patents Act 2013 (Act). With the passing of this Act, New Zealand patent law has been overhauled and modernised so that it is now consistent with the patent laws of other developed countries.