top of page
Making intellectual property work for you and your business
Powered by Henry Hughes Intellectual Property
Any questions?
Search
What is a design?
Designs are intellectual property rights that can be used to protect new features in the way an article looks. For example, these may be...
Mark Eftimov
1 min read
Is a patent an asset?
Yes, a patent is an intangible asset which is considered personal property and gives you property rights over your invention. It can be...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
Can I patent the way something looks?
Patents typically cover a new product or process and usually protect the way something works rather than the way it looks. ​ If you're...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
How does filing for a patent work?
There are a range of ways in which to file a patent. This will depend on your intellectual property strategy, budget, timeframes and...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
Does a patent mean I'm protected globally?
No, a patent only covers the country it is granted in. You need to file an application in each country of interest if you wish to protect...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
Someone else is using my patent, what can I do?
If someone else is using your invention and you have not applied for a patent to protect the invention, it may be difficult to stop them....
Penny Walsh
1 min read
What does a patent cover and how long for?
A patent can be kept in force for a period of up to 20 years. This period starts from the date of filing. Annual renewal fees beginning...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
What do I need in order to register my trade mark?
Firstly, you need to ensure your mark is not already being used in the marketplace. To do this, you can search the trade mark register...
Intern
1 min read
What does the â„¢ symbol actually do?
The â„¢ symbol shows use of your trade mark. It is a claim to the public that you are using this mark as your trade mark. This can be...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
Is my design protected under the Copyright Act?
Your design may be protected by the Copyright Act 1994. In New Zealand, protection for designs may be available through both design...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
Do I need to register my design?
You don’t need to register your design. Copyright protection exists automatically when an original design is created. However, it is...
Penny Walsh
1 min read
Can I use my invention before getting a patent?
You should not publish or publicly use your invention before applying for a patent. Doing so will mean your invention is no longer...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
I don't want to issue proceedings, what are my other options?
If you don't want to engage in litigation, you can initiate a dispute resolution process. As dispute resolution often involves...
Intern
1 min read
What does a patent require?
In order to be granted, a patent application generally requires the filing of a complete specification which: discloses the invention in...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
What are the costs involved in registering a trade mark?
The cost of applying to register for a trade mark depends on how many classes are applied for. There are 45 classes of goods/services...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
What if my trade mark is unregistered?
It is not essential to register your trade mark. If your trade mark is not registered, you can still build up protectable rights...
Elena Szentivanyi
1 min read
Is my trade mark protected overseas?
Your mark is only protected by registration in the country it is registered in. ​ From the date of application in New Zealand (or in...
Jesse Strafford
1 min read
Someone else has registered/is using my trade mark, what can I do?
If you are the registered owner of that trade mark, you have the right to issue infringement proceedings. ​ If someone is attempting to...
Intern
1 min read
What is trade mark infringement?
Trade mark infringement occurs when someone else uses the trade mark without the trade mark owner’s permission. If the unauthorised...
Elena Szentivanyi
1 min read
What does a trade mark require?
The trade mark must be capable of being represented graphically and may comprise a brand, colour, device, heading, label, letter, name,...
Intern
1 min read
bottom of page