new zealand trade marks act Page 8

The New Zealand Trade Marks Act 2002 is the playbook for registering and enforcing trade marks, administered by IPONZ.

It decides what can be registered (distinctive signs) and knocks back the rest on absolute/relative grounds, with opposition and hearings if you fancy paperwork.

Once on the register, you get exclusive rights for the listed goods/services, with infringement rules and defences like descriptive use and honest practices.

Use it or lose it: non‑use revocation after 3 years, renew every 10 years, and you can tap the Madrid Protocol for international coverage.

Counterfeits can invite civil and criminal headaches, and the process is online enough to do from the couch—tea optional.