{"id":210865,"date":"2021-10-11T14:17:53","date_gmt":"2021-10-11T01:17:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?p=210865"},"modified":"2023-02-22T18:41:55","modified_gmt":"2023-02-22T05:41:55","slug":"protect-intellectual-property-overseas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/intellectual-property\/protect-intellectual-property-overseas\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Protect My NZ Business IP Overseas?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have registered intellectual property in New Zealand, this does not mean that your intellectual property is protected overseas. So, as a business owner, you may be wondering how you can protect your intellectual property internationally. Importantly, you need to consider the specific country, market or industry you are working in and how intellectual property laws can vary between each. Therefore, this article will explain some potential intellectual property risks when engaging in overseas business and how you can protect your NZ intellectual property overseas.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

International Intellectual Property<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is no all-encompassing international intellectual property protection. <\/span>For example, in New Zealand, we have our own intellectual property laws and rules. Despite this, the New Zealand government has joined agreements that allow you to protect your asset under global intellectual property laws. <\/span>For instance, the table below sets out three important intellectual property rights that are eligible for overseas protection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Trade marks<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

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This intellectual property right protects a distinctive sign representing your business, such as a business name or logo.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

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Designs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

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With designs, you can protect the visual appearance of a product, such as its pattern or distinctive shape.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

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Patents<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

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A patent is an intellectual property right that protects new inventions.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Trade Marks<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One way to protect your trade mark overseas is to register it individually in each foreign country that you want to protect it in. However, for a simpler process, you can register a trade mark using the Madrid Protocol system, an international trade mark system that covers over 100 countries. It allows you to register your trade mark overseas through a single trade mark application instead of multiple. If you want to register your trade mark internationally from New Zealand, you can do so through the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ). You will need to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n