{"id":226826,"date":"2024-05-21T16:43:47","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T03:43:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?p=226826"},"modified":"2025-07-18T14:31:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T01:31:05","slug":"intersection-copyright-trade-marks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/trademarks\/intersection-copyright-trade-marks\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Points to Know About the Intersection of Copyright and Trade Marks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Understanding the nuances of intellectual property (IP) law is important for businesses. Two major components of IP law are copyright and trade marks. While they each serve unique purposes, their commonalities and intersection are important. This article will explore five key aspects you, as a business owner, should know about this intersection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Understand Copyright<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Copyright is a form of IP protection granted under the Copyright Act. It provides automatic protection of original works. This includes original pieces of literary, artistic, music and other intellectual works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copyright protection<\/a> in New Zealand typically lasts for the life of a creator plus 50 additional years. Importantly, copyright holders have the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute or display their original work. Although copyright is automatic, creators can register their works with the Copyright Tribunal to establish a public record of their claim. This can help prove ownership in disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Understand Trade Marks <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trade marks are protected under the Trade Marks Act. A trade mark refers to a sign that can distinguish the goods or services of one business from another. For example, it might include a word, logo or slogan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some key aspects of trade mark protection include that for you to have exclusive rights, you must formally register your trade mark with the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) for protection. Trade mark rights are typically valid for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely. Similar to copyright, trade mark holders obtain the exclusive rights to use their mark.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Trade Mark Essentials in New Zealand<\/div>\n
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Our free Trade Mark Essentials in New Zealand guide explains how to register and defend your trade mark registration.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n\nDownload Now<\/a> <\/section>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Continue reading this article below the form\n <\/i>\n<\/a>\n

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