Intellectual Property Law

Expert Intellectual Property Law Services in New Zealand

Our network of experienced intellectual property lawyers provides comprehensive legal services to protect and commercialize your most valuable intangible assets. Whether you're an inventor, artist, entrepreneur, or established business, our IP specialists understand the critical importance of protecting intellectual property in today's knowledge-based economy. From patent applications to trademark disputes, copyright enforcement to trade secret protection, we deliver strategic legal solutions that safeguard your innovations while maximizing their commercial potential.

Intellectual property law is a specialized field that requires deep technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and practical commercial experience. Our lawyers combine legal expertise with industry understanding to provide comprehensive IP protection that drives business success and competitive advantage.

Comprehensive Patent Services

Patents provide the strongest protection for technical innovations, granting inventors exclusive rights for up to 20 years. Our patent attorneys provide full-service patent support:

Patent Application & Prosecution

• Patentability Assessments: Evaluating inventions for patent eligibility and commercial viability
• Prior Art Searches: Comprehensive searches to assess novelty and avoid infringement
• Patent Drafting: Preparing detailed specifications and claims for maximum protection
• Prosecution Management: Responding to examiner objections and securing patent grants
• Patent Families: Coordinating related applications and continuation strategies
• Divisional Applications: Managing multiple inventions from single applications

International Patent Protection

• PCT Applications: International patent applications under Patent Cooperation Treaty
• National Phase Entry: Converting PCT applications into national patents
• Foreign Filing Strategies: Optimizing international patent portfolios
• Paris Convention Priority: Securing priority rights across multiple jurisdictions
• Patent Prosecution Highways: Accelerated examination programs

Patent Portfolio Management

• Portfolio Strategy: Developing comprehensive patent protection strategies
• Patent Analytics: Competitive intelligence and landscape analysis
• Maintenance & Renewal: Managing patent annuities and maintenance fees
• Patent Valuation: Assessing patent value for business and investment purposes
• Patent Audits: Reviewing existing portfolios for optimization opportunities

Comprehensive Trademark Services

Trademarks protect your brand identity and business reputation. Our trademark lawyers provide strategic brand protection services:

Trademark Registration & Protection

• Trademark Searches: Comprehensive clearance searches before adoption
• Application Preparation: Strategic filing for optimal protection scope
• Opposition Proceedings: Defending against and pursuing trademark oppositions
• Trademark Maintenance: Managing renewals and use requirements
• Madrid Protocol: International trademark registration system
• Well-Known Mark Protection: Enhanced protection for famous brands

Brand Enforcement & Defence

• Infringement Actions: Pursuing trademark infringement claims
• Passing Off Claims: Protecting unregistered trademark rights
• Counterfeiting: Anti-counterfeiting strategies and enforcement
• Domain Name Disputes: UDRP proceedings and cybersquatting
• Customs Enforcement: Border protection measures
• Online Brand Protection: Digital monitoring and enforcement

Copyright Law & Creative Protection

Copyright protects original creative works including literature, music, art, software, and digital content. Our copyright lawyers provide comprehensive creative protection:

Copyright Registration & Enforcement

• Copyright Registration: Formal registration for enhanced protection
• Work-for-Hire Agreements: Clarifying copyright ownership
• DMCA Compliance: Digital Millennium Copyright Act procedures
• Fair Dealing Analysis: New Zealand fair dealing and fair use assessment
• Collective Licensing: Working with collecting societies
• Moral Rights: Protecting author integrity and attribution rights

Digital Rights Management

• Software Licensing: Proprietary and open-source software agreements
• Content Licensing: Digital media and content distribution
• Platform Agreements: Terms for digital platforms and marketplaces
• NFT & Blockchain: Emerging digital asset and blockchain IP
• Streaming Rights: Digital media distribution and licensing

Trade Secret & Confidential Information Protection

Trade secrets can be more valuable than patents for certain innovations. Our lawyers provide comprehensive trade secret protection:

• Trade Secret Identification: Identifying and cataloguing valuable confidential information
• Protection Programs: Implementing comprehensive trade secret protection systems
• Employee Agreements: Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
• Vendor Contracts: Third-party confidentiality and protection measures
• Misappropriation Claims: Pursuing trade secret theft and misuse
• Exit Procedures: Managing confidential information when employees leave

IP Commercialization & Licensing

Maximizing the commercial value of intellectual property requires strategic licensing and commercialization strategies:

• Licensing Agreements: Negotiating terms for IP monetization
• Technology Transfer: University and research institution partnerships
• Joint Ventures: Collaborative IP development and sharing
• IP Due Diligence: M&A and investment IP assessments
• Valuation Services: IP asset valuation for business purposes
• Royalty Audits: Ensuring proper licensing compliance

Industry-Specific IP Services

Technology & Software

• Software patents and copyright protection
• Open source compliance and licensing
• SaaS and cloud computing IP issues
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning IP

Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals

• Biotech patent prosecution and strategy
• Regulatory data protection
• Clinical trial and research agreements
• Pharmaceutical licensing and partnerships

Creative Industries

• Entertainment and media IP protection
• Publishing and literary rights
• Design and fashion IP protection
• Gaming and interactive media IP

IP Dispute Resolution & Litigation

When IP disputes arise, experienced litigation support is essential. Our IP lawyers provide strategic dispute resolution:

• Infringement Litigation: Patent, trademark, and copyright infringement cases
• Validity Challenges: Patent and trademark validity disputes
• Injunctive Relief: Emergency measures to stop infringement
• Damages Assessment: Calculating and proving IP infringement damages
• Settlement Negotiations: Strategic resolution of IP disputes
• Cross-Border Enforcement: International IP dispute coordination

IP Law Costs & Investment

Understanding IP legal costs helps you budget for comprehensive protection:

• Patent Applications: NZ$5,000-15,000 per application depending on complexity
• Trademark Registration: NZ$2,000-4,000 including search and filing
• Copyright Registration: NZ$500-2,000 for formal registration
• IP Portfolio Reviews: NZ$3,000-10,000 for comprehensive audits
• Licensing Agreements: NZ$5,000-20,000 depending on complexity
• IP Litigation: NZ$50,000-500,000+ depending on case complexity

Why Choose Our IP Lawyers?

• Technical Expertise: Lawyers with advanced technical and scientific backgrounds
• Commercial Focus: Strategic advice aligned with business objectives
• Global Experience: International IP protection and enforcement
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of sector-specific IP issues
• Technology Integration: Modern IP portfolio management systems
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Efficient processes and transparent pricing
• Litigation Strength: Proven track record in IP disputes