Protecting your idea
Checking Intellectual Property (IP) is a fundamental part of developing your idea into a successful project. If you are using other people's ideas as part of your project, or developing your idea with contributions from others, you should check out the IP issues. Your idea may be original and have commercial value. In this case, you may need to protect your IP and it will be important to get professional advice early in your development process. All potential funders, sponsors and project partners will expect you to have done your IP homework, and to have addressed any issues before making funding approaches. Some government funding agencies require that IP is shared for projects they fund. This is usually stated in the application forms.
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual property law refers to the legal rights surrounding intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary and artistic fields. It can govern works, performances, inventions, discoveries, designs, trademarks and names, as well as protection against unfair competition. IP law aims to protect creators and producers of intellectual goods and services by granting time-limited rights to control their use. The rights apply to the intellectual creation, rather than any physical object in which the creation is embodied. IP is traditionally divided into two branches: industrial property and copyright.
Intellectual Property in New Zealand
IP in New Zealand is governed by the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ). The Office's online services include:
- IPONZ Database: search for patents, trade marks or designs
- IPONZ Renewals: renew your patent, trade mark or design online
- Lodge Application: apply online to register your trade mark
- Online Journal: search IP journals
- Information Library: forms, fees, pamphlets and training guides.