Facilitating kaitiakitanga over taonga works and mātauranga Māori is proposed for future work in kete 1 of the whole-of-government approach to issues raised in Wai 262. This includes asking whether there should be a new legal framework to protect taonga works and mātauranga Māori and, if so, what that should look like.
Intellectual property refers to new or original innovations and creations of the mind. This section also covers copyright, trade marks, patents and other forms of intellectual property protection.
We consulted on possible options to introduce a disclosure of origin requirement in the patents regime.
In New Zealand, the layout design of semi-conductors and integrated circuits is protected by the Layout Designs Act 1994.
Designs protection gives the design’s owner the exclusive right to make, import, sell or license an article to which their design has been industrially applied.
Jointly with Ngāti Toa Rangatira, we have developed guidelines for the Haka Ka Mate Attribution Act 2014.
The Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Act 2011 sets out a process for dealing with copyright infringements that occur via peer-to-peer file sharing networks.
New Zealand is party to various international copyright agreements that set out minimum standards of protection for copyright.
This page provides information about copyright protection in New Zealand including what works qualify, how to protect your copyright and exclusive rights given by copyright.
The Copyright Act 1994 gives performers limited rights to control the exploitation of their performances where they haven’t given consent.
Crown copyright © 2026
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/search
Please note: This content will change over time and can go out of date.