Intellectual property and information technology

The colour yellow – brand or not?
A recent decision confirms that a high level of factual distinctiveness will be required before a single colour can be registered as a trade mark in New Zealand.

The importance of pleadings in copyright infringement cases
A recent New Zealand Supreme Court decision provides a very useful reminder of the importance of correct pleadings in copyright infringement proceedings. This necessarily involves clear and accurate identification of the copyright work.

An overhaul of the 1994 Copyright Act is underway
The Copyright (New Technologies and Performers' Rights) Amendment Bill passed its first reading in Parliament in December 2006 and is currently before the Commerce Select Committee. Submissions on the Bill are due by 9 March 2007. In this commentary Bell Gully partner Wayne Hudson outlines the key changes proposed by the Bill.

Enquiries and information

For more information on any of the cases, articles and features in Commercial Quarterly, please email Diane Graham or call her on 64 9 916 8849.