Registered trademarks play an important part in protection of intellectual property, and they can be very valuable. They give protection to the marks which traders use, and help distinguish their goods and services from those of other traders.
Trademarks are a vital part of both international and NZ business marketing.
In 1991 the Ministry of Commerce produced a paper which proposed a number of changes to NZ's TradeMarks Act 1953. After the release of the paper concerns were voiced that Maori cultural and intellectual property was inadequately protected under the current Act, and that the proposed reforms would not rectify the situation. Following four hui on the subject in 1994, a focus group, the Maori Trade Marks Focus Group, was established to consider these issues. The Ministry and the Focus Group advise that the intention of the proposals is to stimulate further discussion.