IP/N/1/NZL/G/2

New Zealand

Fair Trading Act 1986

The Fair Trading Act prohibits certain conduct in trade, provides for the disclosure of consumer information relating to the supply of goods and services and promotes product safety in New Zealand. Part I of the Act deals with misleading and deceptive conduct, false representations and unfair practices.

New Zealand's 1994 legislation went beyond the requirements of the TRIPS Agreement in two areas: - Copyright - The Copyright Act 1994 encompasses more than the changes required for NewZealand to meet its obligations under the TRIPS Agreement. The new Act reforms much of the New Zealand law to enable copyright to keep pace with technological changes and ensures compliance with the 1971 Revision of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works; - Geographical Indications - The Act establishes a regime for protecting New Zealand and international geographical indications from misleading or deceptive use. The Act goes considerably beyond obligations arising under the TRIPS Agreement.