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When it comes to protecting your Intellectual Property (IP), your business should be investing in all the right methods. This could include copyright disclaimers, robust confidentiality clauses, non-disclosure agreements and non-compete clauses. It’s also wise to regularly review your trademark strategies to ensure your IP stays well-protected in today’s dynamic digital landscape.
One of the best ways to safeguard your IP is by registering a trade mark. This not only secures your brand locally but also paves the way for international expansion – so what if you want to register a trade mark in New Zealand or other markets?
Before we dive into the details of international trade marks, let’s quickly revisit the basics.
What Is A Trade Mark?
A trade mark is a form of IP that identifies your business and distinguishes it from competitors. It can be a logo, a business name, a slogan or even a distinctive sound. In 2025, with the rise of digital media and global e-commerce, having a registered trade mark is more crucial than ever to protect your brand’s integrity both online and offline.
For example, even the term ‘Black Friday’ is a registered trade mark, highlighting how powerful and recognisable branding can be.
It’s essentially your way of declaring, “This is my business, and this IP belongs to me,” ensuring that no one else can use it without your permission.
Trade marks are an excellent tool to protect your business’s brand – you can register your trade mark through IP Australia. For comprehensive guidance on managing your intellectual property, do check out our Intellectual Property Guide.
How Do Trade Marks Work Internationally?
Registering a trade mark in Australia is relatively straightforward, but if you’re looking to expand your business overseas, the process requires additional steps. In 2025, many businesses are taking advantage of international registration to protect their brand in multiple markets.
If you already have a registered trade mark in Australia and wish to extend its protection internationally, you will need to apply through the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). This streamlined process helps ensure consistency and ease of protection across borders.
Keep in mind that the trade mark you intend to register internationally must match the one registered in Australia. Meeting all necessary requirements is a critical part of ensuring your application is accepted in your target jurisdiction.
I Want To Register A Trade Mark In New Zealand
If you don’t yet have a registered trade mark in Australia and wish to register an entirely new one directly in New Zealand, Sprintlaw offers an International Trade Mark Package designed to simplify the process and secure your exclusive rights in your chosen market.
As part of this package, our experienced lawyers will handle your application directly in New Zealand, so you can confidently expand your business without the worry of infringement.
We provide an initial consultation with a Sprintlaw lawyer to gather all the necessary information before proceeding, and we continuously monitor the progress of your application to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Next Steps
If you’re looking to register a trade mark in New Zealand, Sprintlaw’s dedicated team of lawyers is here to guide you. The process may vary depending on whether you already have a trade mark registered in Australia, so it’s always prudent to discuss your specific needs with one of our experts.
If you would like a consultation on your trademark options or want to explore our suite of IP protection services – which also include advice on website terms and conditions and non-disclosure agreements – please reach out to us at 1800 730 617 or team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no-obligations chat.
In today’s competitive landscape and the ever-evolving digital market, protecting your brand through robust IP measures is more critical than ever. In 2025, businesses are adopting comprehensive strategies that include regular reviews of their intellectual property portfolios and the utilisation of updated legal documents such as privacy policies and information protection strategies. For an in-depth look at how to safeguard your business, visit our All Services page, where you can also find expert advice on broader corporate legal matters.
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