Insights

A new Companies Office levy is one step closer

A bill introducing new Companies Office levies has passed its first reading.

A new Companies Office levy is one step closer

A bill introducing new Companies Office levies has passed its first reading.

Has Paramount Pictures gone maverick?

Did Hollywood heavyweight Paramount Pictures make the wildly successful Top Gun sequel after it had lost copyright? The plaintiffs in new proceedings filed in a Californian court say so.

Has Paramount Pictures gone maverick?

Did Hollywood heavyweight Paramount Pictures make the wildly successful Top Gun sequel after it had lost copyright? The plaintiffs in new proceedings filed in a Californian court say so.

From Russia with love: The ‘other’ Russian conflict targeting intellectual property owners

Russia’s tactical measures associated with the conflict which could have serious and long-lasting consequences for both the country of Russia and intellectual property owners across the world.

From Russia with love: The ‘other’ Russian conflict targeting intellectual property owners

Russia’s tactical measures associated with the conflict which could have serious and long-lasting consequences for both the country of Russia and intellectual property owners across the world.

I'm back, baby

Parenting in the digital age is a minefield and certainly pulls you in all directions. Lisa Paz explores the debate having recently returned from maternity leave.

I'm back, baby

Parenting in the digital age is a minefield and certainly pulls you in all directions. Lisa Paz explores the debate having recently returned from maternity leave.

Retail Payment System Act 2022 now in force

The Act is primarily intended to (a) regulate merchant service fees (the fees banks charge businesses when customers use a credit or debit card to pay) to bring them in line with fees charged in regulated markets overseas, and (b) promote competition in the retail payment system, by making it easier for new participants to enter and create innovative new payment networks and services.

Retail Payment System Act 2022 now in force

The Act is primarily intended to (a) regulate merchant service fees (the fees banks charge businesses when customers use a credit or debit card to pay) to bring them in line with fees charged in regulated markets overseas, and (b) promote competition in the retail payment system, by making it easier for new participants to enter and create innovative new payment networks and services.

Paying the price for getting privacy wrong

Netsafe has learnt the hard way the cost of getting privacy responses wrong and, ironically given its role, the ramifications when the Harmful Digital Communications Act is ‘weaponised’.

Paying the price for getting privacy wrong

Netsafe has learnt the hard way the cost of getting privacy responses wrong and, ironically given its role, the ramifications when the Harmful Digital Communications Act is ‘weaponised’.

Can AI be an inventor?

Australian Federal Court has aligned Australian patent law with UK, EU, and US patent law that only a human can qualify as an inventor.

Can AI be an inventor?

Australian Federal Court has aligned Australian patent law with UK, EU, and US patent law that only a human can qualify as an inventor.

Finfluencer Crackdown

Over the last month, regulatory bodies in Australia and New Zealand have taken aim at misleading (or sometimes downright dodgy) financial advertising.

Finfluencer Crackdown

Over the last month, regulatory bodies in Australia and New Zealand have taken aim at misleading (or sometimes downright dodgy) financial advertising.

TIN Fintech Insights Report Launch

The inaugural Technology Investment Network Fintech Insights Report has just been released - HGM is proud to sponsor and to see a number our clients represented.

TIN Fintech Insights Report Launch

The inaugural Technology Investment Network Fintech Insights Report has just been released - HGM is proud to sponsor and to see a number our clients represented.

Britain seeks to regulate 'Big Tech'

The British Government has released plans for a comprehensive overhaul of how tech companies monitor user content – which could have global consequences. Here’s what users can expect.

Britain seeks to regulate 'Big Tech'

The British Government has released plans for a comprehensive overhaul of how tech companies monitor user content – which could have global consequences. Here’s what users can expect.

Disclosure of personal information - how to, not don't do

Our privacy framework is often used as a reason to withhold the disclosure of personal information. While withholding disclosure may be appropriate in certain circumstances, it should be kept in mind that the same privacy framework actually permits the disclosure of personal information, where warranted.

Disclosure of personal information - how to, not don't do

Our privacy framework is often used as a reason to withhold the disclosure of personal information. While withholding disclosure may be appropriate in certain circumstances, it should be kept in mind that the same privacy framework actually permits the disclosure of personal information, where warranted.

The Spice May Flow, But The Copyright Doesn’t

The copyright may be worth millions, but the book itself? Not so much…

The Spice May Flow, But The Copyright Doesn’t

The copyright may be worth millions, but the book itself? Not so much…

Sound Recording Ownership (Taylor's Version)

While many of us have found new (lockdown inspired) hobbies in the past two years, Taylor Swift has released no less than four studio albums but not your typical new release.

Sound Recording Ownership (Taylor's Version)

While many of us have found new (lockdown inspired) hobbies in the past two years, Taylor Swift has released no less than four studio albums but not your typical new release.

The Lowdown (and Lockdown) on Summer Clerkships

Kicking off your career is daunting enough, starting out during lockdown couldn't have been easy, but for summer clerks, Shania and Francesca they took it in their stride.

The Lowdown (and Lockdown) on Summer Clerkships

Kicking off your career is daunting enough, starting out during lockdown couldn't have been easy, but for summer clerks, Shania and Francesca they took it in their stride.

Building Blocks of Trust

An ethical and culturally appropriate approach to data. To ensure New Zealand businesses can build and sustain meaningful customer relationships they need to have a point of difference – they need to make trust a business imperative.

Building Blocks of Trust

An ethical and culturally appropriate approach to data. To ensure New Zealand businesses can build and sustain meaningful customer relationships they need to have a point of difference – they need to make trust a business imperative.

Firm News | Legal Rankings

A huge thanks to our clients who were invaluable to celebrating top tier rankings for globally renowned legal directories, Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.

Firm News | Legal Rankings

A huge thanks to our clients who were invaluable to celebrating top tier rankings for globally renowned legal directories, Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.

Buy Now, Regulate Soon

Submissions closed yesterday on MBIE's discussion paper Buy-Now, Pay-Later and increased intervention in the sector in NZ seems inevitably on the horizon.

Buy Now, Regulate Soon

Submissions closed yesterday on MBIE's discussion paper Buy-Now, Pay-Later and increased intervention in the sector in NZ seems inevitably on the horizon.

Ten simple things

Here are ten simple, random things to think about when setting up a new business.

Ten simple things

Here are ten simple, random things to think about when setting up a new business.

Funding the Future

SPAC IPOs are being used in record breaking numbers to fund a new wave of disruptive technologies. Find out what a SPAC IPO is and how's changing the future of Urban Mobility.

Funding the Future

SPAC IPOs are being used in record breaking numbers to fund a new wave of disruptive technologies. Find out what a SPAC IPO is and how's changing the future of Urban Mobility.

Cyber Security for Start-ups

When it comes to cyber attacks, there is no such thing as a target being too small. In fact, there are a number of reasons why start-ups may be more likely to be targeted.

Cyber Security for Start-ups

When it comes to cyber attacks, there is no such thing as a target being too small. In fact, there are a number of reasons why start-ups may be more likely to be targeted.

The Screen Industry Workers Bill

The Screen Industry Workers Bill (SIWB) will replace the Employment Relations (Film Production Work) Amendment Act 2010 (better known as the Hobbit Law).

The Screen Industry Workers Bill

The Screen Industry Workers Bill (SIWB) will replace the Employment Relations (Film Production Work) Amendment Act 2010 (better known as the Hobbit Law).

UK/New Zealand Trade Deal Takes Flight

The UK and New Zealand have reached an in-principle agreement on the framework of a trade deal. Here’s what content creators and digital makers can expect.

UK/New Zealand Trade Deal Takes Flight

The UK and New Zealand have reached an in-principle agreement on the framework of a trade deal. Here’s what content creators and digital makers can expect.

Social media is only part of the problem

Facebook has hit the headlines again for the wrong reasons. Whistle Blowers are suggesting that it has made decisions that put profit before the safety and wellbeing of its users.

Social media is only part of the problem

Facebook has hit the headlines again for the wrong reasons. Whistle Blowers are suggesting that it has made decisions that put profit before the safety and wellbeing of its users.

Common sense consumerism

The Court’s recent dismissal of the Commerce Commission’s case against Bunnings provides guidance on the use of taglines under the Fair Trading Act.

Common sense consumerism

The Court’s recent dismissal of the Commerce Commission’s case against Bunnings provides guidance on the use of taglines under the Fair Trading Act.

AI: Artificial Inventor?

The Federal Court of Australia says a machine can be an “inventor”, but the Patents Office disagrees…

AI: Artificial Inventor?

The Federal Court of Australia says a machine can be an “inventor”, but the Patents Office disagrees…

Firm News - IoD Emerging Director Award

We are delighted to announce that partner Anchali Anandanayagam has won the Institute of Directors (IoD) Auckland Branch’s Emerging Director Award.

Firm News - IoD Emerging Director Award

We are delighted to announce that partner Anchali Anandanayagam has won the Institute of Directors (IoD) Auckland Branch’s Emerging Director Award.

Regulation Alert: New Rules for Retail Payments System

A new regulatory regime for the retail payments system is brewing. Here’s a quick rundown on what to expect.

Regulation Alert: New Rules for Retail Payments System

A new regulatory regime for the retail payments system is brewing. Here’s a quick rundown on what to expect.

Adapting Business at Pace - A Yarn Live

Adapting business at pace and during a pandemic is nothing short of inspiring. Hosted by Ryan Ashton, tune into 'Yarn Live' to hear from the team as they share their insights.

Adapting Business at Pace - A Yarn Live

Adapting business at pace and during a pandemic is nothing short of inspiring. Hosted by Ryan Ashton, tune into 'Yarn Live' to hear from the team as they share their insights.

More Fair, More Responsibility

Important changes to the Fair Trading Act 1986 were passed into law last week.

More Fair, More Responsibility

Important changes to the Fair Trading Act 1986 were passed into law last week.

Beware the re-share

Sarah Cachopa outlines a recent case in relation to the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015, reports of which are on the rise, sending a cautionary message to all social media users.

Beware the re-share

Sarah Cachopa outlines a recent case in relation to the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015, reports of which are on the rise, sending a cautionary message to all social media users.

Bathurst: Supreme Court gold nuggets among the coal

Contractual interpretation and the Supreme Court’s important decision in Bathurst could impact all New Zealand contracts, particularly if things don’t go as planned.

Bathurst: Supreme Court gold nuggets among the coal

Contractual interpretation and the Supreme Court’s important decision in Bathurst could impact all New Zealand contracts, particularly if things don’t go as planned.

Life Story Rights - Do I Need Them?

It’s a question that we often get asked by content creators. The answer seems to surprise people.

Life Story Rights - Do I Need Them?

It’s a question that we often get asked by content creators. The answer seems to surprise people.

An “indefeasible right of use” in capacity – a pauper dressed up as a princess?

Telecommunication network operators and ISPs who do not own their own cable network but wish to provide services to their customers using fibre optic cables have several options to procure the rights they need.

An “indefeasible right of use” in capacity – a pauper dressed up as a princess?

Telecommunication network operators and ISPs who do not own their own cable network but wish to provide services to their customers using fibre optic cables have several options to procure the rights they need.

Top Trends in Tech Transformations

There's a tech transaction boom, as organisations shift to modern platforms and address their "tech debt". Here are the big trends we're seeing.

Top Trends in Tech Transformations

There's a tech transaction boom, as organisations shift to modern platforms and address their "tech debt". Here are the big trends we're seeing.

Do you know who I am?

The age of automated facial recognition technology (FRT) is already among us, what does mean for you?

Do you know who I am?

The age of automated facial recognition technology (FRT) is already among us, what does mean for you?

Reasons Why to Classify

From 1 August 2021 all commercial video on-demand (CVOD) and streaming platforms will be required to display New Zealand age ratings and content warnings on all films, shows and other content.

Reasons Why to Classify

From 1 August 2021 all commercial video on-demand (CVOD) and streaming platforms will be required to display New Zealand age ratings and content warnings on all films, shows and other content.

Pride and Consumer Prejudice

Green washing, pink washing and now rainbow washing: why a temporarily-rainbow-coloured logo doesn’t cut it now – and probably never did.

Pride and Consumer Prejudice

Green washing, pink washing and now rainbow washing: why a temporarily-rainbow-coloured logo doesn’t cut it now – and probably never did.

What do a global pandemic and intellectual property have in common?

From adversity comes challenge and opportunity, which in turn creates the perfect environment for innovation, and from innovation comes Intellectual Property.

What do a global pandemic and intellectual property have in common?

From adversity comes challenge and opportunity, which in turn creates the perfect environment for innovation, and from innovation comes Intellectual Property.

A blurring of the lines – infringement of music copyright

We recently took a road-trip presenting on IP rights to talented members of the film and TV industry, this included copyright and, within that, the use of “soundalikes”.

A blurring of the lines – infringement of music copyright

We recently took a road-trip presenting on IP rights to talented members of the film and TV industry, this included copyright and, within that, the use of “soundalikes”.

Worried about cyber-attacks? What your business needs to know

Recent high-profile cyber-attacks have made many businesses aware of the significant and detrimental impact that a successful cyber-attack can have on its ability to operate.

Worried about cyber-attacks? What your business needs to know

Recent high-profile cyber-attacks have made many businesses aware of the significant and detrimental impact that a successful cyber-attack can have on its ability to operate.

Wisdom from Wellington

The recent ILANZ conference was a great opportunity to catch up with clients, make some new friends and hopefully take away some nuggets of wisdom.

Wisdom from Wellington

The recent ILANZ conference was a great opportunity to catch up with clients, make some new friends and hopefully take away some nuggets of wisdom.

Legislation leads to greater transparency

Reports of privacy breaches have doubled following the introduction of the Privacy Act 2020.

Legislation leads to greater transparency

Reports of privacy breaches have doubled following the introduction of the Privacy Act 2020.

From Inception to Exit - Podcast

Check out the latest Biz Bytes podcast featuring Edwin Lim & Sarah-Jane Lawson on what founders should think about during the life-cycle of a tech business.

From Inception to Exit - Podcast

Check out the latest Biz Bytes podcast featuring Edwin Lim & Sarah-Jane Lawson on what founders should think about during the life-cycle of a tech business.

Out with the copper in with the glass – The Copper Withdrawal Code

Soon, a copper connection will be a distant memory, as we come to rely on a fibre optic network

Out with the copper in with the glass – The Copper Withdrawal Code

Soon, a copper connection will be a distant memory, as we come to rely on a fibre optic network

Firm news | Partnership announcement

Celebrations are in order...

Firm news | Partnership announcement

Celebrations are in order...

Commerce Amendment Bill impacts your IP rights

Where IP looks to reward creativity and innovation by granting limited statutory monopolies, competition law ensures effective competition within markets by prohibiting monopolistic behaviour.

Commerce Amendment Bill impacts your IP rights

Where IP looks to reward creativity and innovation by granting limited statutory monopolies, competition law ensures effective competition within markets by prohibiting monopolistic behaviour.

The Rise of the Creative Machines

Can copyright subsist in AI generated works?

The Rise of the Creative Machines

Can copyright subsist in AI generated works?

Summing up summer clerking

This summer, Alex and Ishan traded out watching Suits in their living rooms for the real deal at HGM. Here's what they had to say.

Summing up summer clerking

This summer, Alex and Ishan traded out watching Suits in their living rooms for the real deal at HGM. Here's what they had to say.

Who owns the news?

Compensating for news in Australia has recently been legislated, what direction will New Zealand go?

Who owns the news?

Compensating for news in Australia has recently been legislated, what direction will New Zealand go?

A game well played

Legend Story Studios and its trading card game, 'Flesh and Blood', has hit the big time on the international stage but you may not have heard their story.

A game well played

Legend Story Studios and its trading card game, 'Flesh and Blood', has hit the big time on the international stage but you may not have heard their story.

CCTV and privacy

What is the trade off between keeping us safe and secure using monitoring such as CCTV, versus a step too far for our private lives?

CCTV and privacy

What is the trade off between keeping us safe and secure using monitoring such as CCTV, versus a step too far for our private lives?

Overseas data transfers: new guidance

New guidance on data transfers published ahead of Privacy Act 2020

Overseas data transfers: new guidance

New guidance on data transfers published ahead of Privacy Act 2020

How digital trade tools can support New Zealand's recovery

If you use digital trade tools for the collection of sensitive data and personal information and deal with cross-border transfers and storage of data, please read on.

How digital trade tools can support New Zealand's recovery

If you use digital trade tools for the collection of sensitive data and personal information and deal with cross-border transfers and storage of data, please read on.

Raise your glass

Konvoy New Zealand, a provider of rental kegs for the beverage industry, has successfully completed the purchase of Red Kegs, another rental keg operator.

Raise your glass

Konvoy New Zealand, a provider of rental kegs for the beverage industry, has successfully completed the purchase of Red Kegs, another rental keg operator.

SOS Business, a lockdown success story

Drawing on the entrepreneurial mindset, gutsy determination and just wanting to do the right thing, SOS Business was born from a passion and drive to give back.

SOS Business, a lockdown success story

Drawing on the entrepreneurial mindset, gutsy determination and just wanting to do the right thing, SOS Business was born from a passion and drive to give back.

Temporary changes to the Companies Act | OIO & other provisions

NZ Government introduced a temporary requirement for overseas investors making certain investments in New Zealand to notify the Overseas Investment Office (OIO), regardless of the value of their investment

Temporary changes to the Companies Act | OIO & other provisions

NZ Government introduced a temporary requirement for overseas investors making certain investments in New Zealand to notify the Overseas Investment Office (OIO), regardless of the value of their investment

Ever wondered what your lawyer is really trying to say?

Isn't it fair to think that the customer should be able to understand the advice that the lawyer provides?

Ever wondered what your lawyer is really trying to say?

Isn't it fair to think that the customer should be able to understand the advice that the lawyer provides?

Temporary changes to the Companies Act | Safe harbour & Business Debt Hibernation

The NZ Government has recently implemented measures relating to NZ businesses in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This update covers off Safe Harbour and the Business Debt Hibernation Scheme.

Temporary changes to the Companies Act | Safe harbour & Business Debt Hibernation

The NZ Government has recently implemented measures relating to NZ businesses in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This update covers off Safe Harbour and the Business Debt Hibernation Scheme.

What's next | Service agreements

In this new business environment, what assumptions need to be considered for service agreements given these relationships underpin a large chunk of the economy?

What's next | Service agreements

In this new business environment, what assumptions need to be considered for service agreements given these relationships underpin a large chunk of the economy?

To have and to hold

Planning or providing goods and services for a wedding this coming season? Here are some things to consider.

To have and to hold

Planning or providing goods and services for a wedding this coming season? Here are some things to consider.

AI - participating in the global conversation

NZ Government partners with World Economic Forum to develop frameworks for regulating AI.

AI - participating in the global conversation

NZ Government partners with World Economic Forum to develop frameworks for regulating AI.

What's next | Shareholder agreements

Can the business change what it first set out to do and what impact does this have? What happens if the circumstances change for shareholders?

What's next | Shareholder agreements

Can the business change what it first set out to do and what impact does this have? What happens if the circumstances change for shareholders?

What's next | Escrow arrangements

This article discusses the standard assumptions made by both the Licensor and the Licensee under an escrow arrangement and considers how they might change.

What's next | Escrow arrangements

This article discusses the standard assumptions made by both the Licensor and the Licensee under an escrow arrangement and considers how they might change.

Blind Low Vision NZ secures funding

Voice command technology is empowering connection and accessibility for the Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) and its members.

Blind Low Vision NZ secures funding

Voice command technology is empowering connection and accessibility for the Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) and its members.

Eight highlights for eight weeks

Sharing stories and positive news was crucial to getting through lockdown, just in case you missed it, here are eight highlights for eight weeks...

Eight highlights for eight weeks

Sharing stories and positive news was crucial to getting through lockdown, just in case you missed it, here are eight highlights for eight weeks...

What's next | IP licence agreements

What standard assumptions made by both Licensor and Licensee under an existing IP Licence arrangement need to change in the new environment?

What's next | IP licence agreements

What standard assumptions made by both Licensor and Licensee under an existing IP Licence arrangement need to change in the new environment?

Creativity flows through highs and lows

VFX, animation and experiential art studio, Creature Post discovered how lockdown was a time of immense creativity,

Creativity flows through highs and lows

VFX, animation and experiential art studio, Creature Post discovered how lockdown was a time of immense creativity,

Lockdown legends

Bringing PLT in as part of the PEAR Sports® group is viewed by both parties as a significant strategic alliance and a major development for the next generation science-based digital market.

Lockdown legends

Bringing PLT in as part of the PEAR Sports® group is viewed by both parties as a significant strategic alliance and a major development for the next generation science-based digital market.

What's next | Agency arrangements

Agency arrangements can arise in a number of ways, but they all involve a level of trust and confidence.

What's next | Agency arrangements

Agency arrangements can arise in a number of ways, but they all involve a level of trust and confidence.

What's next | Confidentiality, Privacy & Data Processing

When parties come together for a common purpose such as a collaboration, or a supply of goods or services, confidential information is likely to be exchanged in order to fulfill that purpose. Parties can establish various arrangements to address how that information will be stored and used.

What's next | Confidentiality, Privacy & Data Processing

When parties come together for a common purpose such as a collaboration, or a supply of goods or services, confidential information is likely to be exchanged in order to fulfill that purpose. Parties can establish various arrangements to address how that information will be stored and used.

What's next | Supply & distribution agreements

In a time when the supply chain is less certain for everyone assumptions about ease of supply need to be tested. Testing these assumptions will also test the personal relationships between parties that will become more important than is perhaps usually the case.

What's next | Supply & distribution agreements

In a time when the supply chain is less certain for everyone assumptions about ease of supply need to be tested. Testing these assumptions will also test the personal relationships between parties that will become more important than is perhaps usually the case.

Mental health in the virtual workspace

It’s often said that the most important communication is hearing what isn’t spoken. In business, with employees and clients alike, unspoken communication is what strengthens relationships.

Mental health in the virtual workspace

It’s often said that the most important communication is hearing what isn’t spoken. In business, with employees and clients alike, unspoken communication is what strengthens relationships.

What's next | Sponsorship relationships

While the nuts and bolts of any sponsorship arrangement should sit within the terms of the relevant sponsorship agreement, there will be a set of assumptions that each party has made about the overarching deal.

What's next | Sponsorship relationships

While the nuts and bolts of any sponsorship arrangement should sit within the terms of the relevant sponsorship agreement, there will be a set of assumptions that each party has made about the overarching deal.

Food for thought

Combining their love for good wholesome food and their talents as a professional chef and a food scientist, makes for a perfect recipe.

Food for thought

Combining their love for good wholesome food and their talents as a professional chef and a food scientist, makes for a perfect recipe.

What's next?

As we move forward we can’t predict the future but we should be aware of the basis on which our relationships have been built, what is important to us, what is important to the other parties in our relationship and how those things might have changed as a result of this global disaster.

What's next?

As we move forward we can’t predict the future but we should be aware of the basis on which our relationships have been built, what is important to us, what is important to the other parties in our relationship and how those things might have changed as a result of this global disaster.

Kiwis Helping Kiwis – Big Brands Doing Their Bit

Fancy frocks and boutique gin? How about face masks and hand sanitiser!

Kiwis Helping Kiwis – Big Brands Doing Their Bit

Fancy frocks and boutique gin? How about face masks and hand sanitiser!

Firm news | Team promotions

Celebrations are in order as we announce some good news...

Firm news | Team promotions

Celebrations are in order as we announce some good news...

New legislation to boost organics

In a development aimed at addressing the various concerns around organic product claims, the Organic Products Bill was introduced to Parliament in early March.

New legislation to boost organics

In a development aimed at addressing the various concerns around organic product claims, the Organic Products Bill was introduced to Parliament in early March.

Combatting COVID-19 with data – Orwellian or essential?

While populations around the globe have adjusted to life in lockdown of various degrees, governments are looking to use the one thing most of us don’t leave the house without – our smartphones – in the combat against COVID-19.

Combatting COVID-19 with data – Orwellian or essential?

While populations around the globe have adjusted to life in lockdown of various degrees, governments are looking to use the one thing most of us don’t leave the house without – our smartphones – in the combat against COVID-19.

Working From Home – not just an employment issue

If you're currently working through implementing urgent measures to continue providing services from home, here are a few tips to consider.

Working From Home – not just an employment issue

If you're currently working through implementing urgent measures to continue providing services from home, here are a few tips to consider.

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | Unfair Contract Terms in B2B Contracts

In December 2019, the Fair Trading Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament with two main goals...

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | Unfair Contract Terms in B2B Contracts

In December 2019, the Fair Trading Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament with two main goals...

COVID-19 | Important update | Working remotely

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday 23 March, we, along with many other New Zealand businesses, need to do our bit to limit the spread of COVID-19. This means that our offices are closed and we will be working remotely.

COVID-19 | Important update | Working remotely

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday 23 March, we, along with many other New Zealand businesses, need to do our bit to limit the spread of COVID-19. This means that our offices are closed and we will be working remotely.

Copyright law in New Zealand is currently under the microscope, with a thorough review of the Copyright Act 1994 being undertaken by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Copyright law in New Zealand is currently under the microscope, with a thorough review of the Copyright Act 1994 being undertaken by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | Classifying content on ‘Video On-Demand’ services

To reduce the potential for harm to consumers from viewing inappropriate content, the Government will require providers of commercial video on-demand (CVoD) content available in New Zealand to display appropriate and consistent labelling.

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | Classifying content on ‘Video On-Demand’ services

To reduce the potential for harm to consumers from viewing inappropriate content, the Government will require providers of commercial video on-demand (CVoD) content available in New Zealand to display appropriate and consistent labelling.

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | Preventing Violent Extremist Content Online

Following the Christchurch Mosque attacks, concerns were raised about the piecemeal approach to taking down live-streamed video of the attacks….

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | Preventing Violent Extremist Content Online

Following the Christchurch Mosque attacks, concerns were raised about the piecemeal approach to taking down live-streamed video of the attacks….

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | New Zealand’s ‘Consumer Data Right’?

Open banking” is a generic term for initiatives to make bank customer data available to third party service providers, with the goal of encouraging competition and the fintech industry generally.

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | New Zealand’s ‘Consumer Data Right’?

Open banking” is a generic term for initiatives to make bank customer data available to third party service providers, with the goal of encouraging competition and the fintech industry generally.

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | “Modernising” the Privacy Act

As the presence and influence of new technology models (and businesses that provide them) grows, so too does the scope and complexity of technology and data regulation around the world.

Regulating Tech in 2020 Series | “Modernising” the Privacy Act

As the presence and influence of new technology models (and businesses that provide them) grows, so too does the scope and complexity of technology and data regulation around the world.

Latest update on the Viagogo case

After a lengthy legal battle, Viagogo has accepted that New Zealand courts have jurisdiction over it. This paves the way for the Commerce Commission to continue its proceedings for misleading claims.

Latest update on the Viagogo case

After a lengthy legal battle, Viagogo has accepted that New Zealand courts have jurisdiction over it. This paves the way for the Commerce Commission to continue its proceedings for misleading claims.

When it isn’t about you: Defining personal information

The High Court has given a decision that deals with the breadth of “personal information” and when information is truly “mixed information” about multiple people.

When it isn’t about you: Defining personal information

The High Court has given a decision that deals with the breadth of “personal information” and when information is truly “mixed information” about multiple people.

Using AI for management of health data – what do you need to know?

Do you use AI for the management of health data or do you deal in health data? read on ...

Using AI for management of health data – what do you need to know?

Do you use AI for the management of health data or do you deal in health data? read on ...

What MFAT had to say: It’s time for submissions on the proposed GI extension

On Tuesday 18th February we attended the MFAT presentation held in Auckland as part of the consultation process for its discussion paper entitled “EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement Negotiations: Protection of Geographical Indications in New Zealand.”

What MFAT had to say: It’s time for submissions on the proposed GI extension

On Tuesday 18th February we attended the MFAT presentation held in Auckland as part of the consultation process for its discussion paper entitled “EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement Negotiations: Protection of Geographical Indications in New Zealand.”

A day in the life of a Summer Clerk

With her summer clerk internship nearly over it's time prep to get back to uni, we caught up with Alicia to follow up on her time with us.

A day in the life of a Summer Clerk

With her summer clerk internship nearly over it's time prep to get back to uni, we caught up with Alicia to follow up on her time with us.

Content created by machines - the rights & responsibilities

Creative content is increasingly being created by machines that are learning themselves - what are the implications for the ownership and rights in the content?

Content created by machines - the rights & responsibilities

Creative content is increasingly being created by machines that are learning themselves - what are the implications for the ownership and rights in the content?

New year, new career!

A fresh new decade makes for a memorable start to our legal careers at HGM for Ainsleigh, Josie & me

New year, new career!

A fresh new decade makes for a memorable start to our legal careers at HGM for Ainsleigh, Josie & me

Are you a NZ food producer? Read on for changes that may affect you.

MFAT releases discussion paper on the EU’s proposals for the extension of the geographical indication (GI) protections it wants to see in NZ...

Are you a NZ food producer? Read on for changes that may affect you.

MFAT releases discussion paper on the EU’s proposals for the extension of the geographical indication (GI) protections it wants to see in NZ...

Firm news | Chambers Asia Pacific Rankings

Recognition endorses our passion for what we do, how we work and the great clients we get the opportunity to work with.

Firm news | Chambers Asia Pacific Rankings

Recognition endorses our passion for what we do, how we work and the great clients we get the opportunity to work with.

Takeovers Act - Code company definition

A new change to the Takeovers Code – freeing up SME’s from rule binding compliance

Takeovers Act - Code company definition

A new change to the Takeovers Code – freeing up SME’s from rule binding compliance

Hello Alicia...

We caught up with Alicia Green, our summer clerk, for a quick-fire question round after her first week.

Hello Alicia...

We caught up with Alicia Green, our summer clerk, for a quick-fire question round after her first week.

Every move you make, I’ll be watching you.

You may have seen the headlines over the last few weeks - Google has just paid US$2.1 billion to acquire Fitbit. Who would have thought that those kms you busted out this morning could be so lucrative!

Every move you make, I’ll be watching you.

You may have seen the headlines over the last few weeks - Google has just paid US$2.1 billion to acquire Fitbit. Who would have thought that those kms you busted out this morning could be so lucrative!

No chill for video on demand

Video on-demand services currently fall outside of New Zealand’s classification and broadcasting laws, and aren't properly addressed.

No chill for video on demand

Video on-demand services currently fall outside of New Zealand’s classification and broadcasting laws, and aren't properly addressed.