Information
Fair Trading in New Zealand
New Zealand has a comprehensive set of laws which govern how
businesses trade with each other and with consumers. These
include the Fair Trading Act 1986, the tort of passing off, the
Sale of Goods Act 1908 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
Of this legislation intellectual property rights are primarily
enforced under the Fair Trading Act (FTA). The FTA applies to
conduct "in trade" and endeavours to promote fair competition and
protect consumers by prohibiting businesses from making
misrepresentations to consumers about their goods and
services. The Act also obliges businesses to comply with
product safety, service safety and consumer information
standards.
For more information on fair trading in New Zealand see our full
list of Frequently Asked Questions below.