Questions for lawyers Found 20

I have traded under my business name for years, but never registered it as a trade mark. A new competitor started using a very similar name in my area and customers are getting confused. Can I stop them?

I am a photographer and I discovered that a business has been using several of my photos on its website without permission or credit. They say they found them online and thought they were free to use. What are my rights?

I found an online shop selling fake copies of my products using my registered brand name and logo. Customers are complaining about the poor quality and blaming me. What legal tools do I have to stop this?

I made a short video for my business and used a few seconds of a popular song as background music. I was told the video could be taken down or that I could be sued. How does copyright work with music in New Zealand?

I got a notice from an online platform saying a rights holder has complained that my video infringes their copyright, and my content may be removed. I believe my video is legitimate. How should I respond?

A competitor has a registered trade mark that blocks us from using a name we want, but we believe they have never actually used it in New Zealand. Is there a way to remove it from the register? I have tried asking around but nobody seems to give me a clear answer.

I want to register a business name that sounds similar to an existing well-known brand but sells in a slightly different market. My lawyer warned it could be refused or challenged. How does the Intellectual Property Office decide?

I developed a piece of software and some marketing materials while working for a company, partly on my own time at home. Since leaving, I want to reuse some of it, but my former employer says it belongs to them. Who is right?

I am about to launch a small brand with a distinctive name and logo, and I want to make sure no one else can use it. A friend said I should register a trade mark, but I do not know how it works or whether registration is compulsory.

I want to reproduce an old photograph and a book from the early twentieth century in my publication. I am not sure if they are still protected or whether I can use them freely. How do I work out if copyright has expired?