Questions for lawyers Found 20

I write reviews on a blog and I sometimes quote extracts from books and include screenshots of films and shows. I am worried about crossing a line. When can I use someone else’s work without permission?

I have designed a new device that I believe is genuinely novel. I have shown a few friends and posted a video online. I want to protect it, but I do not understand what patenting involves or whether it is too late.

I want to run an advertising campaign that directly compares my product with a well-known competitor’s branded product, naming their trade mark to highlight the differences. Is this allowed under New Zealand law, or could I be sued for using their brand name?

I have developed a unique recipe for a sauce and a business concept that I want to pitch to investors. I am worried that they may steal my idea. What legal protection is there for ideas and recipes? I want to make sure I am not missing anything important before I decide what to do.

I sold a painting and later saw the buyer had cut it in half and sold the pieces separately, with my name attached. I am upset as I feel it damages my reputation. Do I have any rights after selling the artwork?

I plan to sell branded goods from suppliers on my website, using the brand names and images from the manufacturers. Some say I need permission, others say it is fine because the goods are genuine. What is the legal position?

I discovered that a stranger owns the dot nz domain that matches my business name, and they are asking for a large payment to sell it to me. I want the domain but do not want to pay a ransom. Is there a legal process?

I created images with an AI tool for my product packaging and marketing. A competitor says I may be infringing copyright, and I am wondering whether I actually own the images I generated. What is the legal position?

A former staff member left to start a rival business and I suspect she has taken our customer lists and pricing information. I do not have much evidence yet. What can I do to protect our confidential information?

A freelance designer created my logo and I paid the invoice in full, but we never signed a contract. Now I want to trade mark it and I have been told I may not actually own it. Is that true? I would like to know what steps I should take next to protect myself.