Commercial Law

Business needs change, and accordingly, when tenants under commercial leases are reviewing their leasing requirements they may decide that they no longer require the same area of premises. This may lead to a tenant transferring their rights under a commercial lease to another party by way of an assignment or sublease. In order to determine …

Commercial Leases – Key differences between an Assignment of Lease and a Sublease Read More »

If you are involved with sports clubs, religious groups, other community or social associations, or even certain iwi organisations – the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (the Act) may affect you and your organisation. At over 100 years old, the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 was no longer able to keep up with the needs of …

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 – changes you need to know about Read More »

Firstly, do you have a trade mark registration? If so, and if the other trader is using the same or a confusingly similar brand name in relation to the same or similar goods or services then it is likely you have the right to prevent the use and could make a request that the other …

Trade Marks – another trader is using a similar brand name, what can we do? Read More »

What is a trade mark? A trade mark is a badge of origin, it allows customers to distinguish the goods and/or services of one trader from those of another. The most commonly registered trade marks in New Zealand consist of words, slogans, or logos but registrations can also extend to other types of trade marks …

Trade Marks – what exactly are they and why do we need one? Read More »

A change to the Commerce Act makes cartel behaviour a criminal offence, with the risk of up to seven years’ imprisonment. What is a cartel and how can businesses avoid engaging in cartel behaviour, intentionally or accidentally (this includes small to medium businesses, not just those big corporates).  For those unfamiliar, what is the definition of …

Cartel Behaviour Read More »

Since the Christchurch earthquakes the Auckland District Law Society form of lease (ADLS Lease) has contained “No Access in Emergency” clauses (Emergency Clauses). Obviously, with New Zealand now in a lockdown situation, the Emergency Clauses have come under scrutiny. The issues to consider are: Does it apply while NZ is at COVID-19 Alert Levels 4 …

Update – The ADLS Lease and Epidemics Read More »