An anti-counterfeiting bill that was before Parliament last
night will enable New Zealand to join three international
trade mark treaties, Commerce Minister Simon Power says.
The Trade Marks (International Treaties and Enforcement)
Amendment Bill yesterday passed its first reading on a
unanimous vote and was referred to the foreign affairs,
defence and trade select committee.
Mr Power said the sale of counterfeit goods was a growing
problem which hurt business productivity and financial
viability and threatened New Zealanders health and safety.
The bill did not replace "strong, effective, civil action by
the owners of trade marks and copyright".
"The responsibility for enforcing intellectual property
rights still lies with them." The bill would allow New
Zealand to join the Singapore Treaty, the Nice Agreement and
the Madrid Protocol, Mr Power said.
Joining these treaties would reduce compliance costs,
especially for firms looking to market their goods and
services overseas.
Former Associate Commerce Minister Judith Tizard had
previously said she would introduce the amendment.
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