Customs Border Protection: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how intellectual property owners can work with customs to identify and seize counterfeit goods entering New Zealand.
This scheme allows owners of intellectual property to work with border authorities to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the country.
Who it's for
This support is specifically designed for owners of intellectual property who are facing the problem of counterfeit imports. If your brand, design, or invention is being copied by goods entering the country, this mechanism is intended to help you defend your rights at the border.
What you get
The primary benefit is customs intervention to stop infringing goods from reaching the local market. Through this process, authorities can take action to identify and seize goods that are found to be infringing on your specific intellectual property rights. This helps protect your brand value and prevents copycats from profiting from your innovation.
What it costs you
To utilize this enforcement support, there are administrative requirements involved. You will need to go through the formal process of lodging a notice of objection to initiate the protection process.
The catch to know
There are two critical requirements that most people must prepare for. First, you cannot simply make a claim; you must provide the necessary evidence to prove that the goods are indeed infringing. Second, you may be required to pay a bond to support the seizure of the goods. This ensures that the process is backed by the necessary financial security required by the authorities.
How to apply
- Identify the specific intellectual property rights that are being infringed.
- Gather all necessary evidence to prove the goods are counterfeit.
- Prepare and lodge a formal notice of objection.
- Be prepared to provide a bond to support the seizure process.
- Visit the official portal for further guidance: https://www.customs.govt.nz