The recent discussion about “copyrighting” the Tino Rangatiratanga flag gives a good example of what intellectual property (IP) rights might exist in a design such as a flag and what steps should be taken to protect those rights.

Late last year there was quite a bit of commentary in the media and various blogs about the position Ruby Apparel found themselves in after the Commissioner of Trade Marks registered the trade mark RUBI SHOES in the name of Cotton On Clothing…

No matter what you produce – whether its haircuts, hamburgers, web pages or (the proverbial) widgets, if you haven’t got the competitors clawing at your coat tails … its probably because they’re out in front.

If an employee has done something which could amount to misconduct, then the last thing you want is for that employee to attempt to wriggle off the hook because you have made a procedural mistake by suspending the employee from work.

Your terms of business is the most important document in your business. It dictates how you interact with your customers…and it’s your customers that make you money.

How would you feel if someone broke into your house and stole your TV, stereo, DVD player, furniture, CD collection and some very personal items of jewellery?