Author: VAI IP COMMERCIAL

The Investment Promotion Authority has published a list of companies that will be struck off from the Register of Companies if their outstanding annual returns are not lodged by 16 November 2024. A list of the companies as published by the IPA can be downloaded on this link. If you are a director or shareholder of one of the companies in the list and need assistance in having returns lodged to date, please complete the form below.

If you’ve ever wondered why it’s important to seek legal protection of your brand (i.e. register it as a trademark), we have 12 reasons why. The infograph outlines each of the reasons and if you would like to seek more information, then complete the form below.

The Rise of Counterfeit Products: How to Protect Your Business Over the past 9 months, we’ve observed a significant increase in the importation of counterfeit products—ranging from electronics and fertilizers to batteries and household goods. Our colleagues at Customs have been exceptional in identifying and intercepting products suspected of infringing intellectual property rights. If your business is impacted by counterfeit imports, the most effective defense is to prevent these goods from entering the marketplace at the port level. Even if you haven’t yet experienced issues, taking proactive measures by recording your intellectual property rights with Customs is essential to reducing…

We are proud to collaborate with local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for several reasons. The passion and creativity they bring to their work is truly inspiring. One such SME that stands out is Tapioca Delight. Their delectable cakes and mouthwatering steamed fish are just a few examples of their exceptional culinary skills. Not only do they excel in the kitchen, but they also prioritize taking care of their staff and managing their administrative tasks. This dedication to both their craft and their employees is a testament to their success as a growing SME. When Ginia and Sioni approached us…

The Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act 2000 governs, amongst other things, copyright in Papua New Guinea. There is no process of “registration” as such, so works eligible for protection are automatically protected on creation. In the context of photography, copyright to your photo is established the moment you take the photo. As a photographer, your work is a valuable asset, and it’s essential to protect it from unauthorized use and infringement. So here are some comprehensive steps you can take to safeguard your copyrighted works. Understanding Copyright Basics Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that copyright protection is automatic upon the…

It’s been quite an experience visiting New Zealand. Always fascinated by this place and its people. I like learning about the Māori – Mātauranga Māori. I like how their language Te Reo is embeded in everyday life. Māori culture and traditional knowledge is considered New Zealand taonga (treasure) so it is a significant intellectual property asset.I understand New Zealand has specific legal provisions in its IP laws that protect mātauranga Māori. Some of which, according to IPONZ, helps “prevent the registration of trade marks or granting of patents that would be considered offensive by Māori or contrary to Māori values”.Papua…

Got an idea in mind or already in process? Use this self-assessment to see what possible IP your idea might be protected under.

Marriott International, Inc has published some exciting news and their brand will be coming to Port Moresby. We’ve republished the media release again below. Over the past year we’ve been fortunate to do IP related work for Marriot and most recently advising Marriot on intellectual property aspects of their partnership with Steamships in relation to Harbourside South. Ironically, our office is also within the same premises (Harbourside West). Here’s their release: Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with Steamships Trading Company Ltd., to debut its first property in Papua New Guinea, the Marriott Executive Apartments Port…

Ratings website airlineratings.com recently published an article on their findings on who is the world’s best airline. That award went to Qatar Airways – a client whom we have done work for in protecting their brand in Papua New Guinea. In announcing the ratings and awards, the online publication read: The world’s Best Airlines for 2022 have been named by AirlineRatings.com, the world’s only safety, product, and COVID rating website, and the airline of the year is Qatar Airways.The Doha-based airline nudged out Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways and Korean Air for the top spot in AirlineRatings.com Best Airlines for…