Blog

Lifting the corporate veil – a cautionary tale for directors of parent companies

Generally speaking, a company is a separate legal entity in its own right and its shareholders will not generally be liable for the company's obligations. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as illustrated in the recent case Lewis Holdings Ltd v Steel & Tube Holdings Ltd.

By Claire Mansell - 29 Jan 2015

Changes to domain names

Domain names are changing! From 1pm, 30 September 2014, you will be able to register short and simple domain names like shortandsimple.nz. This change will see second levels (like the '.co' in '.co.nz' and the '.org' in '.org.nz') become optional. For example, if your website is mywebsite.co.nz, you may be able to get mywebsite.nz.

By Mike Worsnop - 30 Sep 2014

Court lays down the law on carpet ads – with implications for all advertisers

Fancy a carpet with lifetime stain and soil resistance? How about one that won't fade for 25 years? Sounds great, but as usual, the devil is in the detail.

By Craig Nelson - 11 Sep 2014

How to avoid (and respond to) complaints about your advertising

You've spent a fortune on a new advertising campaign. Hundreds of hours of research and planning have gone into it. The launch of the campaign receives great applause and praise. And then someone complains to the Advertising Standards Authority saying "I object to this ad as it depicts women as whimsical and irrational". 

By Craig Nelson - 15 Aug 2014

Monkey business over copyright

Copyright might not be something that you consider everyday - but it comes up more often than you think. Just be glad that you are not the photographer who thought he owned this photo.

By Melissa Higham - 8 Aug 2014

Important changes to the Fair Trading Act - will you be affected?

The law now better reflects modern commercial and retail practices and seeks to bring our consumer laws into line with those of Australia. We set out eight key areas, with links for greater detail to the Commerce Commission's website.

By Melissa Higham - 30 Jul 2014

Trade mark renewals - it pays to be suspicious

Have you recently received any official looking letters from the Patent & Trademark Organisation LLC? Treat these with suspicion. If you respond, you could end up paying exorbitant prices to renew your trade mark.

By Mike Worsnop - 23 Jul 2014

Are you a director of a company? Are you thinking about starting up a company with overseas directors or shareholders?

There have been recent changes to company legislation (through the Companies Amendment Act (No 4) 2014) that you need to be aware of.

By Melissa Higham - 8 Jul 2014

Running a new business - operating issues

Leases, terms of trade and employment agreements - getting the nuts and bolts of operating procedures right at the start is essential for success. Have you covered all the necessary legal areas? Are you satisfied that everything is in order and you are prepared? 

By Warren Bygrave - 29 Nov 2013

Starting a business - financing considerations

One of the key factors in starting a business is finance. The question to ask yourself is: do I have enough to get me started and see me through the hard times? You cannot assume that clients/customers will appear immediately. It often takes longer than you think. There are enough risks in business without increasing them by not considering all possibilities. 

By Warren Bygrave - 22 Nov 2013 - 1 comment