From Fast Fashion to Wearable Technology - the intersection of design, innovation, and the law in New Zealand

摘要

This article will focus on the burgeoning wearable technology industry, and the interrelationship between different forms of intellectual property protection available to this new class of products. By considering both the importance of fashion as well as the growing influence of wearable technology, the limitations of traditional forms of intellectual property - patents, designs, and copyright - become apparent. Although New Zealand law has traditionally made a clear distinction between these forms of protection, wearable technology may change this. This article will first review current legal protection and its rationale and will then consider what options are available for more practical protection of wearable technology going forward.