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From NBR seeks damages from Inland Revenue over alleged copyright breaches

How will NBR's copyright dispute resolution affect the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment?

Mbie faces talks on damages after Ombudsman found copyright sharing unreasonable The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Mbie) is currently engaged in talks with NBR regarding damages stemming from alleged copyright breaches. The Chief Ombudsman previously found Mbie's systemic practice of sharing NBR content to be unreasonable and contrary to law, noting that this activity likely harmed NBR's commercial position. Mbie has admitted to sharing at least 149 articles and has promised NBR a proposal to rectify the matter.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Sunday
Effect
Mild negative
How direct
Stated in the reporting
When
Within weeks
The story
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How it reaches Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • Mbie admitted sharing at least 149 articles in alleged breaches of NBR’s copyright and subscription terms and conditions.nbr.co.nz
  • The Chief Ombudsman found the sharing of NBR content by Mbie was unreasonable and appears contrary to law.nbr.co.nz
  • NBR is entering into talks on damages with the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment.nbr.co.nz
  • Mbie has promised to send a proposal to rectify the matter to NBR.nbr.co.nz

Why it matters

As a government department, Mbie faces potential financial liability and reputational damage due to the finding that its internal practices constituted a systemic breach of copyright law. The Ombudsman's determination that the sharing was 'unreasonable and appears contrary to law' suggests a significant failure in the department's compliance and internal governance protocols.

This situation is part of a broader pattern of legal action against entities that misuse journalism. NBR has secured settlements from 19 companies, resulting in payments for damages exceeding $200,000. Other government departments, including the Department of Internal Affairs and the Serious Fraud Office, have also admitted to widespread breaches of NBR’s copyright terms.

What we don't know yet

  • What specific damages amount will Mbie be required to pay to NBR?
  • What will the proposed resolution from Mbie entail to rectify the matter?

What would change this answer

Mbie fails to reach a resolution with NBRThe financial and reputational impact on Mbie will increase as the dispute may escalate to formal legal proceedings.
Mbie successfully negotiates a low-cost settlement and implements verifiable compliance changesThe negative impact on Mbie could be contained, limiting the financial and public relations fallout.

Reporting

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The full eventNBR seeks damages from Inland Revenue over alleged copyright breaches Everything aboutMinistry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. It explains possible effects; it is not investment advice.