ACTA is likely to be used as a bargaining device with developing countries, Penney says.

Intellectual property lawyer Shera says New Zealand is a minnow in ACTA. "If we can get Australia, Canada and Singapore in some areas alongside us, then it makes a difference," as it will add weight to New Zealand's position, Shera says.

Shera says that the entertainment industry has a consistent position worldwide and will use copyright laws, termination regimes and TPM rules enacted in other countries to push its agenda in other jurisdictions. Countries need to be vigilant here, Shera says, and pay attention to what happens elsewhere.

New Zealand is also likely to be pressured into forcing ACTA on the Pacific nations, Shera says, by other signatories of the treaty.

The public briefing comes ahead of the eight round of ACTA negotiations, which will be held in Wellington between April 12 and 16. Commerce Minister Simon Power has called for submissions on digital rights enforcement before the Wellington ACTA talks with a paper website.