The High Court in Wellington declined New Zealand Rugby's application for an interim injunction to stop the PNG Chiefs from using the 'Chiefs' name. The dispute is expected to go to a more substantive trial next year.
New Zealand Rugby argued that the use of the name could cause confusion and threaten the brand's exclusivity, while the PNG Chiefs' lawyer maintained that the geographical qualifier 'PNG' distinguishes the franchise clearly.
The PNG Chiefs are set to launch their brand and logo next Wednesday.
The NRL argues that rebranding would be too late for their upcoming season, and the dispute will continue in a New Zealand courtroom next year.
The NRL has secured a legal victory against New Zealand Rugby over the same name dispute. New Zealand Rugby had sought an injunction citing potential brand damage, but the judge rejected the application. The NRL argues that rebranding would be too late for their upcoming season, and the dispute will continue in a New Zealand courtroom next year.
Simon Graafhuis said, "The NZR is 'absolutely' considering legal action in Australia."
Earl Gray said, "They’ve brought this issue on themselves and inexplicably, now want to get away with it."
Clive Elliott said, "In this environment, there is a real potential for this club to be set back irreparably."
