One year on the PNG Chiefs' name still not passing the trademark test - ABC Pacific - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The next stage of the PNG Chiefs' journey to the NRL is just a month away, with the launch of the club's colours and logo due to take place on October 21.

But right now the franchise still doesn't own the intellectual property rights to the team's identity.

That's largely because the NRL has failed to persuade IP Australia that their brand is clearly distinct from that of the Chiefs Super Rugby team based in Hamilton, New Zealand.

However, while the NRL is apparently confident that they have the right on their side, two leading experts in intellectual property have told Pacific Beat the league is pursuing a high-risk strategy that could have embarrassing consequences for the PNG club and the Australian government. 

All smiles when the name PNG Chiefs was announced, but a year on it is still not a registered trademark(nrl.com)