The PNG Chiefs have welcomed a New Zealand High Court decision declining New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) bid for an interim injunction over the franchise’s name.
NZR is trying to prevent the newly formed PNG rugby league franchise using the ‘Chiefs’ moniker as the team prepares to enter its inaugural NRL season in 2028.
PNG Chiefs’ CEO Lorna McPherson welcomed the court’s decision and said they look forward to the launch of their inaugural logo and supporter jersey in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the PNG Chiefs said no further comment would be provided as the matter remains before the court.
The spokesperson was also unable to clarify Australian media reports that the NRL and the PNG Chiefs have indicated the franchise would refuse to play matches in New Zealand if they are ultimately forced to change the name.
The trademark dispute is likely bound for a more substantive trial in the High Court next year, leaving the situation in a holding pattern until then.
Furthermore, NZ Rugby could launch legal action in Australia where they have the trademark on the name.
Chiefs Rugby CEO Simon Graafhuis told RNZ Pacific that Friday’s court decision was not the outcome they had hoped for, but it did not undermine their case seeking to protect their trademarked brand.
“I think what it does though is just defers that until the full hearing, which I think all parties sort of agreed needs to happen,” Graafhuis said.
“So we’ll find out a little bit more around when that can happen. But there’s a commitment that’ll happen as soon as possible.”
In her High Court ruling, Justice Karen Grau noted undertakings the NRL has made to try – in the interim – to make efforts to avoid the brand confusion that NZR is concerned about.
The problem as NZR sees it is that the double-up is already diluting its brand and creating confusion.
“Our intention was pretty genuine around trying to minimise damage to all parties,” Graafhuis said.
“So the longer this drags on, obviously the bigger risk of confusion in the investment from all of us.”
