新西兰为"Chiefs"队名与澳大利亚对簿公堂

新西兰橄榄球联合会已向新西兰高等法院提起诉讼，试图阻止澳大利亚橄榄球联盟旗下的巴布亚新几内亚扩展队使用"Chiefs"队名。1 这场商标纠纷涉及哈密尔顿Super Rugby球队"Waikato Chiefs"与计划于2025年10月21日推出的NRL队伍"PNG Chiefs"之间的品牌冲突。1 Waikato Chiefs自1998年以来拥有"Chiefs"商标权，其首席执行官Simon Graafhuis表示该身份对其支持者具有文化意义。1

巴布亚新几内亚总理James Marape为队名选择进行了辩护，称"我们的千个部落由酋长统治"。1 澳大利亚政府已承诺投入6亿澳元支持NRL巴新扩展项目。1 IP Australia最初对PNG Chiefs商标申请提出三份不利报告，但上月接受了该申请。1 高等法院听证会可能在本周末进行，或在明年进行全天听证。1

New Zealand Rugby has filed a lawsuit in the New Zealand High Court to prevent Papua New Guinea's new National Rugby League team from using the name "Chiefs"1. The legal challenge centers on a brand conflict between the established Super Rugby team "Waikato Chiefs" based in Hamilton and the planned "PNG Chiefs," which is scheduled to launch on October 21, 20251.

The dispute centers on trademark rights, with Waikato Chiefs holding ownership of the "Chiefs" name since 19981. IP Australia initially issued three adverse reports on the PNG Chiefs trademark application but accepted the application last month1. The case carries significant implications beyond sports, as the Australian government has committed 600 million Australian dollars to support the NRL expansion into Papua New Guinea1.

Both parties have voiced their positions on the matter. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape defended the team name choice, stating "our thousand tribes are ruled by chiefs"1. Meanwhile, Waikato Chiefs Chief Executive Officer Simon Graafhuis emphasized that the identity holds cultural significance for the team's supporters1. The High Court hearing could take place this coming weekend or proceed to a full-day hearing next year1.