The Chiefs name: High Court declines NZ Rugby's interim injunction, with a trial likely in 2027

The High Court in Wellington has declined New Zealand Rugby's application for an interim injunction in its dispute over the use of the Chiefs name, handing the Australian Rugby League Commission the first round in the trademark case.

What the court decided

The dispute began when Papua New Guinea's new National Rugby League side, which enters the competition in 2028, chose to call itself the PNG Chiefs. New Zealand Rugby, which holds the Chiefs trademark, asked the High Court to stop the brand being used while a full hearing is arranged. After a hearing on Friday, the court refused the interim order. A fuller trial is expected in 2027, and NZ Rugby's application for a final injunction is still before the court. Written reasons are due on Monday.

The PNG Chiefs plan to launch their brand and logo next Wednesday, 21 October, and free agency, in which they can start signing players, opens in November.

The arguments

NZ Rugby's lawyer, Earl Gray, argued that allowing a second Chiefs brand in a neighbouring sport would erode the original "by stealth". The Commission's lawyer, Clive Elliot, argued that NZ Rugby had known of the name for around a year and waited, and that the "PNG" qualifier distinguishes the new club from the Hamilton-based franchise. According to 1News, IP Australia had earlier rejected the NRL's attempts to register related trademarks.

What it means for fans

For supporters of the Waikato franchise, nothing changes on the field: the Chiefs are Super Rugby Pacific's Hamilton side, and their name and colours stay as they are while the case continues. The next step is the full written decision on Monday, then the trial.

RUGBE will report any change to the Chiefs' branding as it is announced.