NZ Rugby loses round one in Chiefs v Chiefs trademark dispute

NZ Rugby has failed in its bid to secure an interim injunction preventing the incoming Papua New Guinea NRL side from using the Chiefs name, clearing the way for the club to proceed with its planned launch next week.The decision follows a two-hour hearing at the Wellington High Court on Friday over a trademark dispute between the two sporting organisations, with NZ Rugby seeking to stop the PNG side from using a name already associated with the Super Rugby franchise.NZ Rugby's application sought to prevent the Australian Rugby League Commission from using the disputed name while the trademark dispute remains unresolved.Justice Karen Grau declined NZ Rugby's application for an interim injunction ahead of a full hearing, likely to be early next year.More to come.