IP Australia flags trademark issues for PNG's NRL franchise branding as the Chiefs; brand launch planned for Oct 21, 2028 with major sponsorship and government funding.
According to ABC News, IP Australia has declared a real and tangible danger of brand confusion for Papua New Guinea's NRL team branding as the Chiefs, which is set to launch on October 21, 2028 with major sponsorship and government funding. The PNG Chiefs have faced three adverse reports from IP Australia, and PNG Prime Minister James Marape announced the name in October 2025.
Key facts
- 01IP Australia has declared there is a real and tangible danger of brand confusion.
- 02The PNG Chiefs are due to launch their brand on October 21, 2028.
- 03Coca-Cola and Bank South Pacific are major sponsors; the Bank South Pacific has signed the NRL's biggest sponsorship deal worth $15 million.
- 04The PNG government funding package for the project totals $600 million AUD.
- 05PNG Prime Minister James Marape announced the PNG Chiefs' name in October 2025.
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