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A legal dispute has flared up between two companies
over the use of the name 'Manuka', in England.
A Maori lawyer says this is a perfect example
of how the Government has failed
to protect the intellectual property rights of Maori.
Protection of Maori names and treasures
from international business needs to be addressed.
A bottle of honey liqueur named Manuka Gold
but a legal dispute has begun
over the international use of the name 'Manuka'.
Exotica Enterprises owner Darius,
has been marketing for six months in both NZ and China.
A foreign company based in Waikato - Honey NZ Ltd -
has the right to utilise the name Manuka in the English market.
But this Maori lawyer says neither of these companies is at fault.
The government has failed to organise, clarify its position
regarding the intellectual property rights of Maori.
Under the Principles of the Treaty
the government are supposed to protect Maori identity
and all Maori treasures.
Last month, a report relating to the WAI262 claim was released.
What laws have the government put in place to protect our resources.
Murray Stott is a Trademark Agent
who worked with Darius to make sure there were no issues with his name.
The issue for Darius now rests in the hands of judges in England
- will they allow the sale of Manuka Gold liqueur in England.
Roihana Nuri, Te Karere.