Traditional Knowledge Laws: New Zealand
| Title | Trademarks Act 2002 |
| Subject Matter | Traditional Knowledge; Traditional Cultural Expressions |
| Issue(s) | Scope of Protection |
| Type(s) of Legislation | IP Law |
Scope of Protection
Section 17 Absolute grounds for not registering trade mark: general
(1) The Commissioner must not register as a trade mark or part of a trade mark any matter—
(a) the use of which would be likely to deceive or cause confusion; or
(b) the use of which is contrary to New Zealand law or would otherwise be disentitled to protection in any court; or
(c) the use or registration of which would, in the opinion of the Commissioner, be likely to offend a significant section of the community, including Māori.