3 Identification of Maori signs

All trade mark applications received by the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (“IPONZ”) will be assessed to determine whether they contain a Māori sign, or are derived from a Māori sign.

The fact that a word, of any other language, is recognised as a Māori word in New Zealand, will mean that it will be treated as such. For example, “amaru” in Japanese means “to remain, to be left over, to be in excess”, however, in Māori “amaru” is defined as “dignified”.

The same applies to imagery. For example, the fact that a spiral, whether it is a koru or a Greek spiral design, is recognised as a Māori sign in New Zealand, will mean that it will be treated as such.

Where an Examiner is unsure whether or not the trade mark under consideration is covered by these guidelines, the application is to be referred to the Liaison, Māori Trade Marks Advisory Committee.

Where a Māori sign is identified, IPONZ will add the trade mark type descriptor “Māori”.