1 Introduction

Subpart 2 of Part 5 of the Trade Marks Act 2002 (“the Act”) prescribes the appointment of an advisory committee and incorporates sections 177-180 of the Act.

Section 177 of the Act requires the Commissioner of Trade Marks (“the Commissioner”) to appoint an advisory committee.

Section 178 of the Act states that the function of the advisory committee is to advise the Commissioner whether the registration of a trade mark that is, or appears to be, derivative of Māori text and imagery, is likely to be offensive to Māori.

Section 179 of the Act prescribes the membership of the advisory committee.

Section 180 of the Act prescribes that the advisory committee may regulate its own procedures.