Australian manuka honey producers successfully block New Zealand trademark attempt again

Australian manuka honey producers have won another battle in a long running trans-Tasman war over who can use the distinctive word, manuka.

Australia scores another win in lengthy trans-Tasman manuka honey war

The New Zealand intellectual property umpire has sided with Australia's move to block New Zealand honey producers trademarking the word manuka.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Peter Miller]

Time for nz beekeepers to invent a new word to replace ‘manuka’ which indicates a certain high level of the medically valuable property that Manuka honey has (methylglyoxal). It will take a few years and a few million dollars but in the end it can work. Zespri Is an example. I would invest in that.

 

[Rob's BP]

Not helpful I know, but imagine if NZ had trademarked Manuka, say 10 years ago or before i.e. before Aussie got into labelling any honey as Manuka. Seems like another Kiwifruit naming missed opportunity

 

[Rob's BP]

Time for nz beekeepers to invent a new word to replace ‘manuka’ which indicates a certain high level of the medically valuable property that Manuka honey has (methylglyoxal). It will take a few years and a few million dollars but in the end it can work. Zespri Is an example. I would invest in that.

Peter, think we've got just the thing: UMF has the world trademarks, and millions of dollars and decades of marketing have already been put into it. But some here don't like it since only those who pay can use it (stirrer!)

 

[bighands]

It was over 15 years ago when I suggested to a member of the Maori Council that they register or trade mark the name Manuka, If they had done so we would not have the problem we have today