New Zealand Loyal wishes to update the public on the ongoing trademark matter concerning Application No. 1270333 (classes 16, 25, 41 and 45) filed in the name of Liz Gunn.
New Zealand Loyal filed a formal opposition (proceeding no. 9157) to the registration of this mark in a timely manner. The opposition is grounded in the fact that the logo in question is owned by members of New Zealand Loyal and forms part of the party’s identity.
On 25 August 2026, lawyers acting for the applicant (James & Wells) filed an Application for Extension of Time with the Commissioner of Trade Marks. The request seeks a three-month extension – from 25 August 2026 to 25 November 2026 – under regulation 32(1) of the Trade Marks Regulations 2003, to file a counterstatement in response to the opposition.
New Zealand Loyal considers the timing of this extension request significant. It pushes the next procedural step well past the forthcoming election period. We view this as political interference in a matter that should be resolved on its legal merits without unnecessary delay.
We also invite members of the public following this issue to consider a simple question: Why would an extension of time be required by the applicant in relation to a mark that has been publicly presented as already secured or granted, unless the registration process remains incomplete and statements claiming victory have been false?
New Zealand Loyal will continue to defend its members’ ownership of the party’s logo through the proper channels before the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand. We remain committed to transparency on this matter and will provide further updates as the proceedings develop.
Usual deal of Liz Gunn resorting to “Lawfare” when there is a lack of valid claim justifying her ‘ownership’ of something that has always belonged to the members of the party.