NEW ZEALAND: Auckland-based designer Trelise Cooper's lawyers have learnt the hard way what it means to act for one of New Zealand's most high profile business women.
Fresh from hammering out an out-of-court settlement with Queenstown-based designer Tamsin Cooper, Trelise Cooper's lawyer again find themselves embroiled in a similar dispute - this time with a Central Otago organic farm.
The case has come about after the farm, named Treliske, disputed the designer's right to use her first name as a trade mark on goods citing potential confusion over the two similarly-named brands.
The problem has been exacerbated because the organic farm already produces organic wool and knitwear and is about to sell products designed by another well-known name.
It is understood Cooper first registered the name Trelise as a trade mark in 2006 while Treliske registered its in 1993.
The organic farm has been given until March to present information supporting its claim.
PIC: WENDELL TEODORO