16 October 2009

Hutt Christmas in the Park event changes name to avoid trademark problems

Organisers of the Brother Christmas in the Park event in the Hutt Valley have had to change the event's name after discovering it transgressed trademark regulations.

Local organisers were informed recently by the organiser of the Coca Cola Christmas in the Park events in Auckland and Christchurch that the 'Christmas in the Park' moniker is in fact a Coca Cola registered trademark. 

As a result the event, being held on Saturday December 5 at Fraser Park in Taita from 7.30pm, will now be called Brother Christmas Spectacular.

Brother Marketing Manager Mike Smith said the phone call from the organiser of the Coca Cola events was friendly and informative and the Hutt event organisers were happy to make the change.

"Strangely enough, this whole thing is quite positive as the new name gives people a better idea of what they can expect. It has a more entertainment feel to it. "Spectacular" is a strong word and invokes imagery of a big event, with variety, fireworks etc. Which is exactly what it's about."

Co-organiser Darryn Gadd of Hutt Impact said the new name would make the event "unique to the Wellington region and more about community".

Co-organiser Steve Laing of Shout Group said initially, organisers considered asking permission to use the name one more year.

"But we decided to make the change now; it made sense to embrace the new name. It's a great way to mark Christmas 2009 as we go into 2010."

Hutt Impact Chairperson John Bank said an important consideration in choosing the new name was not to lose the family-friendly atmosphere associated with the park venue.

"We still want families to come along with their picnic hampers and make an evening of it. Fraser Park is a fantastic venue, with plenty of easy parking. It's going to be a wonderful family event, no doubt about it."

Brother Christmas Spectacular

Saturday December 5, 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Fraser Park, Taita

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