AMPD Academy
Originally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…
read moreThe company that holds worldwide exclusive rights to use the Aboriginal flag on clothing has issued infringement notices to the AFL, clothing suppliers and several Aboriginal companies that use it
Having secured the exclusive licence to reproduce the Aboriginal flag on clothing in late 2018, non-Indigenous WAM Clothing has threatened legal action against several organisations.
The Aboriginal flag is unique among Australia's national flags, because the copyright of the image is owned by an individual with a Federal Court having recognised the ownership claim by designer Harold Thomas in 1997.
The Luritja artist has licensing agreements with just three companies; one to reproduce flags, and the others to reproduce the image on objects and clothing.
WAM Clothing, a new Queensland-based business, secured the exclusive clothing licence late last year.
Since acquiring it, the company is understood to have issued notices to the NRL and AFL over their use of the flag on Indigenous-round jerseys.
In addition, a Victorian-based health organisation, Spark Health, which produces merchandise with the flag on it, was issued with a cease and desist notice last week and given three business days to stop selling their stock.
As reported by the ABC, a spokesman for the NRL said the organisation was aware of the notices, but would not comment further while the AFL has confirmed it has been “in communication with WAM Clothing in relation to the use of the Aboriginal flag.”
WAM Clothing has advised that it was "in discussions with the NRL, AFL and other organisations regarding the use of the Aboriginal flag on clothing".
A spokesperson for WAM Clothing added that the company “has a strong desire to promote the Aboriginal flag in a positive light”, and “has been actively inviting any organisations, manufacturers and sellers who wish to use the Aboriginal flag on clothing to contact us and discuss their options.”
Images: The Aboriginal flag (top) and the flag as used during the NRL Indigenous Round (below).
7th June 2019 - AFL issues ‘unreserved’ apology over racism faced by Adam Goodes
10th July 2018 - Sports Commission acknowledges Indigenous Australians’ contribution to sport
12th April 2018 - Former AFL star Nathan Djerrkura launches Indigenous training program
27th November 2017 - NRL announces plans for 2018 Festival of Indigenous Rugby League
25th January 2014 - Des Hasler backs NRL dream for Indigenous players
16th September 2012 - AFL advances academy in code’s Indigenous heartland
9th December 2011 - AFL indigenous program receives Beyond Sport Award
15th June 2011 - Queensland NRL clubs help Indigenous kids move from school to work
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Originally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…
read moreFelton Industries is Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of quality outdoor furniture and has been supplying premium seating solutions for all sporting, commercial, community…
read moreSummit Fitness Equipment is now part of NovoFit - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/novofit/
read moreAt easyemployer we've come up with a software solution that manages one of your most important, and often most costly, business resources - your staff. We are helping 100s of clients to…
read moreTim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…
read moreWhether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…
read moreAUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!