In the NewsSediq aboriginals go to war over trademark dispute
Director Wei Te-sheng of “Cape No. 7” fame is embroiled in a dispute with Taiwan’s aboriginal Sediq people over the right to use their name for merchandise associated with his upcoming film “Sediq Bale.” Wei’s production company holds the rights to use “Sediq Bale” on more than 300 products and services associated with the film. This does not sit well with the Sediq who claim he should never have had his trademark application approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. “Wei has stolen our name,” Sediq representatives said. “‘Sediq Bale’ is akin to a country or place and cannot be licensed for commercial use.” Wei’s highly anticipated film, which wrapped Sept. 5, documents the 1930 uprising of the Sediq against Japanese colonial rule in Nantou County. It represents 13 years of work for the successful director. Describing the controversy as a “misunderstanding,” Wei said his company only holds the rights to the movie’s name in Chinese and that their use will be restricted to movie-related merchandise. Wei said the decision to apply for trademark protection was made to stop unauthorized use of the film’s name—a problem he experienced with “Cape No. 7.” The Sediq, however, are not satisfied with Wei’s explanation, instead demanding the MOEA Intellectual Property Office strip his company of its rights to their name. But IPO official Liu Chen-chen said the only way to revoke an approval is if the trademark is found to be lacking in distinctiveness. “In the case of Wei, his company’s application was within the letter of the law and its rights will remain in force until 2019.” In an effort to defuse the situation, IPO Deputy Director-General Gao Jin-yuan reassured the Sediq they could continue using their name without fear of violating copyright. “There is no problem if the name is used in good faith when staging traditional contests, or for items such as artifacts and clothing,” Gao said. (JSM) |
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