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The proposed Wellywood sign - Source: ONE News
A legal stoush could be brewing over a plan to erect a controversial Wellywood sign on the Miramar hills near Wellington airport after Hollywood lawyers say it would be a trademark violation.
The sign, which had been given resource consent by Wellington City Council, is designed to copy the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, right down to the staggered lettering.
Wellington Airport says it will put the 28m wide by 3.5m high sign on steep hillside land it owns next to the Miramar cutting, in June.
But Hollywood Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive Leron Gubler told The Dominuion Post its lawyers have confirmed the sign will violate trademark laws.
"We would hope that we would be hearing from the airport in Wellington to discuss the matter. I'm sure they had no idea the sign was trademarked."
However, Wellington Airport, which is paying for the sign, say they are confident they have met all their legal requirements in relation to the sign.
