The man behind 'Nek Minnit' has lost the right to trademark the phrase - but in a new twist may soon have it back.
Professional skateboarder and comedian Levi Hawken posted a video on YouTube last August, in which he says: "Left my scooter outside the dairy - Nek Minnit ...", before the clip cuts to a shot of his destroyed board.
The phrase went viral, entering everyday Kiwi language and being parodied in advertising campaigns, songs and even on political billboards.
However, Mr Hawken failed to trademark the phrase.
Auckland business Makan Distillers saw an opportunity to make money from its popularity, and when its marketing department researched the phrase, they were surprised to find it had not been registered.