Yeah, I don't think you can put a copyright on a cardinal direction or a geographic location or region. It would cause all sorts of mayhem. Now, if the NRL; hypothetically, were to move Manly to WA, then the WCE would have a cause to put all sorts of injunctions on the use of West Coast in association with the Eagle or Sea Eagle brand because it is too close to their branding.
Monikers are a different story as they are an identity. Cronulla stopped the GC use of the sharks because the Southport Sharks (GC AFL club) have similar colours to the Cronulla sharks (Black and white, just no sky blue. Unlikely they would be able to use B & W because of collingwood).
The GC RL bid in 2007 sought permission from the Miami Dolphins to use the dolphin moniker but neglected to seek permission from the Redcliffe Dolphins. As Redcliffe had ambitions to join the NRL they put in injunctions to stop the GC bid being named "GC Dolphins"; hence they had to rapidly change the bid name to the Titans.... and the rest is history.
"Initially the team was to be named the Gold Coast Dolphins, with the team colours to be white, jade and orange. While the Dolphins moniker was popular among many, the heavyweight Brisbane Queensland Cup side the Redcliffe Dolphins saw it as a threat for any prospect of entering the NRL they had, and as a result threatened severe legal action if the Gold Coast used the Dolphins name."