Trademark Dispute: Court Orders Immediate Halt to Preparations for Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit
Kenule Hails Court Order, Says Move Protects Years of Investment in Brand
The Founder Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit (NDEIS) has welcomed an interim restraining order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, directing parties to maintain the status quo and effectively halting preparations by the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce to host an event under the disputed name, “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit.”
The order followed a suit instituted by the founder of NDEIS, Kenule Nwiya Jnr, over an alleged trademark infringement involving the use of the name of the summit.
Nwiya had approached the court, alleging that the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce was seeking to use a name which, according to him, is legally protected by trademark registration. He argued that NDEIS had, over the years, built the platform into a recognised vehicle for economic dialogue, investment promotion and regional development in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the platform had been developed through years of investment, advocacy and sustained engagement, and that allowing another organisation to organise an event under the same name could create confusion and undermine the goodwill associated with the brand.
In its application before the court, Kenule argued that allowing the proposed event to proceed under the disputed name could create what its lawyers described as a “fait accompli”, and therefore urged the court to intervene pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu, subsequently directed the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the trademark dispute.
The order also comes against the backdrop of an existing suit and injunction relating to the same matter, which originated from a court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Justice Egwuatu, in addressing the matter, ordered the parties to respect the authority of the court and pursue any grievances through the appropriate legal channels.
Reacting to the development, NDEIS founder, Kenule Nwiya Jnr, described the order as an important step towards protecting the integrity of a platform which he said had been built over several years through hard work, diligence and sustained commitment to the economic development of the Niger Delta.
Nwiya expressed appreciation to the judiciary, describing it as a vital institution for protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that disputes are resolved through due process.
He also expressed concern that what he described as attempts to appropriate the identity and goodwill associated with NDEIS could undermine confidence in the region, particularly among investors seeking a stable and transparent environment in which to do business.
Kenule said he remained confident that the judicial process would ultimately establish the facts and resolve the dispute fairly.
“I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to organisations that may have planned to invest their resources in such a project to exercise caution and allow the legal process to run its course. No solid structure can stand on a foundation built on deceit, lies or desperation.
“The Niger Delta Governors, Access Bank and the Niger Delta Development Commission should also be mindful of the subsisting court processes and ensure that their actions remain consistent with the authority of the courts.
“We need investment in the region. We need to create jobs and provide our young people with meaningful opportunities for livelihood. This can only be achieved through a transparent, credible and due process that commands the confidence of all stakeholders,” he said.
NDEIS said it remained committed to promoting economic development, investment opportunities and constructive dialogue across the Niger Delta, stressing that its immediate priority was to protect the integrity of the platform while allowing the courts to determine the substantive issues before them.
Signed:
Kenule Nwiya Jnr.
Founder of NDEIS
