By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Trademark Tribunal sitting in Abuja has warned both parties in the ₦10 billion trademark infringement dispute between Nigrshine Industries Limited and Aokete Lighting Electronics Industries Limited to settle by March 4, 2025, or face a verdict.

The tribunal’s chairman, Shafiu Yauri, issued the warning during Wednesday’s hearing, emphasizing that the tribunal would not allow further delays.

The tribunal convened to hear an update on the settlement process between Ugochukwu Emmanuel, the registered owner of D&B AKT Brands of Electric Lighting Bulbs in Nigeria, and Chen Xiao Ming, a Chinese national accused of trademark forgery.

Representing the claimant was senior lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), while Suleiman Usman (SAN) appeared for the respondent.

The dispute began when Emmanuel alleged that Ming and his Nigerian associates forged a certificate of registration to infringe on his brand’s trademark.

The legal battle has been ongoing since 2019, with previous attempts at resolution failing. A recent settlement discussion saw the respondents offering ₦100 million in compensation, a figure the claimant dismissed as inadequate.

“Offering to pay ₦100 million out of ₦10 billion shows they are not ready for settlement. This has been their approach since 2019. The respondents obtained an order in China preventing the claimant from operating there, and now he cannot operate in Nigeria either,” Falana argued.

The respondents, however, insisted that the claimant must withdraw the case before they proceed with any payment.

“What we got from our client is that if the claimant withdraws the complaint, we will pay ₦100 million,” Usman stated.

After heated exchanges, both sides eventually requested more time for an amicable resolution.

However, Yauri made it clear that the tribunal would not entertain further delays.

“If a settlement is not forthcoming by March 4, we will do our job and give our verdict on the matter,” he ruled, setting a final deadline for the legal battle over trademark ownership.