Following the widely publicized VDM and B-Lord trademark dispute, there has been a noticeable increase in requests for trademark registration in Nigeria. Business owners, influencers, startups, and brand creators are suddenly taking intellectual property protection very seriously.
This shift is not surprising.
People often respond to the law only when enforcement becomes visible and consequences are real. For years, intellectual property lawyers in Nigeria have written articles, hosted webinars, and carried out sensitization on trademark registration, brand protection, and IP rights. Many businesses ignored these efforts until a public dispute made the risks impossible to overlook.
Ironically, intellectual property disputes educate faster than intellectual property awareness campaigns. When reputations, brands, and income streams are threatened, attention follows immediately.
The New Trend: Registering Trademarks in “All Classes”
While the renewed focus on trademark protection is positive, a new problem has emerged. Many post-dispute requests now sound like this:
“I want to register my trademark in all classes.”
Yes, under Nigerian trademark law, it is possible to file trademark applications in multiple classes. However, registering a trademark in all classes when your business does not operate in all of them can create legal weaknesses rather than protection.
1. Trademark Rights in Nigeria Are Based on Use
A common misconception is that trademark registration alone guarantees absolute ownership. In reality, trademark rights are built on use, not just filing.
Where a trademark is registered in a class but never used, it becomes vulnerable. After a statutory period, third parties may apply for removal or restriction on the ground of non-use. This is a critical point many businesses overlook when filing trademarks in Nigeria.
2. Over-Broad Trademark Registration Can Be Challenged
Registering trademarks across unrelated classes may be interpreted as defensive or market-blocking behaviour, particularly where the mark is generic or descriptive.
Nigerian courts and trademark registries are generally uncomfortable with attempts to monopolize entire markets without genuine commercial justification. Trademark law exists to protect legitimate brand identity,not to fence off industries.
3. Multiple Trademark Classes Do Not Guarantee Monopoly
Registering in several trademark classes does not automatically confer broad monopoly rights. Each class is assessed independently.
If a business cannot show:
- actual use,
- intention to use, or
- distinctiveness within a class,
the trademark protection in that class remains weak and susceptible to legal challenges.
Registering Trademarks Out of Fear Is Not a Strategy
The recent surge in trademark registration requests reflects growing awareness of intellectual property protection in Nigeria. However, effective brand protection requires planning, not panic.
A sound trademark strategy should consider:
- the nature of your business,
- current and future commercial activities,
- brand strength and distinctiveness, and
- realistic areas where legal protection is necessary.
When properly done, trademark registration strengthens your brand, increases business value, and reduces exposure to disputes.
Why You Should Consult an Intellectual Property Lawyer in Nigeria
Trademark registration is not just a filing exercise. It is a legal strategy that can determine whether your brand survives disputes, licensing negotiations, and market expansion.
Working with an intellectual property lawyer in Nigeria ensures that:
- your trademark is registered in the correct classes,
- your rights are enforceable,
- your brand is not exposed to avoidable legal risks, and
- your business is positioned for long-term protection.
If you own a business, run a startup, or monetize your brand, trademark registration in Nigeria is no longer optional. But it must be done correctly.
For professional guidance on trademark registration, intellectual property law, and brand protection in Nigeria, seek legal advice before disputes arise,not after.