NDEIS Founder accuses Trademark Registry of compromise in summit identity dispute

Kunle Nwiya Jnr, founder of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit (NDEIS), has accused the Trademark Registry under the Department of Commercial Law, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, of alleged compromise and deliberate delay in resolving an ongoing trademark dispute over the ownership and use of the “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” brand.

Nwiya alleged that the Registry has failed to issue an administrative order restraining the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture from using the disputed name for a forthcoming event, despite complaints and petitions submitted by his organisation.

The dispute centres on the ownership, recognition and commercial rights associated with the “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” identity, a platform NDEIS says it has developed over the years into a prominent forum for economic dialogue, investment promotion and regional development across the Niger Delta.

According to Nwiya, the summit brand existed and had gained significant visibility long before the establishment of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, which he accused of unlawfully adopting the name for its own programme.

In a petition filed through its legal representatives, NDEIS urged the Trademark Registry to immediately direct the Chamber of Commerce to suspend the use of the disputed name pending the resolution of issues relating to trademark ownership and intellectual property rights.

However, the organisation said the Registry has yet to take any decisive action, a development that prompted allegations of bias and administrative negligence against the Acting Registrar.

Nwiya claimed that despite complying with all requirements requested by the Registry, including appearing before officials with original documents and evidence intended to establish statutory ownership and prior rights over the summit’s identity, no protective measures have been taken to preserve the status quo.

According to the petition, the continued use of the name by the Chamber of Commerce amounts to a violation of NDEIS’s intellectual property rights and undermines the authority of the Trademark Registry by allowing preparations for the event to continue while complaints remain unresolved.

The legal team representing NDEIS argued that permitting the Chamber to proceed with the event could effectively create a fait accompli before the Registry reaches a final determination on the matter.

The lawyers further warned that failure by the Registry to urgently intervene may leave their client with no option but to seek injunctive relief from the courts to prevent further use of the disputed name pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

Speaking on Friday, Nwiya expressed frustration over what he described as the Registry’s handling of the dispute.

He alleged that after honouring an invitation to appear before the Registrar, he waited for several hours but was unable to meet the official, whom he claimed was unavailable.

He also accused the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment of failing to compel the Acting Registrar to issue an interim administrative order suspending the planned summit until the trademark dispute is resolved.

“The continued silence and delay are raising serious concerns about fairness and transparency in the handling of this matter,” Nwiya said.

The NDEIS founder maintained that urgent intervention is necessary to prevent confusion among stakeholders and protect what he described as a legally protected brand that has become synonymous with economic and investment advocacy in the Niger Delta region.

As of the time of filing this report, the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture had not issued an official response to the allegations.

Similarly, there was no immediate reaction from the Trademark Registry or the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment regarding the claims raised in the petition.