Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit Accuses Ag. Registrar of Compromise in Trademark Dispute
The founder of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit (NDEIS), Kunle Nwiya Jnr, has accused the Registrar of the Trademark Registry, Department of Commercial Law, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, of alleged compromise and deliberate delay in handling an ongoing trademark dispute involving the summit’s identity.
Nwiya alleged that the Registrar has failed to issue an administrative order restraining the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture from using the name “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” for their forthcoming programme.
The NDEIS founder maintained that the summit brand is a legally protected identity that his organisation has developed over the years into a recognised platform for economic dialogue, investment promotion, and regional development within the Niger Delta, long before the establishment of the Chamber of Commerce.
In a petition submitted 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 surrounding ownership and trademark rights.
However, following what the organisation described as prolonged inaction by the Registry, Nwiya has accused the Acting Registrar of complicity and underhand dealings aimed at frustrating efforts to protect the trademark.
According to the petition, the continued use of the name by the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce amounts to a violation of the summit’s intellectual property rights and an attempt to undermine the authority of the Trademark Registry by proceeding with preparations for the event despite pending complaints before the Registry.
The legal team representing NDEIS stated that their client fully complied with all directives issued by the Registry, including appearing before officials with original documents and evidence intended to establish statutory ownership and prior rights over the “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” identity.
The petition further argued that allowing the Chamber of Commerce to proceed with the event under the disputed name could create what the lawyers described as a “fait accompli” before the Registry reaches a final determination on the matter.
NDEIS lawyers warned that failure by the Trademark Registry to take urgent protective measures may compel their client to approach the courts for injunctive relief to restrain further use of the name pending legal determination of the dispute.
Speaking on Friday, Nwiya alleged that despite honouring an invitation by the Registrar and waiting for several hours at the Registry, was unavailable and failed to meet with him over the matter.
He also accused the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment of showing reluctance in compelling 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 dispute is centred on ownership, recognition, and commercial rights associated with the “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” brand, which has gained significant visibility within economic and investment circles across the Niger Delta region.
While NDEIS insists that its trademarked identity is being unlawfully used, the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture had not issued any official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
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