Trademark Infringement: NBC Sued over Trademark infringement Activity, Likely to Confuse Consumers, Applicant Alleged

Esan Bolaji
-
0
Trademark Infringement: NBC Sued over Trademark infringement Activity, Likely to Confuse Consumers, Applicant Alleged

The Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) is entwined in a legal tussle over trademark infringement on its Predator energy drink, with a lion symbol, which has the likelihood of confusing consumers of that market segment who are used to the market leader, a product of Rite Foods Limited.

The lawsuit with the number, FHC/L/CS/92/2021, which was contained in a publication in the ThisDay and Guardian newspapers editions of Friday, 19th of March, 2021, was instituted against the NBC by Rite Foods Limited at a Federal High Court, in lkoyi, Lagos, on January 20, 2021. The publication also contains notice of contempt proceedings against the managing director of NBC for disobedience of interim injunctions granted by the court.

Trademark Infringement: NBC Sued over Trademark infringement Activity, Likely to Confuse Consumers, Applicant Alleged

In line with the court proceedings, the counsels to the plaintiff, Rite Foods Limited, filed a motion ex parte for an interim injunction against the defendant, NBC, restraining it from further promoting or using any sales promotion material for its Predator energy drink in a manner that infringes or passes off or that is capable of infringing or passing off the plaintiff’s Fearless energy drink until the interlocutory application for an injunction is determined.

In the suit, the alleged infringement negates the law which offers exclusive rights to owners of product designs.

With further investigations, it was discovered that the Plaintiff, Rite Foods’ Fearless energy drinks, which consist of the Red Berry and Classic brands, were launched into the Nigerian market on June 15 and 16, 2017, respectively, and has gained a wider market share before the NBC’s Predator brand which made entrant in June 2020.

This points out that the trademark had been in use by the Rite Foods’ brands before NBC’s Predator drink was launched into the market.

And according to Rite Foods, it owns the exclusive right to the design which has been a mark of identifying its market-leading Fearless energy drink brands.

The company stated that with the infringement by NBC, consumers are likely to assume (mistakenly) that the aforementioned energy drinks in the case are from one source.

It further stated that the degree of similarity between the lion symbol on its Fearless brands and that of NBC’s Predator energy drink is high and that since both compete in the same market spectrum, the mark is likely to cause confusion in the minds of consumers, about the source or sponsorship of the brand offered under the defendant’s mark.

Further proceedings for the case at the Federal High Court are slated for March 24, 2021.

However, while the Predator brand is struggling to gain acceptance among consumers, Rite Foods’ Fearless energy brands have attained a very high market share of the lucrative beverage market, cutting across the different demographics, mainly the youth segment.

Fearless brands provide consumers with limitless benefits and contain high-quality ingredients.

The energy drinks contain Vitamin B6, a water-soluble nutrient that is part of the vitamin B family, which supports adrenal function, helps calm and maintain a healthy nervous system, and are necessary for key metabolic processes. Also, included is Vitamin B12 which is essential for building blood cells and maintaining healthy nerve cells in the body.

Few cases of trademark infringements in the country were those of Nabisco Inc., v Allied Biscuits Company Limited in 1998, where the trademark RITZ was the issue before the court.

Allied Biscuits first registered the mark eight months before Nabisco, and the court held against the appellant, Nabisco, on the premise that it has not used the mark sufficiently to acquire a reputation for the mark in Nigeria, that its intention is to destabilise the Nigerian market and her economy.

Also on October 18, 1993, Pfizer dragged Iyke Merchandise to Court for infringing on its trademark, Combatrin Plus, with the mark, Combatinrein, which was likely to confuse consumers.

The plaintiff’s (Pfizer) action for injunction, the order of delivery up for the destruction of the infringing product (Combatinrein) and general damages succeeded.

1 In 10 Americans Will Use Stimulus Checks To Buy Bitcoin And Ethereum — Report

Brand Spur
-
0
1 In 10 Americans Will Use Stimulus Checks To Buy Bitcoin And Ethereum — Report

Following the recently published survey by Mizuho Securities that estimates roughly $24 billion from the $380 billion in direct stimulus checks will go toward bitcoin, a Harris Poll was released that estimates around 1 in 10 Americans have used stimulus checks to invest in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum.

A new Yahoo Finance–Harris poll finds that 9% of people expecting to get a $1,400 stimulus check plan to invest some of the money in traditional assets such as stocks, while 7% plan to use the money to buy cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin.

Young investors are even more willing to gamble. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, 19% plan to put stimulus money into traditional investments, and 10% plan to buy cryptocurrencies with cash. The numbers are higher still for millennials aged 25 to 40: 20% are putting stimulus money into traditional investments and 15% are buying crypto. Above the age of 40, the portion planning to use the money for each type of investment drops to single digits. The numbers come from a survey of 1,052 U.S. adults conducted March 12–15.

Many Americans still need stimulus money to pay for basics such as food and rent. Overall, 41% of respondents in the survey say they plan to use their stimulus checks to cover every-day necessities. Another 40% plan to save the money, with 36% planning to pay down debt and 16% spending the money on non-essential things such as entertainment or gadgets. The survey allowed multiple responses, and some people no doubt will split what they do with the money.

But the portion going toward investments could be substantial. The latest relief plan will pump about $1.9 trillion into the U.S. economy, the biggest of three large stimulus bills so far. Stimulus checks alone will account for about $400 billion of that. If 10% of that money made it into markets, that would be $40 billion in additional demand for financial assets. That’s probably not enough to move the overall market, but it could affect the action in lightly capitalized assets.

Some traders on social-media sites such as Reddit say they’ve used “stimmy” money to buy trendy “meme stocks” such as Gamestop. Other surveys, by Mizuho Securitiesand Deutsche Bank, also found that some stimulus recipients are putting the money into speculative investments.

Stimulus money has apparently been sloshing into financial markets since the first checks went out last March. In the Yahoo Finance–Harris survey, a similar portion of respondents said they spent the $1,200 checks from last spring and the $600 checks from January on stocks, crypto and other investments. Similar portions also said they needed the money for necessities.

Millennials and Gen Zers aren’t gambling with stimulus money because they feel they can afford to lose it. If anything, they’re feeling more pinched than older Americans. Overall, 29% of respondents say they’re financially worse off than before the pandemic crisis hit last year. But 40% of 18- to 24-year-olds say they’re worse off, and 32% of 24- to 40-year-olds feel that way. It makes sense that business shutdowns and job losses would hit younger workers harder, since they’re less likely to have assets such as a house or savings to fall back on.

Some critics feel the latest stimulus plan, which Democrats passed without any Republican support, is too costly and spends too much money on non-emergency measures. The Yahoo Finance–Harris poll supports that, to some extent. Sixty-two percent of those expecting a fresh stimulus payment say they need it to pay for basic necessities, but 31% say they don’t need it, with 7% unsure. Some economists think it’s better to target relief during a downturn at the unemployed and others with an acute need, instead of blanketing most of the population, regardless of need.

Democrats who drafted and voted for the latest stimulus bill intended to provide funds Americans can use in a variety of ways. But speculating on stocks and cryptocurrencies wasn’t one of them. Some of those speculators will turn a profit, but others will end up blowing the money, as happens with all short-term gambling. Those stimulus checks will end up in somebody else’s pocket.

Celebrate A Sheroe Today With Domino’s Pizza Oga Madam Deal!

Brand Spur
-
0
Celebrate A Sheroe Today With Domino’s Pizza Oga Madam Deal!

W-Wonderful, O-Organised, M-Magnificent, A-Amazing and N-Natural! She is indeed a phenomenal WOMAN! As we continue to celebrate all the unique, smart and beautiful women this month, Domino’s Pizza, your favourite and the number #1 pizza company has launched something they have called the Oga Madam Deal. You can never go wrong celebrating your Sheroe with this.  Let’s tell you all about it😊

So, starting with just N3800, you can indulge in any sweet, delicious, cheesy, and scrumptious Medium pizza + Chocolate pizza or Melted Choco Pocket, throughout the rest of March. It is available to every walk-in customer across all Domino’s outlets. Yummy right? Get ready to get your taste buds to a whole new world of treats.

You can always trust Domino’s Pizza to make all refreshing and delightful deals available for online ordering. So, if you are not in the mood for ‘wakabout’ or you just want to surprise your Sheroe without leaving her presence, log on to www.dominos.ng to place your order and get your pizza in 25 minutes guaranteed!

Celebrate A Sheroe Today With Domino’s Pizza Oga Madam Deal!-Brand Spur Nigeria
Celebrate A Sheroe Today With Domino’s Pizza Oga Madam Deal!-Brand Spur Nigeria

Oh, that’s not even all. Valid throughout the 18th, 22nd 23rd and 24th of March, you can enjoy a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE offer when you order ONLINE. So, visit www. dominos.ng and get your extra FREE box of hot delicious pizzas on your medium pizza order.

It all gets sweeter when you indulge it with the recently launched Spiced BBQ Chicken Delight Pizza! Made with only the best ingredients, the Spiced BBQ Chicken Delight has easily become our favourite Pizza flavour. It is sweet, rich in BBQ sauce, and topped with delicious pepper chicken, onions, green pepper, and sweet corn. This Pizza is a fav!

So, make every day date with your favourite woman/sheroe this month. To never miss out on their amazing news, promo, and offerings, their social media pages should be your fav page. Make sure you follow them via @dominosng for more amazing offers and even more discounts.

Qatar’s New Minimum Wage Enters Into Force

Brand Spur
-
0
Qatar’s New Minimum Wage Enters Into Force

Qatar’s non-discriminatory minimum wage comes into force, applying to all workers, of all nationalities, in all sectors, including domestic workers.

Legislation adopted last year provided a six-month transition period for employers to prepare for the new minimum thresholds. Qatar is the first country in the region to introduce a non-discriminatory minimum wage, which is part of a series of historical reforms of the country’s labour laws.

In addition to the minimum monthly basic wage of 1,000 Qatari riyals QAR (275 USD), the legislation stipulates that employers must pay allowances of at least QAR 300 and QAR 500 for food and housing respectively if they do not provide workers with these directly.

More than 400,000 workers or 20 per cent of the private sector will benefit directly from the new law. “This wage increase will also improve the lives of a large number of family members in the workers’ countries of origin who rely on the remittances sent every month,” said Max Tuñón from the ILO Project Office in Qatar.

To ensure compliance with the minimum wage, the Government is enhancing the detection of violations, enacting swifter penalties and further strengthening the capacity of labour inspectors.

The minimum wage legislation was adopted following a comprehensive analysis carried out by the Government of Qatar and the ILO, in consultation with national and international experts and workers and employers from different sectors of the economy. The legislation also established a Minimum Wage Commission that will review the impact and application of the minimum wage, and propose adjustments, in consultation with different government bodies, experts, workers and employers.

This law follows other major reforms, including the dismantling of the kafala or sponsorship system. In particular, workers are no longer required to obtain an exit permit to leave the country, or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to change jobs. These measures will likely make Qatar a more attractive destination for global talent and investment.

“Some obstacles still must be addressed for more effective labour mobility, but we’ve observed a large number of workers moving to new jobs. While 75 per cent of the workers who have applied to change jobs have already completed the process, the remainder are currently being processed”, said Max Tuñón. “Companies across all industries have also benefited from being able to recruit workers locally, reducing the costs and risks related with cross-border recruitment.”

VIDEO: “Thank You” Doesn’t Pay The Bills

Brand Spur
-
0
VIDEO: “Thank You” Doesn’t Pay The Bills

Globally, women still earn 20 per cent less than men on average for doing the same type of work.

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to increase the gender pay gap even further, says ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, in a video message at an Equal Pay International Coalition event, taking place during the UN Commission on the Status of Women meetings in New York.

Porsche Achieves Sustainable Growth In 2020 Financial Year

Brand Spur
-
0
Porsche Achieves Sustainable Growth In 2020 Financial Year

The operating result is 4.2 billion euros. The previous year it was 4.4 billion euros before special items and 3.9 billion euros after. The return on sales was 14.6 per cent in 2020, within the strategic target corridor despite the tense economic situation.

The strong figures from 2019 were thus only barely missed, despite a temporary shutdown of production. In total, Porsche delivered more than 272,000 vehicles to customers worldwide. This is just three per cent less than the previous best year, 2019. The profit before tax was 4.4 billion euros, an increase on 2019.

“The financial year 2020 was successful for Porsche – despite challenging circumstances,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “There are four reasons for this: our attractive product range, convincing electric models, our brand’s innovative strength and the determination with which we approached our crisis management. More than 20,000 units were delivered of the Taycan, the first all-electric Porsche sports car.

This makes it the most successful electric sports car in its class. More than 50 international awards attest to this. Among other things, the Taycan has named the ‘world’s most innovative car’. Porsche stands for robust core business, sustainable action, social responsibility and innovative technology.”

“We’re very proud of our business figures,” says Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT of Porsche AG. “Despite the numerous challenges, we achieved our strategic target corridor with an operational return on sales of 14.6 per cent.”

According to Lutz Meschke, the fact that such record figures were achieved despite the difficult global situation was made possible by a very swiftly established cost and liquidity management system. “Our top priority in the crisis was liquidity. We needed to reduce all costs that were not absolutely necessary.” At no stage did Porsche lose sight of its long-term strategic direction.

“We didn’t scrimp at all when it comes to future topics. We continue to proceed at full speed on transformation, digitalisation and electrification. Attempting to economise in these areas will very quickly result in a loss of competitiveness. Our cost and liquidity management provided a benchmark. We protected our business so we can get going again at full steam once the crisis ends.”

Honing of the profitability programme

With this in mind, Porsche once again honed its ambitious “Profitability Programme 2025”. “Our new goal is to support our result cumulatively by 10 billion euros by 2025, and by 3 billion euros per year after that,” says Lutz Meschke. “The most important thing about our profitability programme is that it’s not just a savings plan, it’s also a programme of innovation. It’s not about cutting costs. It’s about intelligently optimising all of our processes and developing new business ideas.”

Impressions of the Annual Press Conference

Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board responsible for Finance and IT of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, l-r, 911 GT3, Annual Press Conference, 2021, Porsche AG
In a difficult market environment, Porsche has kept the number of employees constant at around 36,000. “No employee needs to be concerned. We concluded a job security agreement that guarantees the jobs of our core workforce until 2030,” says Lutz Meschke. “We’re not cutting any jobs or getting rid of any subsidiaries. On the contrary, we’re investing in our employees and in our future. This is paying off: Porsche increased its efficiency further and lowered its profit threshold. From this position we want to achieve our strategic goal of an operational return on sales of 15 per cent in 2021 as well, despite the difficult economic situation.” As in the previous years, Porsche shared the company’s bounty with the workforce. For 2020, the voluntary bonus is 7,850 euros.

Porsche targeting a CO2-neutral balance sheet for 2030

In the face of continuing climate change, Porsche AG set itself another ambitious target: “Sustainability is an important part of our Strategy 2030 – holistically: economically, ecologically and socially,” says Oliver Blume. “We launched a comprehensive decarbonisation programme with a firm target in mind: Porsche wants to have a CO2-neutral balance sheet throughout the entire value chain by 2030. We will achieve this by systematically avoiding and reducing CO2 emissions. All of the major sites like Zuffenhausen, Weissach and Leipzig have been CO2-neutral since 2021. We’ve earmarked more than a billion euros for decarbonisation over the next 10 years. We’ve reached the first milestone: the Taycan Cross Turismo, which had its world premiere at the beginning of March, is the first vehicle that will be CO2-neutral throughout the use phase.”

In 2020, a third of all Porsche vehicles delivered in Europe were fully or partially electric; worldwide it was 17 per cent. In 2025, half of all new Porsche vehicles sold will have an electric motor; in 2030, more than 80 per cent of the new vehicles will be electric.

For Porsche, socially responsible action also comes under the umbrella of sustainable management. In keeping with this, the company launched its “Porsche helps” programme during the pandemic. It saw countless employees give their time or money to charitable projects. To mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Porsche topped up its donations by five million euros, while food donations to the Tafel organisations were doubled.

Robust delivery performance

When it comes to deliveries, Porsche benefited from its strong global positioning. The number of sports cars delivered to customers remained largely stable. The greatest demand was for the Cayenne, with 92,860 vehicles delivered. This is an increase of one per cent compared with the previous year.

Cayenne GTS Coupé, Cayenne GTS, 2020, Porsche AG
Cayenne GTS and Cayenne GTS Coupé

A total of 20,015 Taycan cars were delivered in 2020 – despite the six-week production shutdown in spring that coincided with the start of production of the new model as well as numerous market premieres. China remains the largest single market: Porsche delivered 88,968 vehicles to Chinese customers in 2020 – an increase of three per cent compared with 2019. The Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions also continued to show positive growth overall, with 121,641 vehicles delivered there in 2020. This was a four per cent increase compared with the same period in the previous year. Porsche delivered a total of 80,892 vehicles in Europe. In America, this number was 69,629.

Danone Board Removes Faber As Company Chairman

Brand Spur
-
0
Danone Board Removes Faber As Company Chairman

The decision by Danone’s board that Faber will relinquish both positions follows recent pressure for governance changes from some shareholders, which have criticised the company’s performance.

Gilles Schnepp has been appointed as chairman of the board, effective immediately.

Meanwhile, the board has decided to appoint Véronique Penchienati-Bosetta, currently Danone’s CEO International, and current CEO North America Shane Grant to lead the business jointly while the search for a new chief executive is underway.

Penchienati-Bosetta and Grant will work together in the respective roles of CEO and deputy CEO.

In recent months, Danone conducted an open dialogue with shareholders, social partners, and stakeholders, resulting in activist fund Bluebell Capital Partners calling for the company’s chairman and CEO roles to be split and for Faber to be replaced. Recently, US investment firm Artisan Partners joined Bluebell in pushing for governance changes and efforts to deliver growth.

“The priority of the board is now to transition towards an improved governance,” said newly appointed Danone chairman, Gilles Schnepp.

“This means accelerating the process to recruit a new CEO, while Véronique and Shane continue to lead the business during this period. I look forward to working with the board to support them in their interim roles, and the wider management team as they accelerate our efforts to create value for all our stakeholders.”

Schnepp continued: “The board and I want to thank Emmanuel for his leadership and significant contributions to Danone since 1997, and since 2014 as CEO and then chairman and CEO. His vision and commitment to One Planet. One Health is ahead of the industry and have ensured that Danone is a world leader on sustainability. He leaves Danone with a strong platform from which to accelerate and grow.”

Keanu Reeves And Alex Winter Test The Porsche Taycan In ‘Going The Distance’

Brand Spur
-
0
Keanu Reeves And Alex Winter Test The Porsche Taycan In ‘Going The Distance’

Friends and Porsche enthusiasts Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter embark on an epic road trip in southern California that features a test of nerve, skill – and the Porsche Taycan Turbo.

‘Going the Distance’, an eight-minute film about the road trip, premiered today on the Porsche YouTube channel. In it, the two American Hollywood actors are given challenges by an all-star cast that tests both friends to their limits, on closed roads.

Racer and stunt driver Tanner Foust makes a guest appearance for the first stop in the film, giving Reeves and Winter the chance to experience the thrill of Launch Control in a Taycan Turbo. Next, the two accept the subsequent challenge set by Porsche factory driver, Patrick Long: a 3.2-kilometer hill climb up the Pacific Coast Highway following a 918 Spyder.

The two complete their day of trials on the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles track, where they attempt to beat the Taycan’s drift record. The challenges were performed under the supervision of professional drivers on closed courses.

Patrick Long, Alex Winter, Keanu Reeves, 918 Spyder, 2021, Porsche AG
The Taycan Turbo is at the core of the Taycan line up – capable of accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds with Launch Control (Taycan Turbo: CO2 emissions combined 0 g/km, Electricity consumption combined 28.0 kwh/100 km), it’s equipped with four-wheel drive and, through its twin electric motors, it has a combined 670 hp.

The Taycan is available to be tested on the track and to its limits at the worldwide Porsche Experience Centers.

Football and Sports Betting in Africa

Esan Bolaji
-
0
Football and Sports Betting in Africa

Ever since ancient times, sports have become an international hobby for millions of people, and with it, sports betting and lotteries were created along with the enthusiasm of people seeing their favorite teams and contestants aiming for the winning. The growing popularity of lotteries and sports betting was such that at some point, it started to have a huge impact on the economy.

 

Governmental participation started to play an important role in sports betting, gambling and lotteries. Although the dark side of gambling and sports betting have eclipsed the joyous side, nowadays it has spread more than ever, and despites the negative thought it can bring, the truth is that it can become a fun and entertained way of making money.

How Sports Betting Have Grown in Africa

According to researchers, sports betting has been played in the African continent for more than 70 years already. In Nigeria, it has been found that at least 60 million adult Nigerians have been involved in sports betting in the last years.

The growing popularity of sports betting in African countries is due to the loving and support Africans give to sports; in the current times, the sports that receive more attention in this continent include running races, rugby, cricket and horse racing. However, it is no secret that the sport owning the first place, not only in Africa but in the world, is football.

Football as A Main Sports Betting Reason

Now, the fact that football is the leader of all sports is something everyone is aware of. When it comes to sports betting, football offers better wagering opportunities for those enthusiastic players, including the chances of betting in a wide range of games. Football is the most played sports in the world, and with the popularization of the European league in the last decades, it has spread even more and has boosted the interest of football fans all around the globe. In this way, it is not a surprise to see young people excited while watching football matches, because devotion to sports and the massive sports betting growth in the continent is considerable.

Other Factors That Boost African Sports Betting

Besides the fact that Africans are hardcore sports bettors, other reason for the betting popularization, is the young population currently living in the continent. The majority of young adults, passionate for sports and football, day by day enhance the use of smartphones to reach the sportsbooks and online betting sites.

 

Sports betting businesses have improved along with the help of the internet. Nowadays, it is possible to bet in platforms all over the world. In Africa, it is now more usual to find sport betting sites that offer great services, promotions and bonuses for their participants; these also ease the opportunity to reach the sportsbooks and analyze the following games. Currently in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, it is very common to use the Nigerian bookmarker NairaBET or Bet9ja bookmarker review where any bettor can find great and fun ways to bet

Kwik Delivery Successfully Closed Its $1.7 Million Pre-Series A Financing Round

Brand Spur
-
0
Kwik Delivery Successfully Closed Its $1.7 Million Pre-Series A Financing Round

Kwik Delivery announces today that it has closed its pre-Series A financing round. The company successfully raised $ 1.7 million in equity from institutional and high net worth investors.

“Kwik Delivery has demonstrated to customers and investors alike its efficiency as well as the relevance of its bold technology-based approach during a most challenging period” explains Romain POIROT-LELLIG, Founder & CEO of Kwik Delivery.

“This financing round is enabling us to grow even faster and to disrupt and conquer new markets.”

Launched in 2019, Kwik Delivery is an on-demand, last-mile delivery platform that connects African businesses to independent delivery riders, dubbed Kwiksters.

The Kwik platform is currently open to Kwiksters operating in Lagos State. The Kwik Delivery app is available on iOS and Android.

Kwik Delivery is the trading name of Africa Delivery Technologies SAS.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kwik.

1...2,0582,0592,060...3,971Page 2,059 of 3,971