{"id":135298,"date":"2026-04-08T12:45:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T12:45:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=135298"},"modified":"2026-04-08T12:45:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T12:45:22","slug":"nigeria-trademark-disputes","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/nigeria-trademark-disputes\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigeria: Trademark Disputes"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-135298","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-trademark-disputes","jurisdictions-nigeria"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Chris Ogunbanjo LP<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/03\/Logo-of-Chris-Ogunbanjo-LP.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Chris Ogunbanjo LP<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/03\/Logo-of-Chris-Ogunbanjo-LP.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Trademark Disputes laws and regulations applicable in Nigeria<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To represent a client before Court in respect of a potential trademark infringement matter, do you require a Power of Attorney \u2013 and if so, what are the execution formalities required by your courts?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A Power of Attorney is not required for a lawyer to represent a client in a trademark infringement matter before a court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria. What is required is an instruction from the client to the lawyer for legal representation. However, such instruction need not be filed in court.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is it a requirement in your jurisdiction to send a cease and desist letter to a potential infringer before commencing proceedings for infringement? What are the consequences for a trademark owner who chooses not to send a pre-action letter?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no specific provision for the issuance of a cease-and-desist letter before the commencement of legal proceedings in trademark infringement matters in Nigeria.<\/p>\n<p>However, where the alleged infringer is an entity established by statute which prescribes the service of a pre-action notice prior to the commencement of legal proceedings, it is mandatory to issue a pre-action notice on such entity prior to the commencement of an action. The failure to issue a pre-action notice where it is required by law renders any suit or action commenced on such entity incompetent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your jurisdiction, is there a risk that a pre-action letter could give rise to claim against the trademark owner for unjustified threats? What steps should a trademark owner take to ensure any cease and desist letter does not expose the trademark owner to any liability.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, there are no risks that a pre-action letter would give rise to a claim for unjustifiable threats against the trademark owner, provided that the letter is issued bona fide and within the bounds of the law.<\/p>\n<p>Whilst there are no express statutory provisions on \u201cunjustifiable threats\u201d under Nigerian trademark law, this does not entirely shield a trademark owner from legal risks which may arise from the manner in which the pre-action letter is written.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is it mandatory for the parties to have attempted mediation or other alternative dispute resolution proceedings prior to commencing infringement proceedings? If so, what is the minimum expectation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, it is not mandatory for the parties to have attempted mediation or other alternative dispute resolution proceedings prior to commencing infringement proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are claims for trademark infringements heard before a general commercial Court or a specialist Court focused on Intellectual Property disputes? Are trademark infringement claims decided by a judge or by a jury?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The jurisdiction to hear and determine trademark disputes and related intellectual property matters is exclusively vested in the Federal High Court of Nigeria by virtue of the provision of section 251(1)(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). However, for criminal matters arising from trademark infringement, the Federal High Court of Nigeria and other courts such as the High Court of the States, and the Magistrate Courts, all have jurisdiction to hear and determine such matters.<\/p>\n<p>The Nigerian judicial structure does not operate a jury system. Trademark infringement claims are decided by a judge who evaluates the facts and evidence, resolves questions of law, and delivers a judgment\/decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a time limit for commencing trademark infringement proceedings once the facts giving rise to the infringement are known to the trademark owner. After how long would such a claim be time-barred? What action would a trade mark owner have to know to give rise to such a claim being time-barred (for example, is it knowing that a mark in question is in use or is it knowing that a trade mark application has been filed and\/or registered?)<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Nigeria, there is no specific statutory time limit under the Trade Marks Act (Cap T13 LFN 2004) for commencing trademark infringement proceedings. However, certain trademark claims such as passing off are regarded as torts under common law. For such tortious claims, the limitation period prescribed by the limitation law of the various states in Nigeria within whose territory the action\/proceeding is to be instituted will apply. For instance, under the Limitation Law of Lagos State, claims in tort cannot be instituted after 6 (six) years from the date that the cause of action accrued, not from the date of any specific knowledge by the trademark owner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your jurisdiction does the law protect unregistered trademarks of any kind, including by way of passing off, unfair competition or protection of trade dress. What are the criteria for their subsistence?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>While the owner of an unregistered trademark cannot institute proceedings to prevent, or to recover damages for trademark infringement under the Trademarks Act, the Courts in Nigeria have recognized the right of the owner of an unregistered mark to institute an action under the common law tort of passing off and to seek appropriate remedies.<\/p>\n<p>To succeed in an action for passing off, a claimant must prove the following:<\/p>\n<p>a) The trademark has become distinctly associated with the Claimant\u2019s goods by the purchasing public.<\/p>\n<p>b) The Defendant has imitated or adopted the Claimant\u2019s trademark or a mark so closely similar to the Claimant\u2019s trademark and it causes or is likely to cause confusion or lead to the belief that the Claimant and the Defendant are one and the same or that they are related.<\/p>\n<p>c) That the defendant\u2019s imitation or adoption has caused or is likely to cause economic damage to the Claimant\u2019s business or goodwill.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your jurisdiction will the Court hear claims for registered trademark infringement in parallel with claims for passing off,unfair competition, infringement of trade dress or other misleading advertising, or does a claimant need to bring such claims in a separate cause of action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In the Federal High Court of Nigeria where trademark suits are instituted, the Court can hear trademark infringement claims in parallel with passing off claims and other claims, in the same action, particularly where the issues for determination arise from the same transaction or set of facts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your jurisdiction, do your Courts share jurisdiction with your Trade Mark Office, such that parties need to seek to seize the forum they prefer first in time, or does the Court take precedence and intervene to stay or transfer any live Registry proceedings (for example relating to invalidity or revocation of registered trade mark) which may overlap with an issued infringement claim and related counterclaim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Although the Federal High Court of Nigeria is the court with original and exclusive jurisdiction over trademarks related actions, the Trade Marks Act also empowers the Registrar of Trademarks to administratively preside over certain trademark-related disputes on matters relating to registration, opposition, removal from register, rectification of register and other related issues. Upon the Registrar giving his decision, any dissatisfied party may appeal to the Federal High Court against the Registrar\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n<p>For some of the trademark-related actions over which the Registrar is authorized to preside, such as rectification of register, striking out from register, and removal from register, the Trademarks Act gives the party the liberty to bypass the Registrar and commence an action before the Federal High Court.<\/p>\n<p>Where there is a pending action in court in respect of a trademark, any application or proceedings which any party intends to make or initiate in relation to the trademark can only be made to the court. The existence of a suit in respect of a trademark completely ousts the authority of the Registrar to preside over or hear actions relating to the said trademark.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Where the defendant has a counterclaim for invalidity or cancellation of the registered trademark being asserted against it (either on the basis of earlier rights or as a result of non-use by the trademark proprietor), does the counterclaim become part of the infringement action, so that both issues are heard by the same Court within a single action, with the Court making a determination at its conclusion, or are the validity issues bifurcated and heard in separate parallel proceedings? If in your jurisdiction validity issues are bifurcated, what are the practical consequences of this from a timing perspective? For example, does this mean that a Court will stay the infringement claim and proceed with the validity attack first to avoid finding a trademark infringed, only to have a separate Court find the trademark invalid at a later date?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the Nigerian legal system, counterclaims for invalidity or cancellation of the registered trademark are not bifurcated. A counterclaim is heard and determined contemporaneously with the substantive action in a single suit by the same court. However, the court will deal with the substantive infringement action and the counterclaim separately as if both are independent actions, but comprised in a single suit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your jurisdiction, does a defendant have a defence of using a mark honestly and concurrently available to them?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, a defendant may plead the defence of honest concurrent use, but cogent and credible evidence must be led to establish the same. However, the recent decision of the Federal High Court in Citilink Accesscorp Limited (\u2018Citilink\u2019) v MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (\u2018MTN\u2019) indicates a strict interpretation of trademark exclusivity, which emphasizes the rights of the first registrant. In the said case which is marked FHC\/L\/CS\/1124\/2014, decided in March 2025, the Federal High Court in Lagos, despite MTN\u2019s defence of honest and concurrent use, ordered MTN Nigeria to pay Citilink the sum of N840,000,000.00 (Eight Hundred and Forty Million Naira) in damages for trademark infringement. The suit, filed in 2014, alleged that MTN&#8217;s use of &#8220;MTN WEBPLUS&#8221; and &#8220;WEB+&#8221; infringed on Citilink&#8217;s registered &#8220;WEBPLUS&#8221; trademark, causing brand dilution and business loss.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">When considering the validity of a registered trade mark, does the Court consider whether the trade mark has been registered in bad faith? If so, what actions would indicate this bad faith?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. In Nigeria, a court may consider whether a trademark was registered in bad faith when determining validity.<\/p>\n<p>Bad faith may arise in circumstances where the mark or part of the mark was:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Obtained fraudulently<\/li>\n<li>Contains a scandalous design<\/li>\n<li>Contradicts law or morality<\/li>\n<li>Registered without entitlement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">If the main objective in commencing infringement proceedings is to secure an injunction, is a claimant required to state how much their claim is worth at the point their claim is issued?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The claimant is not required to state the monetary value of the claim at the time of commencing the action. However, considering the fact that at the commencement of an action, the rules guiding the superior courts in Nigeria require parties to frontload their pleadings, other court processes and evidence they intend to rely upon, this makes manifest the worth of the claim.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is it possible to seek a preliminary injunction in your jurisdiction? If so, what is the criteria a trademark owner needs to establish and is there a bond or other undertaking in damages payable to compensate the defendant if the Court finds no infringement following a substantive hearing?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. In Nigeria, a trademark owner may seek a preliminary injunction to preserve its rights in the subject matter of the suit pending the final determination of the suit. The primary types of preliminary injunctions in Nigeria are interim injunctions and interlocutory injunctions. Interim injunctions are granted exparte (without the other party being heard) and only in cases of extreme urgency, and for short durations (typically 7 to 14 days). They are usually granted pending the hearing of the interlocutory injunction on notice. Interlocutory injunctions are granted after both parties have been heard. They typically last till the determination of the substantive suit.<\/p>\n<p>The most popular interim injunction usually deployed in trademark infringement matters in Nigeria is the Anton Piller Injunction. This allows brand owners to enter suspected infringer\u2019s premises, search for, and seize offending products or materials to prevent destruction of evidence.<\/p>\n<p>To obtain either interim or interlocutory injunctions, the Applicant must establish the following:<\/p>\n<p>a) He has an existing legal right that he is seeking to protect in the suit.<\/p>\n<p>b) There must be serious questions or issues for determination in the suit.<\/p>\n<p>c) The inconvenience the Applicant will suffer if the injunction is not granted is greater than the inconvenience the Respondent will suffer if the injunction is granted.<\/p>\n<p>d) He will suffer irreparable harm or loss that cannot be adequately compensated by damages.<\/p>\n<p>e) He has acted promptly and equitably.<\/p>\n<p>f) He undertakes to compensate the respondent if it turns out that the injunction ought not to have been granted.<\/p>\n<p>While a monetary bond is not automatically mandated, the Court has discretion to order the same if deemed appropriate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is a licensee (whether exclusive or non-exclusive) of a registered trademark entitled to commence proceedings for trademark infringement? Does the trademark proprietor need to be joined as a party to the proceedings, and does it have an effect whether the licensee is registered before the local Trademark Registry?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Typically, the license agreement between parties dictates their rights and obligations, including the right to commence proceedings for trademark infringement.<\/p>\n<p>However, the only category of persons expressly mentioned under the Trademarks Act, other than the proprietor, as having locus standi to commence proceedings for trademark infringement under the Act, are registered users (persons whose license with the proprietor has been registered with the Registrar of Trademarks). Albeit, the Act makes the right to commence such infringement proceedings subject to the license agreement between the parties. Also, before the registered user can commence such proceedings, he must have informed the proprietor of the infringement, and the proprietor must have failed to take necessary action after the expiration of two (2) months from the date he was so notified.<\/p>\n<p>Under the Trademarks Act, where a registered user commences proceedings for trademark infringement, the action is to be instituted in the name of the registered user, and the proprietor is to be included as a Defendant in such action.<\/p>\n<p>Where the license of a licensee is not registered, the licensee may still institute trademark infringement suit based on the license agreement between the parties. The bundle of rights and extent of authority conferred on the licensee will determine the capacity in which the action will be instituted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Where the claim for trademark infringement is premised on similarity between the defendant\u2019s mark and the trademark owner\u2019s registered mark, does the proprietor need to demonstrate that confusion has occurred or simply that there is a risk of confusion? What is the minimum standard required to secure a finding of infringement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>According to the Trade Marks Act (Cap T13 LFN 2004), infringement occurs where a person uses a mark identical with or so nearly resembling the registered trademark as to be likely to deceive or cause confusion in the course of trade.<\/p>\n<p>In Nigeria, a claimant alleging infringement based on similarity is not required to prove that confusion has actually occurred. It is sufficient to demonstrate that the defendant&#8217;s mark is identical to or so nearly resembles the registered mark as to be likely to deceive or cause confusion in the course of trade. The minimum standard required is proof on the balance of probabilities, of a real likelihood of confusion by ordinary consumers of the relevant goods or services.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your jurisdiction is it possible to rely on post-sale confusion as a means of securing a finding of trade mark infringement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>While \u2018post sale confusion\u2019 is an evolving concept, an examination of the provision of Section 5 of the Trade Marks Act which defines the right of a trademark proprietor, and the judgments of Nigerian courts on the concept of \u2018confusion\u2019 in relation to trademark infringement, impliedly makes it manifest that post sale confusion may sustain a trademark infringement suit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your jurisdiction what type of disclosure or discovery is typically ordered by the Court in respect of trademark infringement actions from both parties?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In trademark infringement actions in Nigeria, the Court makes disclosure or discovery orders through two procedures. The first procedure is known as interrogatories (this is for obtaining information from a party); while the second procedure is known as discoveries (this is for obtaining documents from a party). In appropriate cases, particularly upon an application by any of the parties, the court may make search and seizure orders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What type of expert evidence is permitted by the Court in your jurisdiction? Does the Court accept consumer surveys and are there specific rules about how consumer surveys are conducted. Do the parties need to request prior permission from the Court to adduce survey evidence?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In accordance with the Evidence Act 2011 of Nigeria, the expert evidence permitted are in respect of: foreign law, native law and custom, science, art, identity of handwriting, and finger impression.<\/p>\n<p>Consumer surveys, like any other document, are generally admissible if they are relevant, tendered by the maker (or fall under one of the exceptions), and the appropriate primary version is tendered or, in the absence of the primary version, the permitted secondary version is tendered. However, the evidential weight to be attached to it will be determined by what the survey is seeking to establish. There are no specific rules on how consumer surveys are conducted.<\/p>\n<p>Also, no prior permission is required from the Court for a consumer survey to be carried out by a party.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does evidence submitted by your client in trademark infringement proceedings have to be accompanied with a statement of truth or other similar declaration?  Which party is typically responsible for signing the statement of truth (or similar), the entity itself or the entity's representatives?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Nigeria, evidence in trademark infringement proceedings before the Federal High Court have to be submitted through an affidavit or witness statement on oath. There is no requirement for the filing of a separate \u2018statement of truth\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Where the party is a corporate entity, the affidavit or witness statement on oath is sworn by an authorized officer, representative of the company, or a donee of a Power of Attorney by the company specifically for the purpose of the proceedings and other allied matters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your jurisdiction is it possible for a claimant to seek summary judgment and\/or strike out of an infringement claim? What are the legal criteria for a Court to grant summary judgment?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Nigeria, specifically at the Federal High Court where trademark infringement actions are instituted, summary judgment (known as Undefended List under the Federal High Court Practice and Procedure Rules) is only available for debt recovery and liquidated monetary claims. Thus, where the principal reliefs being sought in a Trademark Infringement action is for a liquidated sum of money, then the procedure can be adopted.<\/p>\n<p>For the court to make an order for summary judgment, it must be shown that the action is either for debt recovery or is in respect of a liquidated money demand, and it must be established that the Defendant has no reasonable defense to the claims of the Claimant.<\/p>\n<p>Also, a party is at liberty to apply for the striking out of its infringement claim.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How long does it typically take to reach judgment in a trademark infringement action from issue of the claim, through to first instance decision? What is the lower and upper range of legal costs for such an action?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Nigeria, a trademark infringement action before the Federal High Court typically takes 18\u201336 months to reach first instance judgment. Simpler cases may be concluded between 12\u201318 months and complex disputes can extend to 3\u20135 years. The Legal costs of trademark infringement actions in Nigeria, from commencement to conclusion, at the court of first instance, typically range from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on complexity, duration, caliber of legal representation, and ancillary costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Following a first instance decision, is it possible for either party to appeal the decision? What are the grounds upon which an appeal can be lodged? Is it necessary to request permission to appeal, or are appeals automatically permissible? If either party file an appeal, is the enforcement of the first instance decision stayed pending the outcome of the appeal?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Either party can appeal the trademark infringement decision of the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal.<\/p>\n<p>The Grounds upon which an appeal can be lodged are: grounds of law, grounds of fact, grounds of mixed law and facts.<\/p>\n<p>Appeals against final decisions on questions of law are generally permissible as of right, while appeals involving interlocutory rulings or factual issues or appeal of mixed law and facts require leave of the court.<\/p>\n<p>Filing an appeal does not automatically stay enforcement of the judgment; a separate application for stay of enforcement\/execution must be made to the Court before there can be a stay of enforcement of the judgment of the court of first instance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">If the parties have been involved in a dispute before the local Trademark Office, what relevance does this have on later infringement proceedings? For example where trademark owner (A) may have already sought to oppose the registration of a third party (B\u2019s) mark in proceedings before the local Trade Mark Office, is the trademark owner estopped from seeking invalidity of a registered trade mark where its opposition failed where the invalidity action is based on the same grounds as the unsuccessful opposition?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Where parties have been involved in an opposition dispute before the Registrar of Trademarks, any party dissatisfied with the decision of the Registrar may appeal against the decision of the Registrar to the Federal High Court. However, where a party fails or refuses to appeal against the decision of the Registrar on the opposition, such a failure will not prevent such party from later instituting, at the Federal High Court, infringement proceedings on grounds that are similar to the grounds of the initial opposition dispute. The original jurisdiction of the Federal High Court over infringement disputes as conferred by the Trade Marks Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, cannot be ousted by the initial administrative decision of the Registrar of Trademarks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your jurisdiction, does the Court consider both liability and quantum within the same proceeding, or will any damages be assessed after the Court has reached a decision on liability? How are damages for trademark infringement proceedings typically assessed in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>While both liability and quantum are decided in the same proceeding, the Court often first makes a finding on liability before assessing the quantum of damages payable.<\/p>\n<p>Damages are compensatory and may be awarded as general damages (often assessed as a lump sum for general losses and inconvenience), special damages (often assessed based on the exact loss suffered) which must be proved strictly, punitive\/exemplary damages, or nominal damages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In addition to an injunction and damages, what other remedies are available in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In addition to injunctions and damages, the Federal High Court may grant the following remedies: search and seizure orders, delivery up of infringing materials\/goods, accounts of profits, removal from register, rectification of register, and payment of legal costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Following a decision on the merits, is the winner entitled to recover all or a portion of its legal costs incurred in bringing or defending the proceedings. If legal costs are recoverable, what is the procedure involved and how does the Court assess the level of legal costs which should be reimbursed by the losing party.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Legal costs are recoverable, but the quantum is at the discretion of the Court. The Court assesses recoverable costs based on reasonableness, complexity, duration of proceedings, estimated cost of filing of court processes, nature of the claims, and the conduct of the parties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Once the Court has issued a judgment, how long typically does the losing party have to comply with the Court\u2019s judgment including any final injunction issued? What are the consequences for failing to comply and how would the winning party seek enforcement of its judgement.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Compliance with the judgment of the Court including any final injunction, is to be immediate, unless the Court specifies otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>If the losing party fails to comply with the Court\u2019s judgment, he can be cited for contempt of court, which may lead to imprisonment for a term or a fine.<\/p>\n<p>The successful party may enforce the judgment by initiating enforcement proceedings such as garnishee proceedings, writs of execution, writ of sequestration, or contempt proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">4170<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/135298","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=135298"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}