In 2004, Benson & Hedges (Overseas) Limited filed an
opposition against the registration of trade mark application
UG/T/2004/039465 B&H in class 9. Benson & Hedges based its
opposition on the local and international reputation vesting in the
BENSON & HEDGES trade marks, including the B&H trade marks.
It alleged, in effect, that its trade marks were so well-known in
Uganda and abroad that the use of the B&H trade mark in
relation goods in class 9 would dilute that reputation. Benson
& Hedges relied on article 6bis of the Paris
Convention as the basis for its opposition.
Despite being filed in 2004, the Registry heard the matter on
an ex parte basis in June 2024. In its ruling,
the Registry deals with the issue of delay and was critical of the
opponent for failing to prosecute its opposition timeously. Insofar
as the protection sought by the opponent, the Registry recognised
that while Uganda is a signatory of the Paris Convention, the
protection afforded to famous
