One Trademark, Two Courts: Ayman v. Akume Revisited
Author Information
Author: Adebambo Adewopo
Position: Research Professor
Institution: Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS)
Paper Details
Title: One Trademark, Two Courts: Ayman v. Akume Revisited
Author: Adebambo Adewopo
Subject Area: Trademark Law / Jurisdiction / Intellectual Property Law
Jurisdiction: Nigeria
Case Discussed: Ayman v. Akume 46 NIPJD [SC. 2003] 116/1999
Abstract / Overview
This article examines jurisdiction over trademark matters in Nigeria, focusing on the decision in Ayman v. Akume and how courts determine jurisdiction between the Federal High Court and State High Courts in trademark disputes. The article also analyzes the relationship between passing off and trademark infringement and argues for reform of the adjudication system.
Main Focus of the Paper
The article discusses:
- Jurisdiction in trademark matters in Nigeria
- Federal High Court vs State High Court jurisdiction
- Trademark infringement vs passing off
- Constitutional provisions affecting trademark disputes
- Need for reform of trademark adjudication system
Key Legal Issues Discussed
- Whether trademark disputes fall exclusively within Federal High Court jurisdiction
- Interpretation of Section 251 of the Nigerian Constitution
- Relationship between passing off and trademark infringement
- Court jurisdiction in registered vs unregistered trademarks
- Need for coordinated adjudication of trademark matters
Key Theme
- Trademark jurisdiction in Nigeria
- Federal High Court jurisdiction
- Passing off and trademark infringement
- Trademark litigation framework
- Reform of trademark adjudication
About the Article
The article critically reviews the Supreme Court decision in Ayman v. Akume, examining its impact on trademark litigation and advocating for clearer jurisdictional rules to improve trademark dispute resolution in Nigeria.
Suggested Citation
Adewopo, Adebambo
One Trademark, Two Courts: Ayman v. Akume Revisited
Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
