Alliance International Ltd. v. Saam Kolo International Enterprises Ltd.

Law Cases and Principles

Alliance International Ltd. v. Saam Kolo International Enterprises Ltd.

Court: Court of Appeal
Judgment Delivered: May 14, 2010
Citation: 53 NIPJD [CA. 2010] L/147/2003
Suit No.: CA/L/147/2003
Jurisdiction: Nigeria

Coram:

  • Adamu Jauro, J.C.A. (Delivered the Lead Judgment)
  • Adzira Gana Mshelia, J.C.A.
  • Raphael Chikwe Agbo, J.C.A.

Appearances

  • For the Appellant: Obiora A. Egwuatu (with Anne Dike and Uchenna Nwadialo)
  • For the Respondent: Gani Adetola-Kaseem, SAN (with Aisha Aremu Ogunlade)

Case Summary

Trademark Infringement – Legal Distinction Between Trademark and Registered Design
The case addressed whether a design registration could override an existing registered trademark. The Appellant’s reliance on a certificate of design for its use of the Respondent’s registered trademarks “Step” and “Guard” was found to be unfounded.

I. Key Facts

  • Respondent: Registered trademarks for “Step” and “Guard” shoe protectors in 1990.
  • Appellant: Claimed protection under a design certificate for similar products.
  • Dispute: Whether the design certificate permitted the use of a registered trademark.

II. Trial Court Outcome

  • Judgment in favor of the Respondent.
    • Injunction against further use of trademarks Nos. 49624, 49625, and 49626.
    • ₦5.5 million awarded as general damages.

III. Court of Appeal Findings

1. Trademark vs. Design Certificate

  • A design certificate does not grant rights to use a registered trademark.
  • The Appellant’s defense failed under Section 5(2) of the Trade Marks Act.

2. Locus Standi

  • The Respondent had sufficient evidence (letters, agreements) to establish agency and standing.

3. Abuse of Process

  • No abuse established. The previous case was for cancellation of a design certificate; this was for trademark infringement.

4. Excessive Awards

  • The court:
    • Reduced damages to ₦5 million (originally ₦5.5 million).
    • Set aside injunction relating to Trademark No. 49626.

5. Statutory vs. Common Law

  • Although the Trade Marks Act applied, common law principles were not misapplied.

IV. Final Judgment

  • Appeal Dismissed in Part
  • Adjustments made:
    • Damages reduced to ₦5 million
    • Injunction limited to Trademarks Nos. 49624 and 49625

V. Legal Principles Affirmed

  • Design registration does not supersede a registered trademark.
  • Relief must not exceed what is pleaded.
  • Section 5 of the Trade Marks Act confers exclusive rights to use a validly registered trademark.
  • Agency must be established with supporting documents when suing on behalf of a foreign principal.

VI. Cases Cited

  1. Alban Pharmacy Ltd. v. Sterling Products Int’l Inc. (1968)
  2. Kerly on Trade Marks, 10th Ed., para. 15-75
  3. Makinde v. Akinwale (1995) 6 NWLR (Pt. 399)
  4. Dada v. International Tanners Ltd (2005) 11 NWLR (Pt. 936) 293
  5. Egbeide v. Osula (2004) 12 NWLR (Pt. 866) 86
  6. R.E.A.N. Plc v. Anumnu (2003) 6 NWLR (Pt. 815) 52
  7. Owoniboys Tech. Services Ltd v. Union Bank Nig. Ltd (2003) 15 NWLR (Pt. 844) 545
  8. Chugbo Chemists Ltd v. Chugbo (1996) 5 NWLR (Pt. 447) 246
  9. Ferodo Ltd. v. Ibeto Industries Ltd. (2004) 5 NWLR (Pt. 866) 317
  10. NDIC v. S.B.N. Plc (2003) 10 NWLR (Pt. 801) 311
  11. Harka Air Services Ltd v. Keazor (2006) 1 NWLR (Pt. 960) 160
  12. Ajuwon v. Adeoti (1990) 2 NWLR (Pt. 132) 271
  13. Union Bank of Nigeria Ltd v. Odusote Bookstores Ltd (1995) 9 NWLR (Pt. 421) 558
  14. Mogaji v. Military Administrator, Ekiti State (1998) 2 NWLR (Pt. 538) 425
  15. ULGC v. Inwang (2010) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1185) 529
  16. Okwejiminor v. Gbakeji (2008) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1079) 172
  17. Sha (Jnr) v. Kwan (2000) 8 NWLR (Pt. 670) 685
  18. Fabiyi v. Adeniyi (2000) 4 NWLR (Pt. 662) 532
  19. Adeniji v. Adeniji (1972) 1 All NLR 298
  20. Uchonma v. Unosi (1965) NMLR 321