Some Nigerians have taken to various social media platforms to express their displeasure after two Brits trademarked the word ‘Yoruba’ for their business, thereby making it impossible for others to use it.
This follows a television station in Nigeria, CultureTree TV, disclosing that the word ‘Yoruba’ is off-limits after they received an email from the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) because ‘Yoruba’ has been trademarked by a clothing company, Timbuktu Global. CultureTree took legal steps but Timbuktu Global stood its ground then later offered to sell the ‘Yoruba’ trademark, and this offer was rejected.
After this information was shared, Nigerians joined CultureTree in accusing Timbuktu Global of “robbery” and “cultural appropriation”. They stormed the social media pages of Timbuktu Global to demand an explanation. Also, Meanwhile,.
It didn’t end there as some netizens took their individual social media pages to slam the clothing company. They indicated that it is a sickening act for some people who don’t respect the culture of others. According to them, the word ‘Yoruba’ is not for sale and so they should immediately relinquish it.
Some who were amazed by how the clothing company was able to trademark ‘Yoruba’ stated that they are holding the IPO responsible for this. According to them, the IPO should have better known that ‘Yoruba’ is a whole ethnic group. Also,
That notwithstanding, some netizens emphasized that the very existence of the clothing company is wrong. In their opinion, the name they are using as their company name is a name of a city in Mali, Africa. Some reactions of social media users:
Comments on social media
Meanwhile, in a latest development, TimbuktuGlobal has responded to the reactions of Nigerians and CultureTree TV. They have apologized and disclosed that they will be releasing the trademarked word to the television station and any other person who wishes to use the trademark.
They further noted that they have not made any profit from the name ‘Yoruba’ and also said that they have spent thousands of Euros and several years protecting the trademark. However, they are glad to release the trademark freely without any charges. Also,. Also,. Meanwhile,.
They also begged Nigerians to stop harassing them on social media immediately since they never intended to cause any social uproar.
“We will be releasing Yoruba to Culture TV Tree immediately. They can claim Yoruba without objection.
“We have made no profit from Yoruba and never intend3d to. Also,we have actually spent thousands of pounds protecting the trademark.
“We will ask that all hate /harassment on social media comes to an end immediately. We did not intend to insult anyone and we apologize for any stress we have caused”.
Nonetheless, had it not been for CultureTree TV trying to trademark their program that teaches children Yoruba language, ‘Yoruba Stars’ then Timbuktu would have still been enjoying some royalties from the trademark. This has left many to wonder which other word has been trademarked without the knowledge of the originators.
Read also: RIHANNA SLAMMED WITH LAWSUIT
