[1999] UGHC 12

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\fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 \sbasedon0 \snext16 \styrsid5994668 footer;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid5994668 page number;}} {\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\pgptbl {\pgp\ipgp0\itap0\li0\ri0\sb0\sa0}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid3168777\rsid3217606\rsid4143281\rsid5994668\rsid6781172}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA } {\author Administrator}{\operator kgalenda}{\creatim\yr2009\mo6\dy2\hr16\min2}{\revtim\yr2009\mo6\dy2\hr16\min16}{\version3}{\edmins15}{\nofpages6}{\nofwords1500}{\nofchars8555}{\*\company JSI}{\nofcharsws10035}{\vern24689}}\paperw11906\paperh16838 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1800\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1 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{\insrsid5994668 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6781172\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\pvpara\phmrg\posxr\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15291074 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid5994668 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid3217606 5}}}{\cs17\insrsid5994668 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri360\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin360\lin0\itap0\pararsid5994668 {\insrsid5994668 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3168777 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \line IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA \line CIVIL SUIT 1035/95 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 \line ABERCOMBIE & KENT LTD}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 \'85\'85\'85\'85}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 PLAINTIFF \line - VERSUS - \line ABERCOMBIE & KENT (UGANDA}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777\charrsid5994668 ) LTD}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 & OTHERS}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 DEFENDANT \line BEFORE: }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 THE HONOURABLE LADY JUSTICE C. K. BYAMUGISHA }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 \line }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 JUDGMENT }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3168777 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 The plainti ff Abercombie and Kent Ltd filed this action against the defendant claiming the following reliefs}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777\charrsid5994668 : -}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 (a)}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 General damages for passing of}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 f; \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3168777 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 (b) }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 A permanent injunction restraining the first, second and third defendants from carrying on business }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777\charrsid5994668 under a}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 name constituted of the words \'93Abercombie and Kent\'94 o}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 r}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 any semblance thereto; \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 (c) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 An order directing the 4}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3168777 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 defendant to strike the first defendant\rquote s name off the register; \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 (d) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 Costs of the suit. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 (e) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 Any other and further relief as this court may deem fit in the circumstances. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5994668 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 A resume of the facts leading to these proceedings is as follows:}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 - }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 On the 15}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3168777 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 day of De}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 cember 1992, the plaintiff was }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 incorporated as a company in Uganda}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 . The defendant was also }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 incorporated earlier on the 30}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3168777 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 day of September 199 2. Both companies were or are supposed to carry on tourist business. The plaintiff claims that it has acquired intervation reputation in the tourism business and it was unaware at the time of incorporation that the first defendant had been incorporated an d registered with a similar name and similar }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777\charrsid5994668 objectives. It}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 is therefore the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777\charrsid5994668 plaintiff\rquote s}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 contention that the second and third defendant in incorporating the first defendant acted fraudulently and with a view to deceive the public that their company (the first defendant) was the same as or related to the plaintiff. In the alternative it was averred that the second and third defendants acted as a front for a person or persons who had the intention to pass off their business as the plaintiff. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 The first and third defendants filed a joint written statement of defence in which they denied the allegations contained in paragraphs 1,3,4,5,6,7,9, 10,11,12,13 and 14 of the plaint and vowed to put the plaintiff to strict proof for all of them. They also denied having inf ringed on the use of the plaintiffs name as alleged. In particular the two defendants averred that on the 10}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3168777 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 April 1991 they wrote to the Registrar of companies applying that the name Abercombie & Kent (Uganda) Ltd if available be reserved for their inten ded company. In return the Registrar confirmed that the name was available and duly reserved the same for use by the second and third defendants. Copies of the said letters were annexed to the written statement of defence. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 It was the defence case that on 30}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3168777 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 September 1992}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777\charrsid5994668 , the}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 first defendant became incorporate}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 d in Uganda as a limited }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 liability company. After incorporation on 15}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3168777 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 December 1992, the plaintiff according to the defence, started trading and passing itself off as the first defendant. On 11}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3168777 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 September the plaintiff through its lawyers Messrs Shonubi, Musoke & Company Advocates wrote to the Registrar of Companies acknowledging the facts that the plaintiff was registered after the first defendant and sought the Registrar\rquote s guidance on the matter. On 13}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3168777 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 September the Registrar responded and stated that the registration of the plaintiff was irregular and an oversight on the Registrar\rquote s part and he directed the plaintiff to change its name to some other name that was not similar or closely near that of the first defendant. It is averred that the plaintiff refused to heed this directive and it has continued to trade/pass off as the first defendant and therefore if there is any passing off and trade libel as alleged in the plaint it is the p laintiff which has transgressed against the first defendant. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 In the counter-claim the first defendant repeats the various heads of contention in the defence and counter-claims against the plaintiff and the Registrar of companies and seeks the following orders: - \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3168777 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 a) }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 A permanent injunction to restrain the plaintiff (whether by its director\rquote s servants, employees or agents or any of them or otherwise) from using in connection with their business the name Abercombie & Kent (Uganda) Ltd or Abercombie and Kent Lt d or any other name/style so clearly resembling the name of the first defendant/counter claimed as to be calculated to lead to members of the p}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 ublic utilising the services }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 of the plaintiff in the belief that it is the first defendant/counter/claimant\rquote s business and generally from passing off or attempting to pass off the plaintiff\rquote s said business as that of the first defendant and counter-claimant\rquote s business. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 b) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 Delivery for destruction of all materials and documents including all business cards, letter heads, business stationery and other matters the use of which would be a breach of the injunction prayed for; \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 c) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 General damages for passing off and trade libel and/or an account of all profits accrued by the plaintiff as a result there from. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 d) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 An or der compelling the Registrar of Companies to strike off the name of the plaintiff from the Registrar of Companies. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 e) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 Costs of the suit. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3168777 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 Particulars of in}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 fringement and Passing off were of tabulated in paragraph 9 thereof. Particulars of loss and damage were contained in paragraph 13. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5994668 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 The plaintiff made a reply to the written statement of defence and counter-claim in which it contended that prior to the 30}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3168777 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 September, 1992, the name \'93Abercombie and Kent\'94 was used in Uganda by its promoters in course of trade and this fact was known to the first defendants agents and/or directors. It is also contended that the first defendant has not carried on at any time the business of tourism or any other business and thus has no population or good will with the busi n}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 ess or in the name }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 \'93Abercombie and Kent\'94 or any variations or }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777\charrsid5994668 Semblance}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 of the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 name. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3168777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 The plaintiff admitted the fact of its incorporation but stated that until the 11}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3217606 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 September 1992}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 the plaintiff was ignored of the existence of the first defen dant and it incorporated itself in good faith and without any intimation from the Registrar of Companies that a similar name existed on the register. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 In reply to the counter-claim, it is denied that the counter-claimant has suffered any loss or damage and that the name \'93Abercombie and Kent is the exclusive property of the plaintiff. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 At the commencement of the trial, the fol}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 lowing were the agreed issues:-}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3217606 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 1.\tab }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 whether the plaintiff was car}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 rying on business in Uganda in }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 1991 to the knowledge of the first offender or its agents. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 2. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 whether there was any passing off and or trade libel, and or fraud by either the first or the third defendant. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 3. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 if so whether the plaintiff is entitled to the remedies claimed. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 4. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 whether the plaintiff infringed and or passed of f and or used the first defendant\rquote s name as its own. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 5. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 whether the first defendant and 3}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid3217606 rd}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 defendants are entitled to the remedies claimed in the counter-claim. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5994668 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 The plaintiff called two witnesses. The defendants called none from the testimony by the plaintiff\rquote s witnesses, the following facts are not in dispute. The plaintiff is engaged in the tourist business in }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 many countries. According to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 certificates of incorporations (exhibit P1) it has sister companies in the limited Kingdom, United States, Indi a, Zimbabwe, Austraria, Botswana, Tanzania, Hong-Kong, and Kenya. Before its incorporation in Uganda in 1992, it carried out business through an agent called Captain Collion Stuart who was the proprietor of Hot Ice Ltd. This company was also engaged in th e tourist business. The first defendant was incorporated as a company with Collin Stuart as one of the promoters. Since its incorporation the first defendant has not carried out any business. On the other hand, the plaintiff has been bringing }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606\charrsid5994668 tourism}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 Uganda and has made some investments in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. The plaintiff encountered problems while negotiating concessions with Uganda National Parks because Collin Stuart as the then chairman of Uganda Tour Operators Association claimed that Mr. & Mr s. Kent were passing off a company which they did not own. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 The legal basis for an action of passing off is that it is wrong for the defendant to represe}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 nt, for trading purposes, that }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 his/her goods on the market or th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 e business is that of the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 busines}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 s is that of the plaintiff. it is immaterial whether the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 representation made is effected by direct statements or by using the badges or get ups by which the goods or business of the plaintiff are known by the ordinary consumers. This principle was broadly stated in the case of }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 Parker-Knoll Ltd vs. Knoll International Ltd }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 [1962] P. P. C.265 where the court }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606\charrsid5994668 said:}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 -}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606\charrsid5994668 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3217606 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606\charrsid5994668 \'93In}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 the interests of fair trading and in the interests of all who may wish to buy or sell goods the law recognises that certain limitations upon freedom of a ction are necessary and desirable. In som}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 e situations the law has had }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 to resolve what might at first appear to be conflicts between competing rights. In }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606\charrsid5994668 solving}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 the problems which ha}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 ve arisen there has been no need }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 to resort to any abstruse principles but rather --to the straight forward principle that trading must not only be honest but must not even unintentionally be unfair.\'94 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3217606 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 In the matter now before court, I think the plaintiff has established that it has a business reputation which it has built over the years under the name of \'93Abercombie & Kent\'94 and therefore it has a right to restrain anyone else from injuring its business by using that name. Therefore the first and second issue will be answered in the affirmative. The plaintiff is accordingly entit led to the reliefs claimed in the plaint i.e. a permanent injunction to restrain the first second and third defendant from carrying on business under any name constituted of the words \'93}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606\charrsid5994668 Abercrombie}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 & Kent\'94 or any }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606\charrsid5994668 semblance}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 there to as to be likely to deceive or cause confusion. The plaintiff will have costs of the suit. Since the defendants did not prove their claim against the plaintiff, no reliefs will be given and the same is dismissed with costs to the plaintiff. There will be judgment in those terms. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3217606 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 C. K. }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 Byamugisha}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 \line }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 Judge }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3217606 \line 30/11/99}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5994668 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4143281\charrsid5994668 \par }}