[2006] UGCommC 67

[2006] UGCommC 67

The applicant established itself as an aggrieved person by showing its interest in the trademark and its failed attempt to register the mark in Uganda due to the respondent's prior registration. The evidence, including the Uganda Revenue Authority's confirmation of no manufacture or import of YES-branded tobacco...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2006] UGCommC 67
Parties
Applicant: Potomac Tobacco Company Ltd; Respondent: British American Tobacco Co. Ltd; Respondent: British American Tobacco (Brands) Ltd
Court
Commercial Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
HCT-00-CC-MA 436 of 2006
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Application / Ruling
Outcome
application_allowed
Legal Topics
Trademark Non Use, Trademark Deregistration, Burden of Proof, Ex Parte Application
Source Language
en
Intellectual Property Civil Procedure Trademark Non Use Trademark Deregistration Burden of Proof Ex Parte Application

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Potomac Tobacco Company Ltd

Applicant

British American Tobacco Co. Ltd

Respondent

British American Tobacco (Brands) Ltd

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Miscellaneous Application / Ruling

  1. 1 Whether the trademark 'YES' should be removed from the Register of Trademarks for non-use.
  2. 2 Whether the recent renewal of the trademark 'YES' is null and void.

Ratio Decidendi

The applicant established itself as an aggrieved person by showing its interest in the trademark and its failed attempt to register the mark in Uganda due to the respondent's prior registration. The evidence, including the Uganda Revenue Authority's confirmation of no manufacture or import of YES-branded tobacco products, and the lack of any response or evidence from the respondents, satisfied the court that the trademark had not been used in Uganda for a continuous period of five years. The court found that the respondent had no bona fide intention to use the trademark and had not done so. Therefore, the requirements under Section 28 of the Trademarks Act for de-registration due to...

Court Disposition

application_allowed

Orders

  • The trademark 'YES', no.19212 in class 34, registered in favour of respondent no.1, is to be removed from the register of trademarks in Uganda for non-use.
  • The application is allowed with costs.