In an escalation of an online dispute, Nigerian tech entrepreneur and cryptocurrency figure, Blord, has formally threatened legal action against social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The contention centers on the use of the name “RATEL,” which Blord now asserts is the exclusive intellectual property of his brand as he has trademarked the name “Ratel”
Blord issued a public statement declaring that he has instructed his Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to serve VDM with a cease-and-desist letter. The directive demands that the activist immediately halt all use of the “RATEL” name. “I have directed my SAN to issue a cease-and-desist letter to VDM, instructing him to stop using my brand name, RATEL,” Blord stated emphatically. He further asserted that any future use of the name by VDM would require his approval.
The core of Blord’s argument is that “RATEL” has evolved beyond a mere term into a central component of his brand identity and commercial interests. He contends that VDM’s ongoing utilization of the name without authorization constitutes a direct infringement on his trademark and brand rights. This is to legally separate Blord’s commercial ventures from VDM’s Ratel movement.
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Blord’s argument is that “RATEL” has evolved beyond a mere term into a central component of his brand identity and commercial interests. He contends that VDM’s ongoing utilization of the name without authorization constitutes a direct infringement on his trademark and brand rights. This move aims to legally separate Blord’s commercial ventures from the activism-associated usage by VDM.
In another post this morning, Blord has stated that he will be dropping the cease-and-desist issue after much interference and pleadings from top echelons across the country. In his words “I woke up to flood of calls from highest echelons across Nigeria. They came begging that I should show mercy and allow VDM use the ratel brand name. And after due consideration, I’ve decided to withdraw the cease and desist order but his fans must address me as their CEO” VeryDarkMan in response posted a video on his social media acknowledging Blord as the CEO and boss of the “Ratels”.
The development is poised to ignite further controversy within their respective online communities. VDM’s supporters, in particular, have come to associate “RATEL” with his platform for social commentary and public accountability, setting the stage for a conflict that pits brand ownership against populist online identity.
VeryDarkMan in response posted a video on his social media handle this morning, stating that he was never fighting Blood or the Igbos, acknowledging Blord as the CEO and boss of the “Ratels”.
