Region: Uganda

The Private Sector Foundation of Uganda, which represents private sector interests in the country, has called for tougher measures against counterfeiting. The demands of the foundation come against the backdrop of initiatives aimed at curbing counterfeiting proposed by the East African Community Secretariat.

11 June 2008

Addressing an investors' roundtable at the end of March 2008, President Yoweri Museveni announced that the government is in the process of enacting tougher laws against counterfeiting in Uganda. The laws will aim to ensure that counterfeit goods are destroyed and that those who engage in counterfeiting activities are heavily punished.

29 April 2008

In <i>Anglo Fabrics (Bolton) Ltd v African Queen Ltd</i>, the High Court has held that African Queen Ltd infringed Anglo Fabrics (Bolton) Ltd's registered trademark MEKAKO and passed off its medicated soap products as those of Anglo Fabrics. Among other things, the decision has significant implications for brand owners acquiring or disposing of their trademarks.

20 March 2008

In <i>Nice House of Plastics Ltd v Lubega</i>, the Commercial Division of the High Court has held that the defendant had infringed Nice House of Plastics Ltd's trademarks NICE and NICE TOOTH BRUSH by importing toothbrushes bearing the marks into Uganda. However, the court found that a case of passing off had not been made out.

16 November 2007

The High Court of Uganda is set to hear an interesting dispute over the alleged infringement of a Kenyan company's trademarks and get-up in relation to its paints business by a Ugandan company. The case is particularly noteworthy as it shows that increasing numbers of companies in East Africa are willing to take legal action to protect their brand names and IP rights.

13 February 2007

In a criminal trademark infringement case, the Magistrates' Court in Kampala has acquitted the defendant, a local businessman. The court found that there was no proof beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant had knowingly infringed the KIWI mark for shoe polish. The decision was strengthened by the fact that the co-complainant had failed to register its exclusive licence to sell KIWI products in Uganda with the registrar.

19 July 2005