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Coca Cola vs Pop Cola: Court fixes 22 February for ruling on interlocutory application

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Coca-cola bottles

 

By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

A Kano Federal High court sitting at Gyadi Gyadi  has  fixed 22nd  February for  ruling,  on an interlocutory  application on  the case of patent rights  filed by Coca Cola international against  a local  Nigerian beverage brand  producer  Pop Cola.

The  counsel to the plaintiff,   Mark Mordi ,SAN  addressing the   court, on the interlocutory application ,  last Monday told the court that the issue before it for determination borders on the labeling of the product manufactured by the defendants.

According to counsel ,  the plaintiff   in the matter  is not contesting the design of the bottle , rather its legal grouse is about the labeling of the defendant’s product, which in  legal thinking should be considered by the court  as a mix and should be declared thus .

He further  submitted to  the court that , Pop Cola has no proper documented evidence to show that it  acquired the statutory registered trade mark certification of Pop Cola   from the patent regulatory agencies, further adding   that the defendants were yet to be formally  issued with a trade mark certificate.

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The plaintiff also  note that, exhibit MBL 2 in the matter,  is a missive written to Pop Cola by Nigeria Copyrights Commission, which states  that the  registration of Pop Cola trade mark is still   been proceed, by the  commission, adding  that the missive  could not  translate  to Pop Cola  trade mark ownership.

He averred that all relevant legal authorities will be supplied to the court.

Earlier, counsel to the plaintiff  had presented two distinct  bottle of beverages to buttress to the court  the issue of similarity that is the legal  contention  between Coca Cola and Pop Cola.

Muhuyi VS Kano Govt:Court Adjourns To March 7

The counsel to the defendants, Offiong Offiong, SAN  said Coca Cola could not claim exclusivity to the use of the word “Cola” explaining to the court  that the word “Cola “ is generic.

He argued that, Coca Cola  is allegedly hiding under the guise of trade mark  ownership to  claim exclusivity to the use of the word “Cola”.

Offiong further told the court that the issues of similarity is hinged on distinctiveness, adding that a mark must be something distinct, which applies to the brand paraded by Pop Cola as against the claim by the plaintiff.

According to him, Coca Cola  has  not established  its case of claimed legal rights over the  exclusivity of the  stripe crossing on the duo beverages , which is the issue of contention before the court.

He dismissed  , what he described as appropriation  of exclusivity to the use of the word  “Cola” and ribbon on Pop Cola that is  been claimed by the plaintiff.

The presiding judge, Hon Justice  Nasiru Yunus  declared the matter adjourned to 22 February  for ruling , on the interlocutory application.

 

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Private Schools: A Backbone of Youth Employment -Imam Zubair

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Private schools in Kano State have emerged as a significant industry fostering youth employment across various sectors, according to Alhaji Imam Ahmad Zubairu Galadanchi, MNI, Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Kano State chapter.

In an exclusive discussion with journalists, Alhaji Imam Galadanchi highlighted the economic impact of private schools, stating that each institution employs over sixty staff members—including teachers and non-academic personnel—who receive regular monthly salaries. Beyond direct employment, he noted that these schools stimulate local businesses by commissioning sportswear and student uniforms from tailors within the community.

With over 4,000 private schools officially registered with the Kano State Government, the sector plays a vital role in shaping education and economic development. Galadanchi called on parents to continue enrolling their children in neighborhood schools to ensure quality education and promote their children’s growth. He stressed the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education, advising parents to monitor lesson notes and assignments actively.

Furthermore, he urged parents to prioritize their children’s well-being by supporting their education, nutrition, and healthcare needs.

The private school industry in Kano remains a cornerstone for employment and local economic growth, reinforcing the importance of community-driven education.

Signed:
Ahmed Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, Zonal Information Officer, Municipal Zone 1

 

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NUJ Kano State Council Urges Government to Provide Fertilizer Ahead of Raining Season

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on the Kano State Government to ensure the timely provision of adequate fertilizer and other agricultural inputs to farmers in preparation for the upcoming rainy season. This appeal was made in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the council’s congress meeting, which brought together representatives from various chapels under the union.

The congress, presided over by the council’s chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, focused on addressing issues affecting journalism, the unity of its members, and broader concerns impacting the state. In his opening remarks, Dederi commended members for their dedication to their professional duties and emphasized the importance of the meeting in fostering dialogue and collaboration.

During the session, the congress reviewed and adopted the council’s secretariat and financial reports. Members also deliberated on a range of pressing issues, leading to several resolutions:

1. Environmental Concerns: The congress expressed alarm over the rampant felling of trees and indiscriminate bush burning across the state, which threaten the ecosystem and ozone layer. It urged the government and relevant stakeholders to address these practices and called on individuals to desist from such harmful activities.

2. Health Initiatives: The congress appealed to the state Commissioner of Health to implement measures to combat mosquitoes and prevent malaria outbreaks in both rural and urban areas.

3. Sports Development: A recommendation was made to the state Commissioner of Youth and Sports to procure a luxury bus for Kano Pillars, aiming to alleviate transportation challenges faced by the team.

4. Power Supply: The congress highlighted the adverse effects of incessant power outages on the socio-economic lives of Kano residents and called on stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

5. Agricultural Support: The council reiterated its plea for the government to provide farmers with necessary inputs, including fertilizer, to ensure a successful farming season.

In addition to these resolutions, the congress extended commendations to the Kano State Government for its efforts in reviving education and improving infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, and street lighting. The council also lauded the Correspondents Chapel for raising one million Naira to support the family of a deceased member, Mr. Ted Odugwu, and congratulated the newly inaugurated Online Chapel on its achievements.

The communiqué was signed by Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, the council’s chairman, and Abubakar Shehu Kwaru, the council’s secretary. The drafting committee included Abdullahi Yusuf, Abubakar A. Dangambo, and Farida Umar Abdu.

The NUJ Kano State Council remains committed to advocating for the welfare of its members and addressing issues of public interest.

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Bandits Kill Abducted Chief Imam of Historic Maru Central Mosque

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Malam Salisu Suleiman Liman, the Chief Imam of the First Jumu’at Central Mosque in Maru, the headquarters of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and his two sons, who were abducted by bandits, have been killed.

The Imam was abducted alongside his children, a newlywed couple, and several others on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

The terrorists invaded Maru town during a midnight raid that lasted for about two hours.

The newlyweds, Muhammad Suleiman and his wife, Balkisu, were kidnapped on the first night after their wedding ceremony.

Security analyst Bakatsine confirmed the sad development on Tuesday, April 29, stating that the bandits also killed his family members.

Nigerian Tracker reports that, during the colonial era, prominent Northern Nigerian scholars, including Sheikh Abubakar Gumi and Malam Aminu Kano, taught in Maru schools.

 

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