Trademark Madness: Kenyans Hit with Ksh 200K Charge for ‘Riggy G’ Usage
Using the term ‘Riggy G’ in violation of the trademark law will result in a fine of Ksh200,000 or a five-year prison sentence.
On April 30, the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) confirmed acceptance of a trademark application from Vice President Rigathi Gachagua.
The institute shared a document indicating that the vice president filed for the trademark on November 10, 2022, preventing others from using the name without his permission.
Unless someone files a valid opposition within six months, Gachagua will have the exclusive right to use the phrase “Riggy G” in a variety of printed materials, clothing and headgear, and entertainment events, among others.
The document specified the prohibited uses of the phrase:
Documents and photographic images
This includes “certain paper or cardboard goods not otherwise classified by function or purpose; paper or cardboard figurines and works of art.”
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“Framed or unframed lithographs, paintings, and watercolors; address stamps; booklets; advertisement boards; magazines; packaging material; paper bags, envelopes, and containers for packaging,” the document stated in part.
Apparel, footwear, and headgear
According to the institute, this includes the use of the phrase when “providing training; sporting and cultural activities; coaching or training, arranging and conducting congresses; organizing competitions.”
Education or recreation
KIPI indicated that the phrase would also be prohibited during the “organization of sports competition; publication of texts; publication of books; provision of online electronic publications; the online publication of electronic books and journals; and entertainment.”
According to the Trademark Act, a person who fraudulently uses a trademark is subject to a Ksh200,000 fine, a 5-year prison sentence, or both.
“A person commits an offense if he or she sells or imports goods or renders services to which a registered trademark is falsely applied.
“The person is also liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to both,” the ACT states in part.
In September 2022, Gachagua adopted the nickname ‘Riggy G’, praising lifestyle content creator Ivy Chelimo for her creativity in coming up with the name.
The name went viral on the internet months after Chelimo tweeted it during the vice presidential debate at Catholic University on July 19, 2022.
“I am even more surprised that our imaginative youth has given me a nickname. They looked at my name, Rigathi Gachagua, and sought a more melodious nickname, so they dubbed me Riggy G,” the DP explained.
Trademark Madness: Kenyans Hit with Ksh 200K Charge for ‘Riggy G’ Usage
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