The Uganda Cricket Association has been sued for trademark violation.

The Uganda Cricket Association has been charged with trademark infringement by Dafabet Uganda Ltd in the Commercial Division of the High Court in Kampala.

According to the case, the Uganda Cricket Association staged a tournament entitled Dafabet Pearl of Africa T20 Series in September, which was highly marketed without the consent or authorization of the corporation that holds the copyright.

During that time, the company’s numerous businesses received a succession of warnings, links, and shares related to online betting and games on its trademark Dafabet, according to the company.

Dafabet further claims that the aforesaid tradename or event name is substantially comparable to its registered trademark and corporate name, as well as the commercial and campaign materials, causing market confusion.

“The Plaintiff (Dafabet) avers and confirms that it neither endorsed, sponsored, nor consented to the defendants (Cricket Association) or their sponsors and affiliates using its trademark or tradename, and that the illegal use of its trademark has caused substantial confusion in the market and dilution of its business,” according to court documents.

 

The company claims that its lawyers’ efforts to get the Uganda Cricket Association to stop “unlawful use” of its tradename and “illegal passing off” have failed because the cricket body has refused to listen, and its infringing materials continue to appear on all of the company’s social media platforms and sites without its consent, affecting its business operations.

 

“Dafabet Uganda Ltd avers that the association has engaged in unfair competition and contributory trademark infringement against its (Dafabet’s) businesses and IP rights by promoting and using a trademark and business name in its events and activities well aware of Dafabet’s rights to its detriment,” the court documents read in part.

 

Dafabet is asking the Commercial Division of the High Court in Kampala to find and rule that the Uganda Cricket Association’s actions constitute trademark infringement, unfair competition, and passing off of its services as their own, endorsed or associated with its businesses without any right or authorization.

 

Meanwhile, the Uganda Cricket Association has been given 15 days to react to the lawsuit, failing which the case would be determined without them.

 

“Whereas the above-named plaintiff (Dafabet Uganda Ltd) has filed a lawsuit against you, if you wish to be heard, you must file a defense within 15(fifteen) days from the date of service of this summons upon you.” The case will be heard and determined in your absence if you fail to file your defense within the deadline,” the court documents state.