Former journalist Willis Raburu, whose now the director of digital services and innovations at Cape Media, has taken it to his social media account to celebrate his win over the Airtel lawsuit.
Airtel Kenya Limited has been ordered by the Milimani Commercial Court to pay media personality Willis Raburu KSh5 million in addition to further damages for using his trademark “Bazu.”
The well-known media figure informed the judge that he had officially registered the name Bazu as a trademark.
In addition to expressing his thankfulness for the recent magistrate’s court ruling rendered by Hon. Rawlings Museiga, Raburu added that the ruling holds Airtel Kenya responsible for violating his registered trademark, “BAZU.”
While acknowledging Airtel Kenya as a reputable company, Willis also underlined how important it was for him to protect his own identity and brand under the ‘BAZU’ trademark.
In his statement, he further urged that respect for intellectual property is paramount and that those using the name BAZU without authority will face similar consequences, adding that legal notices have already been served.
Raburu had on June 24, 2022, sued the telecommunications company for using his trademark ‘Bazu’ in promoting its new bundles’ plan, ‘Bazu Bundle’.
Through his lawyer, Victor Orandi of Mathew and Partners Advocates, Raburu filed the case at the High Court, but on May 9, 2023, it was transferred to the magistrates court.
The court also gave Airtel Kenya a 45-day stay of execution and said it could appeal within the stated period.
Below is part of Willis Raburu’s statement shared on his Instagram page.
I express my gratitude for the recent judgment delivered by Hon.Rawlings Museiga in the magistrates court, which holds Airtel Kenya accountable for infringing on my registered trademark, ‘BAZU’. This ruling sets a crucial precedent for upholding intellectual property and copyright rights in the future.
While we acknowledge Airtel Kenya as a respected brand and business, it is imperative for me to safeguard my own brand and name under the ‘BAZU’ trademark. The process has been guided by my lawyer,Victor Orandi,from Matthew and Partners Advocates, for which I am thankful for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this journey.