Al-Imam Tea Herbs Pure and Healthy Nig. Limited, a Kano-based teabag-producing company, has appealed to governor Abba Yusuf of the state to intervene over alleged intimidation and harassment by a foreign firm, Promasidor Nigeria Limited.
BizPoint gathered that Promasidor Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the South African- based Promasidor Holdings, filed a lawsuit against Imam Tea Herbs Pure and Healthy Nig. Limited, makers of Z&Y Black Tea over alleged trademark piracy.
Speaking when they submitted a letter of complain to the governor, through Chief of Staff, Shehu Sagagi at the government house in Kano on Monday, the management of the indigenous firm insisted that it had legitimately registered the trademark with the Trademark Registry, Commercial Law Department of the Ministry of Trade and Investment.
Addressing journalists after submission of the letter, Abubakar Dahir, General Manager of the company, also alleged that at the time of the trade mark application, Promasidor Holdings had not registered the disputed trademark.
He said the foreign company had sued them to court since 2018, adding that besides taking them to court, the firm had allegedly resorted to unethical and intimidating tactics to stifle its growth.
“They have been using the police to intimidate us by arresting our workers on dubious charges and transporting them to Abuja, far from their homes and families.
“ This not only disrupts our operations but also imposes significant financial burdens on our company.
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“The company has had to borrow money repeatedly to cover legal expenses and secure the release of our employees, which diverts crucial resources away from our business development activities.
“Despite our efforts to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, this harassment continues unabated.
“It is clear that the foreign company is using its influence to manipulate law enforcement and maintain its monopoly, at the expense of local businesses and the broader economic interests of Kano State, Mr Dahir said.
The Managing Director warned that if the situation continues, the company had not option than to lay off workers, which according to him, would increase the rate of unemployment.
According to him, the company had about 500 employees that cut across all parts of the country, pleading to the governor to come to their aide in order to save their business.
In his response, the governor, through Mr Sagagi, promised to look into the matter until it is resolved amicably.
Sagagi said the administration of Governor Yusuf is keen in supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, aimed at improving the socioeconomic life of the youths in the state.
Biz Point