22/01/2026
From Barr. Eyeke Kenneth Samuel
I have processed over 200 trademark registrations for my clients, and I have also trained over 250 lawyers on the trademark registration process. I believe I should be able to give an expert review of the current issue between VDM and Blord.
1. The truth is that Blord is just marketing his products using simple, provocative tactics to generate traffic for his newly launched app. As of today, January 20, 2026, there's no record of the brand name "Ratel" in Blord's favour (hence his claim is false).
2. Trademark registration isn't like CAC registration, where a single registration grants exclusive rights to a business name. In trademark registration, there are about 45 different classifications (industries), and any brand owner who intends to enjoy exclusive rights to his brand name must register the brand across the 45 classes before you can claim exclusive rights to a brand name.
3. We conducted a search this morning and out of the 45 classifications, VDM as at 17th of January 2026 only registered "Ratel" under classes 38, 35, and 45. The implication of registering the mark under 3 classes only is that anyone can register "Ratel" under any of the remaining 42 classes.
4. It's important to note that Blord had every opportunity to trademark the name under the remaining 42 classes even before releasing his Application assuming he harbours any negative intentions towards VDM.
5. As of today, VDM has completed the registration of "Ratel" under the remaining 42 classes and therefore, he's the rightful owner of the brand name "Ratel" and can issue a cease and desist letter to anyone using the brand (subject to some exceptions).
6. This is rather a win-win situation for all parties. I advise us to desist from dragging tribal sentiment in this issue because most VDM fans are also Igbos (myself inclusive). If Blord wanted to register "Ratel", he would have done so since he noticed that VDM's registration was previously done in 3 classes only.
It's a win-win situation because Blord was able to market his products and currently using the engagement to market his Real Estate businesses, and VDM was prompted to register its brand name across all classes.
Please note that trademark offers more secure brand protection than CAC registration. The fact that you have CAC registration is not enough. Send a message for your trademark registration, copyright registration, SCUML registration, BPP, TIN, NCC, PENCOM, Patent CAC, etc.
Now is clear BLORD was just playing and only wanted to use Ratels and VDM promote his businesses‼️