Court Orders Airtel Kenya to Pay Willis Raburu Ksh.5M For Using His Trademark "BAZU"

Renowned journalist Willis Raburu had sued Telco company, Airtel Kenya for using his registered trademark “Bazu” without his consent.Airtel Kenya has been using “Bazu” to promote bundles purchase among its customers.

Raburu had filed the case against the telco in May 2023 at the High court but it was moved to the Chief Magistrate’s Commercial Division on May, 9 2023.

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Renowned Journalist Willis Raburu
Photo/Instagram

A chief Magistrate at the court ordered Airtel Kenya to pay Raburu Ksh.5 million plus additional damages for using his trademark without authority.

Raburu contended that he registered the trademark “Bazu” as Registered Trademark No. 116744.

“Special damages amounting to KSh 5 million are attributed to the loss of any potential license fee that the defendant may have paid to the plaintiff in lieu of the defendant’s infringing activities. General damages of KSh 1.5 million and interests of the costs above at the court’s rates,” read the judgment.

Willis Raburu was excited after winning the case and posted on his social media.

“I express my gratitude for the recent judgement 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.”

Respect for intellectual property is paramount, and those using the name BAZU without authority will face similar consequences, as legal notices have already been served. I extend my gratitude to God for this favorable outcome. Success is reflected in actions, and I am grateful for the resolution of this matter,” stated Raburu.

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The court also gave Airtel Kenya a 45-day stay of execution of the order and can appeal within that period.