Social media activist Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has secured an official trademark acceptance for the name “Blord,” a move that could spark a legal dispute with businessman Linus Williams, widely known as Blord.
According to information shared on X (formerly Twitter), the trademark application filed by Otse was accepted on January 27, 2026, by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment through the Trademarks Registry.
The acceptance reportedly covers multiple business categories, including advertising and transportation services — areas directly connected to Williams’ recently launched electric vehicle venture branded “Blord Cars.”
The development comes shortly after Williams unveiled a fleet of 50 customised electric vehicles under the name “Blord Cars.” Each vehicle was reportedly priced at ₦8 million.
The launch generated significant attention online, especially given Williams’ strong presence in Nigeria’s tech and crypto investment space. However, the trademark acceptance secured by Otse has now introduced potential legal complications.
On X, VeryDarkMan warned that any commercial use of the name “Blord” without his authorisation could attract legal action. He suggested that businesses using the name for branding or marketing may need his permission, depending on the outcome of the registration process.
The situation carries added tension because Williams had earlier trademarked the name “Ratel,” which is associated with VeryDarkMan’s social movement and online community.
Observers on X described Otse’s latest move as a strategic counteraction — effectively reversing roles in an ongoing branding dispute between the two public figures.
Under Nigeria’s trademark system, the country operates on a “first-to-file” principle. This means that the first person to successfully file for trademark registration generally has priority rights to the name within approved categories.
However, legal experts on X have pointed out two important factors:
- Trademark “acceptance” is not the same as full registration.
- Prior use of a brand name in commerce can still be used as a defence in a legal dispute.
This means that while Otse’s application has been accepted, the process is not yet fully concluded. There may still be opposition filings or legal challenges before final registration is granted.
The unfolding dispute highlights the risks faced by businesses and public figures who operate brands without formal trademark protection.
If a brand name is not properly registered, another party can file for it under Nigeria’s first-to-file system, potentially creating legal and commercial complications.
As of now, neither party has announced formal court proceedings. However, the online exchange suggests that the dispute may escalate if both sides pursue their legal rights.
The situation remains under watch, particularly within Nigeria’s digital entrepreneurship and branding community, where intellectual property protection is becoming increasingly critical.
