Kenyans will be forced to pay Ksh200,000 or face a five-year jail term for using the word ‘Riggy G’ in contravention of the trademark law.
This is after the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) confirmed accepting a trademark application by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on April 30.
In a document shared by the institute, the deputy president applied for the trademark on November 10, 2022, stopping other individuals from using the name without his permission.
Unless someone files a valid opposition within a period of six months, Gachagua will have full rights to use the phrase ‘Riggy G’ in all types of printed material, clothing and headgear, and entertainment events, among others.
The document detailed that individuals will not be allowed to use the phrase on the following;
Printed matter and photographs
This includes “certain goods made of paper or cardboard not otherwise classified by function or purpose; figurines and works of art of paper or cardboard.
“Framed or unframed lithographs, paintings and watercolours; address stamps; booklets; advertisement boards; magazines; packaging material; paper bags, envelopes and containers for packaging,” the document read in part.
Clothing, footwear, headgear
This includes the use of the phrase while “providing of training; sporting and cultural activities; coaching or training, arranging and conducting of congresses; organization of competitions,” noted the institute.
Education or entertainment
The use of the phrase will also be prohibited during the “organisation of sports competition; publication of texts; publication of books; providing online electronic publications; the online publication of electronic books and journal; entertainment,” KIPI indicated.
According to the Trademark Act, a person who falsely uses a trademark will be fined a sum of Ksh200,000 or serve a 5-year jail term or both.
“Any person who sells or imports any goods or performs any services to which a registered trade mark is falsely applied shall be guilty of an offence.
“The person is also liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both,” the ACT reads in part.
Gachagua embraced the nickname ‘Riggy G’ in September 2022, lauding lifestyle content creator, Ivy Chelimo for her creativity in coming up with the name.
The name blew up the internet months after Chelimo had tweeted it during the deputy presidential debate on July 19, 2022, held at the Catholic University.
“I am even amazed that our creative young people have given me a nickname. they have looked at my name Rigathi Gachagua and looked for something more melodious and called me Riggy G,” the DP stated.
