Mobile In Africa (MIA), distributor of Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi, has issued an official statement regarding the trademark dispute in Nigeria involving mi-Fone founder Alpesh Patel.
Rugter-Jan van Spaandonk, President, MIA, said, "We are aware of the matter. We believe the claim is without merit and it is being defended accordingly."
This week mi-Fone issued a statement informing the public that the Federal High Court in Nigeria has issued an interim injunction against Xiaomi and ruled that African Mobile Devices brand is the original holder of the mi trademarks in Nigeria since 2008.
The statement went further to explain that as a result of the ruling, Xiaomi's Mi branded devices or accessories could no longer be sold or promoted.
Patel said, ""We are not averse to competition, however the use of the same brand name, which was introduced to the African market eight years ago, places our business at risk. We simply cannot afford to create confusion within the consumer mindset by having two mi branded and yet separate mobile device offerings."
He continues, "We recently launched a range of products under the sub mi Tribe brand with Konga, and Nigeria has and always will be a key market for mi-Fone. We may not be the biggest but we remain committed to delivering 'aspiration within reach' to the people of Nigeria. We are a proudly African brand and believe that this injunction is a victory for small business and for African brands fighting to make their presence felt amongst the large non-African brands constantly entering the continent with far greater resources at their disposal."
MIA has declined to comment further on the matter.
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