Are you an early stage startup founder looking to raise money in the United States? Do you own a business and you are looking to access the American market? Then this is for you! The United States no doubt plays host to a large and diverse market base. According to the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), “venture capital deal making, exit and fundraising values all broke records in 2021 by stunning amounts”. VC industry in 2021 shows a staggering $329.9 billion was invested across an estimated 17,054 deals, a record for deal count and roughly double 2020’s previous deal value...

INTRODUCTION A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from another. Trademarks are intellectual property rights. Brand names, product names, slogans, and logos, e.t.c. all qualify as trademarks in Nigeria. The Trade Marks Act, Cap T 131, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 is the principal legislation governing trademarks in Nigeria. For a trademark application to be accepted for registration in Nigeria; Such word(s) must have no direct connection or reference to the character or quality of the goods. What this means for instance is that assuming “VETA TECHNOLOGIES” is to be...

INTRODUCTION Early this week, famous Nigerian comedian and skit maker Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, popularly referred to as Oga Sabinus made headlines over the internet with respect to his demand notice to Friesland Foods Wamco Nigeria Plc for payment of one billion naira as compensation and damages for unauthorized use of his trademarked slogan “something hooge” while promoting their Peak Milk product as seen in the images below. In addition, Sabinus has also made a demand for the sum of one hundred million naira from UAC foods, for using his animated image in an advert for the gala sausage roll. It is...

Undoubtedly, one out of the top five challenges businesses face globally is hiring the right workforce and retaining them. One of the easiest ways to create a stable workforce in your business is by setting out in clear terms your expectations from your recruits before they come on board. This can be done through an agreement.  In Nigeria, the Nigerian Labour Act 1971 is the principal law governing employment matters in Nigeria. The Act covers employees engaged under a contract of manual labour or clerical work in the private and public sectors. Other laws regulating employment contracts in Nigeria include;...