Many social media users woke up recently to a surprising development that has sparked debate across online spaces: the sudden appearance of a business platform bearing a name long associated with a popular online movement.
For years, social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM) used the name “Ratel” to identify his online movement and loyal supporters. Over time, the name gained visibility, recognition, and influence online. However, despite its popularity, it reportedly remained unregistered and unprotected under the law.
The situation took a new turn when Blord, an Igbo businessman who has previously clashed with VDM online, announced the launch of an app called Ratel. The platform is described as a full-scale business solution for buying gift cards at discounted rates, funded through cryptocurrency or naira.
The announcement immediately triggered mixed reactions. While some described the move as unfair, others expressed confusion over how the name could be used so freely. Legally, however, the issue appears straightforward.
Legal experts note that frequent or loud usage of a name does not amount to ownership. In contrast, formally registering or trademarking a name, even quietly, can confer exclusive rights. Online popularity, no matter how widespread, does not translate to legal control if the name is not protected.
Some critics argued that “Ratel” is an animal name and therefore cannot be trademarked. This argument, however, is incorrect under trademark law. Animal names can be legally protected once they are used distinctively in commerce to identify goods or services.
This principle explains how names like Apple, Jaguar, and Puma function both as ordinary words and legally protected brands.
The key implication now, observers say, is that continued commercial use of the name “Ratel” in a way that conflicts with a registered trademark could raise legal issues. At that point, the matter moves beyond online influence or public sentiment and into the realm of brand rights.
Under the law, the critical question is not who popularised a name on social media, but who took the steps to legally protect it.
The unfolding situation has reignited conversations around branding, intellectual property, and the risks creators face when building movements without legal safeguards. Experts advise influencers, entrepreneurs, and content creators to prioritise trademark registration early if they intend to build a brand around a specific name.
As the case illustrates, influence and visibility can be built over time, but without legal protection, a brand name remains vulnerable to being claimed and commercialised by others.
Credit: Confidence Aribibia, Esq.
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