Blord trademarks 'Ratel', sends legal notice to VeryDarkMan over name use

Nigerian crypto entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, known as Blord, has trademarked the business brand name 'Ratel' and issued a cease and desist letter to social media critic VeryDarkMan. In an Instagram post on January 19, 2026, Blord directed his lawyer to stop VeryDarkMan from using the name and stated that any future use requires his approval.

The name 'Ratel' is what VeryDarkMan calls his loyal online supporters. Their public feud began in October 2025 after VeryDarkMan, who visited China to assist Nigerian business owners, accused Blord of fraud and overpricing modified gadgets. The conflict escalated when VeryDarkMan allegedly petitioned police to investigate Blord's business practices.

This trademark move marks a new legal phase in their ongoing social media war. VeryDarkMan has not yet publicly responded to the legal notice. Social media reactions are mixed, with some seeing it as a legitimate business protection while others view it as a personal escalation.

The trademark registration could legally restrict VeryDarkMan's use of 'Ratel' for his community, potentially affecting his online identity and operations. If VeryDarkMan continues using the name without permission, he could face legal action.

How will this legal development affect their ongoing feud, and could it set a precedent for how public figures protect their brand names in Nigeria's digital space?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/19/blord-trademarks-ratel-issues-cease-and-desist-to-verydarkman/