Social Media Critic VeryDarkMan Presents 2024 Trademark Evidence in Ratel Brand Dispute
The ongoing trademark controversy surrounding the brand name "Ratel" has escalated dramatically as online personality Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has presented compelling evidence that he secured the trademark in 2024. This development directly challenges the recent claims made by Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly called Blord.
Blord's Initial Claim and Cease and Desist Letter
The dispute ignited publicly when Blord announced on his Instagram page that he had trademarked "Ratel" as his business brand name. In a bold move, the businessman revealed he had directed his Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to issue a cease and desist letter to VeryDarkMan, demanding the online critic immediately stop using the name.
"I have directed my SAN to issue a cease and desist to VDM to stop using my brand name 'Ratel'. He will have to get an approval from me henceforth before using that name Ratel," Blord declared in his social media post.
This announcement generated significant reactions across Nigerian social media circles, with some applauding Blord's assertive legal approach while others expressed surprise that VeryDarkMan had not previously trademarked the name himself, considering his followers are commonly referred to as "Ratel Gang."
VeryDarkMan's Counter-Revelation and Evidence
In a stunning twist on Tuesday, January 20, VeryDarkMan released a video presentation containing what he claims is definitive proof of his prior trademark ownership. According to his evidence, he successfully trademarked "Ratel," "The Ratel," and "The Ratel Gang" on September 25, 2024 – predating Blord's recent announcement by over a year.
The social media critic did not merely present documentation but also launched a verbal assault against Blord and his supporters. He accused them of prioritizing tribal loyalty over proper due diligence, suggesting they should have demanded Blord produce his own trademark certificate before making public claims.
"Bring out your certificate and approval, I am waiting," VeryDarkMan challenged in his video response, positioning himself as the rightful owner amid their escalating feud.
Background of the Ongoing Conflict
This trademark dispute represents merely the latest chapter in an ongoing conflict between the two personalities that began in October 2025. The initial confrontation emerged when VeryDarkMan publicly accused Blord of business fraud and overpricing modified gadgets, allegations that sparked a series of heated exchanges across various social media platforms.
The "Ratel" name holds particular significance as it has become synonymous with VeryDarkMan's online community and brand identity, making the trademark battle particularly contentious and personal for both parties involved.
Social Media Reactions and Shifting Narratives
Following VeryDarkMan's evidence presentation, the online narrative has shifted dramatically, with many netizens now directing criticism toward Blord rather than the online critic. The revelation of the 2024 trademark date has particularly resonated across social media platforms, with users questioning Blord's claims and business practices.
One commenter noted: "VDM just proved why emotional outbursts don't win in court, that 2024 trademark date is a heavy blow on B lord and his Igbo supporters."
Another observer remarked: "When I saw VDM appreciating BLord for withdrawing the 'Ratel' case, I knew man's up to something. VDM can't bow to pressure so easily, BLord will learn in the hard way."
These reactions highlight how the presentation of documented evidence has altered public perception of the dispute, moving the conversation from speculation to substantiated claims.
Broader Context and Ethnic Dimensions
Interestingly, this trademark controversy unfolds against a backdrop where VeryDarkMan has recently spoken out against what he describes as unfair tribal attacks targeting Igbos. In a separate but related development, he defended Super Eagles player Samuel Chukwueze against ethnic-based criticism following Nigeria's football performance.
This context adds layers to the current dispute, as VeryDarkMan's accusations about tribal loyalty in the trademark matter resonate with his broader concerns about ethnic tensions in Nigerian public discourse.
The Ratel trademark dispute continues to captivate Nigerian social media audiences, representing not merely a legal battle over brand ownership but a clash of personalities, business practices, and public perceptions in the digital age.
