After representatives from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) took goods worth Ksh50 million from the location to look into charges of intellectual property infringement, the controversy surrounding China Square continued to escalate.
According to reports, a Kenyan business claimed ownership of the trademark finder, a term offered at China Square for products bearing the finder brand.
The local business claims that they are the sole distributor of Finder products in the nation as well as the owner of the domain name Finder.
Ibrahim Bule, regional manager for ACA, confirmed that a thorough examination was conducted to determine whether China Square had violated the trademark claims.
“We looked around the area, and our investigations are still open. They are fairly marketed goods from various brands. When we have finished our investigations, we will be ready to issue a statement “Bule said.
The legal team for China Square asserted that they are collaborating with the government and the Kenyan business to end the deadlock.
“You have observed that ACA personnel have visited the location to inspect the products. They conducted the inspection, and right now, inquiries are still being made “According to China Square’s advocate, Josephine Oyombe.
The management of China Square declared an indefinite closure in a statement dated Sunday, February 26 but did not provide a timetable for when business would restart.
However, the owner of China Square, Lei Cheng, hinted to the media that the infringement allegations were an attempt to force him out of company.
He further stated that the issue had been fixed and that it had been caused by a miscommunication from the Chinese manufacturer.
The Chinese brand corporation solved the problem. Only a little miscommunication caused it. He added that he was worried the company would not reopen: “The complaint also sent a document to anti-counterfeit to withdraw the case.
From its debut on January 29, 2023, when Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria declared his plans to force the China Square owner out of business, China Square has been in the center of controversy.
“I have given an offer to Prof Wainaina the VC Kenyatta University to buy out the lease for China Square, Unicity Mall and hand it over to the Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa l and Eastleigh Traders Association,” he stated.
Then, the Trade CS promised to help the owner of China Square establish a manufacturing facility in Kenya.
