ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode

Address: 1, Murtala Muhammed Drive (formerly Bank Road), Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
Phone: +234 703 400 1093; +234 803 422 4068
Website: https://www.aluko-oyebode.com

ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode (the “Firm”) is a foremost Nigerian commercial law firm renowned for its professionalism, commitment to clients, and focus on delivering solutions to clients’ needs. The Firm has built a stellar reputation for its commercial focus as well as its availability to assist clients in navigating the business terrain in Nigeria.

Established in January 1993, ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode (the “Firm”) stands as one of Nigeria’s largest and most integrated law firms, offering a comprehensive suite of specialized legal services to a diverse clientele, including top-tier Nigerian, international, and multinational clients. As an ALN Firm, we operate a Pan-African Firm with expansive Africa network across 14 countries. With its principal offices in Lagos and additional branches in Abuja and Port Harcourt, the Firm boasts a team of 24 partners and over 80 senior associates and associates, and five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). The collective expertise spans several decades, covering all facets of Nigerian law, and forming a network that effectively serves a diverse clientele.

The Intellectual Property (IP) Department of ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode is a powerhouse of legal expertise, specializing in copyrights, patent and trademark and industrial designs law. The Firm’s IP department handles trademark portfolio management, trademark infringement cases, trade name infringements, and domain name disputes, licensing and franchising cases, product registration and a wide range of IP transactional briefs.  With a reputation for timely execution of cutting-edge IP transactions, the department has achieved remarkable success, managing portfolios for notable clients such as The Coca-Cola Company, Forever Living Products, Access Bank PLC, Henkel A.G, Novartis AG, Marriot International Inc., and many others. The Firm’s involvement in various IP-related committees, both locally and internationally and partnerships emphasizes its commitment to playing an active role in the intellectual property space locally and globally. The department’s unique selling points include:

– Diverse Clientele: The department handles IP matters for top-tier clients, including household names like The Coca-Cola Company, Dyson Technology, and Novartis, demonstrating our sector-agnostic approach and ability to navigate complex IP cases both domestically and internationally.

– Precedent Setting: Through involvement in precedent-setting IP litigation, such as cases at the Supreme Court, we showcase our deep understanding of IP law and our capability to shape legal precedents in Nigeria.

– Pragmatic Approach: Our focus on achieving the best outcomes for clients is evident through proactive engagement with stakeholders, including regulators, and innovative strategies such as petitioning regulators to rectify breaches and providing tailored advice on brand protection.

– Anti-Counterfeiting Initiatives: As the founder and Secretariat of the Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration (ACC) Nigeria, we lead efforts in combatting counterfeiting and counterfeiters through activities like regular training of regulators and providing a platform for stakeholders where brand owners can engage regulators to continuously record a reduced counterfeiting record, ensuring protection for clients like Geneva Laboratories, Lego, and Novartis.

– Comprehensive Services: From trademark prosecution to managing portfolios, addressing trade name infringements, and providing advisory services on IP matters including patents, industrial designs and well as copyrights, our department offers a wide range of specialized IP services, including product registrations and regulatory compliance. We manage the IP portfolios of leading international brands doing business in Nigeria and in partnership with our associates advise local clients expanding outside Nigeria into African countries and outside Africa. As a result, we consistently attract new clients across various sectors, underscoring our reputation as a trusted partner for IP matters.

The Firm has received numerous awards and recognitions in the field of Intellectual Property. In 2024, Uche Nwokocha was named “Nigeria Practitioner of the Year” at the Managing IP Awards EMEA. Additionally, Gbenga Oyebode was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chambers Africa Awards 2024. The Firm has consistently ranked highly in Chambers Global Rankings, receiving recognitions in Intellectual Property from 2019 to 2024, earning various Band 1 rankings across different practice areas, and various Tier 1 rankings in IFLR1000 and Legal500.

The IP department specializes in the registration, commercialization, and enforcement of various intellectual property rights such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, and industrial designs. The team engages with governmental agencies and organizations including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to curb counterfeiting products in the market. We also offer services covering IP audits, opposition, cancellation, and rectification proceedings.

Comprising bright and erudite practitioners, the IP team represents a diverse range of clients across industries, showcasing professionalism and excellence in every engagement. Members of the IP department have garnered international recognition and have won numerous awards individually and collectively as a team.

With strategic locations in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, we efficiently serve clients in Nigeria’s major commercial centres, expeditiously meeting their IP-related demands. Additionally, as part of the ALN network and through partnerships with global organizations, we extend our reach to clients across continents including 14 other African countries, enhancing our international reach and capabilities, facilitating cross-border transactions, and providing comprehensive legal support.

The IP department has been involved in several precedent-setting IP litigation matters, and numerous high-profile cross-border IP transactions and cases, facilitating seamless operations for multinational clients across various sectors. A recent case won at the Supreme Court set a precedent on trademark applicant procedures, demonstrating the team’s considerable experience and knowledge of the law. Additionally, the department actively participates in anti-counterfeiting efforts through the Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration (ACC) Nigeria. These cases demonstrate our ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and deliver favourable outcomes for our clients.

In conclusion, the IP Department of ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode is a powerhouse of legal expertise, known for its professionalism, commitment to clients, and remarkable achievements in patent and trademark law. With a diverse clientele, innovative approaches, and international reach, we continue to lead the way in delivering exceptional IP solutions in Nigeria and beyond.

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