The High Court in Nairobi overturned a lower court ruling that had awarded journalist Willis Raburu Ksh 6.5 million for alleged trademark infringement over the use of the word ‘Bazu’, ruling that the Magistrate’s Court lacked jurisdiction to hear trademark disputes under the Trademarks Act.

The court agreed with Airtel Kenya’s argument that ‘Bazu’ is generic Sheng slang and ordered the case struck out while awarding costs to the telecom company.