Nigeria's social media scene erupted on February 23, 2026, when activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan or VDM, announced he secured trademark acceptance for the name "Blord" under his own name, Vincent Martins. He shared evidence of acceptance letters covering 43 out of 45 trademark classes. This bold move comes as the latest chapter in his heated feud with businessman Linus Ifejirika, popularly called Blord.
Fans watched in disbelief as VDM declared ownership of the name that defines his rival's brand. He stated clearly, “The name Blord has been trademarked under my name, Vincent Martins. So if you buy a Blord car for a transportation business and I see it on the road, you will be arrested by the Nigerian police, and I’ll spend any amount to ensure you’re taken to court. If you want to use that name, you have to come and get permission from me.”
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The rivalry traces back to October 2025. VDM accused Blord of business fraud and overpricing during a China sourcing trip. Tensions boiled over on January 19, 2026, when Blord announced via Instagram that he trademarked "Ratel" – the nickname for VDM’s loyal supporters – and directed his lawyer to issue a cease-and-desist letter demanding VDM stop using the term.
VDM fired back, claiming he had trademarked "Ratel" in September 2024. He challenged Blord to produce proof and insisted the name holds deeper meaning beyond legal papers. Blord later renamed his fintech app from Ratel to Ratels. The exchange sparked widespread online debate about personal branding and intellectual property in Nigeria’s digital economy.
VDM Blord Trademark Announcement Details
In his latest strike, VDM revealed he obtained trademark acceptance for "Blord" and "Be Lord" in 43 classes. Multiple social media posts and videos show him displaying acceptance documents ready for publication in the Trademark Journal, open for opposition. He noted Blord had registered the name in only two classes.
VDM emphasized he spent significant funds – reports circulating put it around ₦20 million – to cover the additional categories. He clarified he holds no businesses in most of those classes but secured the rights strategically. One post warned that promoting the Blord brand or using it commercially without his approval could now invite legal action. The last advertisement released under the Blord name was called illegal pending full resolution.
What This Means for Blord’s Business Empire
Blord built his reputation around vehicles, transport services, fintech apps, and other ventures. VDM’s move directly targets those areas, especially transportation. Buyers who purchase Blord-branded cars for commercial purposes like keke or logistics now face potential enforcement once registration completes.
Social media users pointed out the irony. While Blord focused on trademarking "Ratel" and clashing with VDM, he left gaps in protecting his own name. One viral comment captured the mood: “You dey fight enemy, you forget to protect your brand.”
Public Reactions to VDM Trademarking Blord
Reactions flooded Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube within hours. Many laughed at the twist, calling it poetic justice. Influencer Tunde Ednut shared a reel that garnered massive views, joking the matter “go long ooo.” Others praised VDM’s strategic thinking, while some questioned the ethics of trademarking a rival’s personal brand.
Supporters of Blord dismissed the claims as noise, insisting his established businesses remain protected under limited registrations. Yet the overwhelming online sentiment highlighted a clear lesson: secure your name early.
Why This VDM Blord Trademark Drama Matters
This feud puts a spotlight on trademark importance in Nigeria’s fast-growing creator and business economy. VDM’s actions show how activists and entrepreneurs now weaponize legal tools in personal battles. The case reminds every brand owner – big or small – to register comprehensively across relevant classes before rivals strike.
As the Trademark Journal publication period opens, opposition remains possible. Full registration could take months. Until then, VDM’s warnings serve as a strong deterrent.
The drama continues to unfold in real time. Nigerians follow every update, eager to see how Blord responds and whether courts will step in. One thing stands clear: in this digital age, a name is more than identity – it is power.