The MK Party, led by former statesman Jacob Zuma, is allegedly breaking trademark rules in the nation, according to the ANC.
The ANC’s attempt to stop the uMKhonto weSizwe (MK) Party from using its name and logo has been dismissed by the Durban high court.
The MK Party stated that the ruling party lacked ownership rights over the name and logo, while the ANC maintained that the word uMkhonto weSizwe belonged to its legacy and intellectual property.
The African National Congress (ANC) filed a court case in March, alleging that the usage of the name and logo of its former military wing, uMkhonto weSizwe, violated the Trade Marks Act.
Strong charges were made against the ANC by advocate Dali Mpofu, who claimed that the party had abused the legal system in its dispute with the recently established MK party.
infringement on the rights of democracy
Mpofu emphasized the uMkhonto weSizwe moniker and symbol’s historical significance and claimed that the ANC’s attempt to restrict its use violates democratic rights.
The ANC’s position is based on the claim that trademark laws are broken by the MK Party, which is led by former president Jacob Zuma.
It stated that he accomplishes this by stealing the insignia and logo of uMkhonto weSizwe.
The party referred to the MK Legacy Project’s registration of the uMkhonto weSizwe trademark, which was later transferred to the ANC.
The ANC responded by asking the high court to stop the MK Party from using the uMkhonto weSizwe name and logo to associate itself with the ANC.
The African National Congress (ANC) emphasized how crucial it is to dispel any possible voter uncertainty prior to the general elections on May 29.
The ability to form a political party
The ruling party declared, “The ANC accepts that all South Africans have rights to certain fundamental freedoms.”
The freedom to form or join a political party of one’s choosing is one of them. It was for this fundamental freedom that we battled.
“The Zuma party’s inclusion on the ballot is not challenged by the ANC. However, we believe that the only way fair elections can be held is if the Zuma party is told to stop utilizing our trademark and other ANC emblems.
“It is clearly in the public interest to resolve any voter confusion resulting from the unauthorized use of the African National Congress’s intellectual property and legacy prior to the elections.”
