African Rainbow Minerals, the mining group chaired by billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe, has taken its battle over brand identity to South Africas Companies Tribunal, accusing several firms of trading on a name it says is widely known in the market.
The company, often referred to by the initials ARM, filed cases against African Rainbow Healthcare, African Rainbow Laboratories and ARM Global, arguing that the names are confusingly similar to its registered trademarks and could leave the public with the impression there is a business link.
According to the tribunal summary, ARM told the panel that ARM Global in particular fails to meet requirements under the Companies Act because it resembles the ARM brand and, in the companys view, suggests an association that does not exist.
