Zap Africa has openly contested Paystack's claims in a recent article concerning the trademark dispute over 'Zap'. Oke Umurhohwo, Head of Marketing and Communications at Zap Africa, stated that the company issued a cease and desist notice before receiving any official communication from Paystack.
The Beginning of the Dispute and Zap Africa's Claims
Zap Africa states that they sent a cease and desist notice to Paystack on March 26th, before receiving any legal documents from Paystack, challenging the assertion that Paystack were the first to issue such a notice.
Accusations of Borrowing Branding Phrases
Zap Africa also accuses Paystack of using not only the disputed name but also key branding phrases like 'Just Zap It' and 'You just got Zapped,' which have been central to Zap Africa's brand identity for years.
Business Ethics and Zap Africa's Innovations
Tobiloba Asu-Johnson, CEO of Zap Africa, commented on the broader implications of the dispute, emphasizing concerns over business ethics and the behavior of larger corporations towards smaller entities. Zap Africa is also recognized for its innovative contributions to the African fintech landscape, being the first in Nigeria to launch a non-custodial exchange and wallet.
The dispute between Zap Africa and Paystack highlights the importance of business ethics and transparency in the marketplace. Despite ongoing legal battles, Zap Africa continues to contribute to the advancement of fintech solutions in Africa.
