PCCSIGN confirms resolution of Sabinus’ ‘Something Hooge’ trademark dispute with brands

….Reaffirms commitment to protecting Nigeria’s creative industry

The President of the Practitioners of Content Creators, Skit-Makers and Influencers Guild of Nigeria (PCCSIGN), Ambassador Micheal Obinna Nwabufo, popularly known as Mike Premium, has announced the amicable resolution of trademark matters involving the viral catchphrase “Something Hooge,” widely associated with Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu.

The issues involved major consumer brands Peak Milk and Gala Sausage Roll, which had previously used elements linked to Sabinus’ creative identity in promotional campaigns.

Mike Premium, who represented the interests of the creator within the creative industry ecosystem, had earlier initiated legal proceedings seeking ₦1 billion against FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, makers of Peak Milk, and ₦100 million against UAC Foods Limited, producers of Gala Sausage Roll, over the use of the catchphrase.

Providing an update, the PCCSIGN president confirmed that the matters had been resolved amicably through mutual agreement, partnership and professional engagement.

According to him, the outcome represents a positive development for the Nigerian creative industry and demonstrates that disputes relating to intellectual property can be addressed constructively through legal channels and dialogue.

The phrase “Something Hooge,” which gained nationwide popularity through Sabinus’ comedy skits, had earlier been filed for trademark protection with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment’s Industrial Property Office Registry.

Official trademark acceptance records indicate that the word mark “Something Hooge” was filed on November 26, 2021, and accepted on December 4, 2021, under multiple classes, including Class 35 (advertising and business promotion), Class 36 (financial and commercial affairs) and Class 41 (entertainment, training and cultural activities).

Mike Premium noted that the protection of the phrase across several classes positioned it as a recognised intellectual property asset associated with Sabinus’ entertainment brand.

He stressed that the resolution highlights the importance of respecting the intellectual property rights of content creators in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital and entertainment ecosystem.

He added that through PCCSIGN, the guild is working to promote greater awareness of intellectual property protection for content creators, skit-makers and digital influencers across the country.

According to him, the guild has also been engaging stakeholders within the creative ecosystem to encourage creators to properly register their intellectual property, formalise their businesses and establish structured collaborations with brands.

Mike Premium further disclosed that PCCSIGN is developing initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s creator economy. These include intellectual property awareness programmes for creators, industry guidelines for fair brand collaborations, capacity development initiatives for emerging content creators and engagements with government institutions to support the growth of the digital content industry.

He said the initiatives are designed to ensure that Nigerian creators can protect their ideas, negotiate fairly with brands and build sustainable careers within the creative economy.

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The PCCSIGN president commended his legal representatives, Eko Solicitors and LawCapitol, for their professionalism and dedication throughout the process.

He also confirmed that no further legal action is pending regarding the matter.

Nwabufo said the outcome demonstrates that Nigeria’s creative industry is gradually evolving into a more structured sector where intellectual property rights are increasingly recognised and respected.