MK Party optimistic ahead of trademark appeal case

The uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party says it is optimistic the Durban High Court will uphold an earlier judgment around its name and logo.

This as the KwaZulu-Natal High Court is hearing the African National Congress’ (ANC) leave to appeal a previous judgment in favour of the MK Party.

In April, on infringement in terms of the Trademarks Act, the court was not convinced that the use of the name and logo by the MK Party would “confuse or deceive voters”.

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela says, “We are not trading with the emblem, and the name uMkhonto weSizwe, this is a political party, so that is the first point. Secondly, the NGO that registered the logo which has got the spear above the head, that NGO is not even party to this court process.”

Throngs of MK party supporters are also outside court and former President Jacob Zuma is attending proceedings.

VIDEO | Durban High Court hears ANC’s appeal against the use of the Umkhonto WeSizwe trademark: