In an unexpected turn of events, Sam Joseph Karam received an email notification from popular online marketplace Etsy informing him that 11 of his T-shirt designs featuring the term “bruh” had been removed due to a trademark infringement claim. Karam, the owner of Customized Designs, a U.S.-based apparel company selling products on various platforms including Etsy, was taken aback by the simultaneous removal of multiple listings as well as the revocation of his Star Seller badge, which resulted in a noticeable decline in sales.
The email from Etsy cited a complaint by a trademark holder named Malik Yawar Abbas, who possesses a Canadian trademark for the term “bruh.” Karam, along with several other Etsy sellers, shared similar experiences with CBC News, revealing that their listings were taken down following complaints from Abbas.
Karam expressed concerns that Abbas might be exploiting the trademark by seeking licensing fees rather than using the term for product creation. Legal experts highlight the responsibility of platforms and the legal system in preventing the misuse of trademarks for financial gain.
The trademark for “bruh” was officially registered by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) in July 2025 for clothing-related purposes. Another trademark was recently granted to Abbas for the term’s use in advertising restaurant services. CIPO refrained from commenting on the specific trademark but emphasized their case-by-case examination process for all trademark applications.
Upon visiting the trademark holder’s website, Karam discovered information outlining the protection of the “bruh” trademark and the opportunity to obtain licensing rights. Despite not offering clothing for sale, the website showcased various merchandise featuring the word “bruh.” Abbas clarified that the website aimed to demonstrate potential commercial applications of the brand.
In a bid to resolve the takedown issue, Karam engaged with Abbas, who proposed a settlement requiring Karam to agree to certain terms and pay $1,000. Karam rejected the offer, believing it to be an act of trademark squatting. Abbas later withdrew the complaint to Etsy, stating that the affected listings were no longer available to Canadian consumers.
Karam, contemplating legal action to challenge the trademark’s validity based on bad faith, underscored the irreversible impact of the incident on his business. Experts note the provision in Canadian trademark laws allowing for the invalidation of trademarks filed in bad faith, although the extent of its application remains untested.
Trademark experts emphasize that trademark ownership does not equate to exclusive word rights, with considerations such as context and usage determining infringement. While platforms like Etsy adhere to trademark enforcement policies, challenges emerge for sellers lacking avenues to appeal takedowns, prompting calls for improved trademark regulations and marketplace procedures.
In conclusion, the “bruh” trademark dispute epitomizes the evolving landscape of trademark rights, underscoring the importance of balanced enforcement mechanisms and legal clarity to safeguard businesses and prevent potential abuse of intellectual property rights.
