Celebrity Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, has issued a legal warning to social media personality VeryDarkMan over the use of the name “Ratel.”

Blord announced the development on his Instagram page, revealing that he has officially trademarked “Ratel” as his business brand name and has directed his legal team to issue a cease-and-desist notice to VeryDarkMan.

“I have directed my SAN to issue a cease and desist to VDM to stop using my brand name ‘Ratel’. He will have to get approval from me henceforth before using that name,” Blord wrote in a public statement shared on his Instagram story.

The dispute has already stirred reactions online, as fans of both celebrities debate who holds rightful claim to the name.

The conflict between the two figures reportedly began in October 2025, when VeryDarkMan, a social media critic, traveled to China to assist Nigerian business owners in sourcing goods. During the trip, he accused Blord of business malpractice, including overpricing modified gadgets, and allegedly petitioned law enforcement to investigate the entrepreneur.

The name “Ratel” also holds significance for VeryDarkMan, who has used it to refer to his loyal online supporters, adding a personal layer to the dispute.

Opinion: Protecting Intellectual Property in the Digital Age

Blord’s move highlights an important issue in today’s digital and business landscape: the protection of intellectual property. In an era where brand names can carry immense influence and revenue potential, securing trademarks is a crucial step for any entrepreneur.

While VeryDarkMan may have used “Ratel” in a community sense for his fans, the legal trademark gives Blord the upper hand in commercial usage. This clash underscores the need for creators and influencers to differentiate personal branding from business branding to avoid such conflicts.

It’s also a reminder that online popularity does not automatically translate to legal ownership. The dispute may spark further debate on social media, but ultimately, trademark law exists to protect the rights of those who invest time, effort, and resources in building their brand.

In a broader sense, this case is a wake-up call to influencers and content creators: building a loyal following is valuable, but protecting your brand legally is essential to prevent disputes that could tarnish reputations or hinder business growth.

Blord’s assertive action shows he’s serious about his brand, and it will be interesting to see whether VeryDarkMan seeks a legal compromise or challenges the trademark in court.