After receiving an email notification from Etsy about the removal of 11 of his T-shirt designs featuring the term “bruh” due to a trademark violation, Sam Joseph Karam, the owner of Customized Designs in the U.S., expressed suspicion at the unusual volume of takedowns. Karam, who operates as a seller on various platforms including Etsy, also observed a significant decline in sales following the removal of his Star Seller badge, which signifies high-quality customer service.
The trademark infringement report was attributed to Malik Yawar Abbas, a Canadian trademark holder for the term “bruh,” as confirmed by emails reviewed by CBC News. Karam and several other Etsy sellers disclosed similar experiences of having their listings removed after complaints from Abbas.
Karam criticized Abbas, accusing him of “trademark squatting” by exploiting the trademark solely for financial gains through licensing rather than product creation. Legal professionals argue that platforms and legal systems should enhance measures to prevent such misuse of trademarks.
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office granted a trademark for “bruh” in July 2025, allowing its use in clothing sales, with another recently granted to Abbas for advertising restaurant services. Despite requests for clarification, CIPO did not provide details regarding the “bruh” trademark.
Following the takedowns, Karam discovered Abbas’s website, showcasing ways to license the “bruh” trademark for commercial use. Abbas defended his actions, emphasizing the site’s focus on potential commercial applications rather than direct product sales.
Despite Abbas’s offer to withdraw the complaints in exchange for $1,000, Karam declined, citing concerns of trademark squatting. Abbas later retracted the complaints, but Karam is contemplating legal action to challenge the trademark on grounds of bad faith.
According to intellectual property experts, Canadian trademark laws introduced in 2019 allow for the invalidation of trademarks filed in bad faith. The application of these laws in cases like the “bruh” trademark remains untested, leaving uncertainties about potential legal outcomes.
Additionally, experts noted that trademark ownership does not equate to exclusive word usage rights, emphasizing the importance of context in trademark applications. The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities surrounding trademark enforcement and the need for clearer guidelines to address similar trademark disputes in the future.