When Sam Joseph Karam received an email from e-commerce platform Etsy informing him that 11 of his T-shirt designs featuring the term “bruh” were removed due to a trademark violation, he was immediately suspicious. The owner of Customized Designs, a U.S.-based apparel company selling on various platforms including Etsy, expressed surprise as multiple listings were taken down at once, leading to a noticeable decline in sales after his Star Seller badge was revoked.
The email cited a report by Malik Yawar Abbas, the Canadian trademark holder for “bruh,” as the reason behind the takedowns. Karam, along with other Etsy sellers, disclosed to CBC News that their items were removed following complaints by Abbas, who they accuse of trademark squatting to profit from licensing the term rather than producing goods.
A trademark for “bruh” was issued by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) in July 2025 for clothing sales, with another granted to Abbas for advertising restaurant services. Despite the removal of listings, Karam discovered Abbas’s website emphasizing the protection of the trademark and offering licensing options, not actual products for sale.
Refusing to pay Abbas $1,000 to retract the complaint, Karam believes the actions reflect trademark squatting. Abbas withdrew the complaint post-listing removal, asserting that the trademark is lawfully registered for commercial licensing purposes, not to impede ordinary use of the term.
Legal experts suggest that under Canada’s trademark laws, trademarks established in bad faith can be invalidated. However, the application of this provision remains untested. The use of the “bruh” trademark on Abbas’s website and takedown requests may potentially be deemed as bad faith.
Trademarking a word doesn’t equate to ownership, and how the term is used determines infringement. Etsy sellers like Karam faced challenges appealing takedowns due to platform policies. While Etsy emphasizes compliance with laws and rules, experts advocate for clearer processes and seller appeal mechanisms to address trademark disputes effectively.
Trademark disputes, such as this case, highlight the need for stricter regulations and improved seller protections. Enhancements in trademark issuance assessments and online marketplace policies could prevent abuses, ensuring fair trademark practices and dispute resolutions.