Safaricom, Airtel fail to settle cash transfer trademark dispute

Two mobile operators have failed to reach an agreement in a dispute over the use of advertising and promotion materials for a money transfer service.

Safaricom and Airtel Kenya on Wednesday told Justice Francis Gikonyo that the out-of-court settlement that they were pursuing had failed and that they were willing to have the trademark dispute resolved by the court.

Safaricom claims Airtel Kenya is using a trademark identical to its M-Pesa logo.

Safaricom said Airtel is riding on its goodwill and extensive marketing of M-Pesa, which has recorded considerable growth and has a commanding lead over Airtel Money.

The M-Pesa trademark has a reputation in 85,756 retail outlets providing mobile money transfer services.

The judge extended orders barring Airtel Kenya from using the material until the case is concluded.

He also directed the parties to file their court papers.

The case will be heard on September 9.