MEFONA LLC
June 23, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mefona LLC, the rightful and registered owner of the “eNaira” trademark in the United States and internationally, issues this official statement in response to recent misleading assertions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) amid ongoing litigation in Nigeria concerning alleged trademark infringement and passing off.
According to multiple news reports and court filings, the CBN has claimed before the Federal High Court of Nigeria that it is “on the verge of securing registration from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)” and that it already holds a trademark registration certificate from the Nigerian Trademark Registry for “eNaira.”
Mefona LLC categorically states that these claims by the CBN are not only factually incorrect but legally misleading.
Verified Ownership of “eNaira” in the United States and Globally
Mefona LLC is the sole lawful proprietor of the “eNaira” trademark in the United States, as well as under international trademark law. In a comprehensive 24-page ruling, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) of the USPTO overturned a prior refusal to register the mark—originally denied following an opposition filed by the CBN in 2022.
The CBN’s objection was based on the assertion that “eNaira” belonged to the Nigerian government as a “national asset.” However, the TTAB found no legal merit in that claim under U.S. trademark law and ordered the USPTO to proceed with registration in favor of Mefona LLC. Following this decision, the USPTO issued a formal Registration Certificate, securing our exclusive ownership of the “eNaira” trademark in the United States.
Mefona LLC also holds valid and enforceable international rights to the “eNaira” mark through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), under Registration No. 1640747 in International Class 36 (Financial Services). These rights have remained in full force since 2021.
A Call for Truth and Institutional Responsibility
It is deeply troubling that a foreign central bank—particularly one the Board “cannot draw the inference” to be “so well-known to United States consumers” or financial markets—would present legally unsubstantiated claims in court, disregarding international trademark laws and the binding decisions of globally recognized IP authorities.
Mefona LLC reaffirms its commitment to upholding intellectual property rights, due process, and international legal standards. We call upon the media, judicial officers, regulatory bodies, and the broader public to approach this matter with accuracy, responsibility, and a respect for the rule of law.
We remain fully committed to protecting the integrity of our brand and will continue to enforce our rights across all relevant jurisdictions.
About Mefona LLC
Mefona LLC is a U.S.-based technology company pioneering innovations in fintech, digital identity, and virtual currency infrastructure. With a robust portfolio of intellectual property assets and a global vision for inclusive finance, Mefona is dedicated to building secure, scalable platforms that drive the digital economy.
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