Etsy Sellers Report Takedowns Over 'Bruh' Trademark Complaint

Etsy sellers have reported the removal of multiple T-shirt designs featuring the slang term 'bruh' after complaints from a single trademark holder. One seller, Sam Joseph Karam, stated that 11 of his listings were taken down simultaneously, prompting suspicion of coordinated action. The complaints originated from Malik Yawar Abbas, who holds a Canadian trademark registration for the term. Karam and other affected sellers described the filings as trademark squatting, alleging the holder seeks licensing revenue rather than genuine commercial use of the mark. Legal experts noted that platforms and courts may need stronger mechanisms to address potential bad-faith registrations. The incidents highlight ongoing challenges for online marketplaces in balancing trademark enforcement with seller protections.

Sources: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bruh-etsy-trademark-infringement-9.7331470 https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bruh-etsy-trademark-infringement-9.7331470