When Sam Joseph Karam received an email from online retailer Etsy notifying him that 11 of his T-shirt designs featuring the slang term “bruh” were removed due to a trademark violation, he became suspicious. Karam, the owner of U.S.-based apparel company Customized Designs, sells clothing on platforms like Etsy. He mentioned that having 11 listings taken down in a row was unusual and caught his attention quickly.
In addition to the takedowns, Etsy also revoked Karam’s Star Seller badge, impacting his sales immediately. The email informed Karam that the complaint was made by Malik Yawar Abbas, who holds a Canadian trademark for the term “bruh.”
Several Etsy sellers, including Karam, reported having their items removed after the trademark holder filed complaints. Emails reviewed by CBC News confirmed that the takedowns were in response to complaints from Abbas.
Karam accused Abbas of “trademark squatting,” claiming that Abbas aims to profit by licensing the term rather than creating products himself. Legal experts suggest that platforms and the legal system should work together to prevent such misuse of trademarks.
A trademark for “bruh” was granted by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) in July 2025 for various clothing items. Another trademark for the same term was recently approved for use in advertising restaurant services.
After his listings were removed, Karam discovered Abbas’s website, which outlined how he protects the trademark and offers licensing options for using it. Abbas defended his actions, stating that the website showcases potential commercial applications of the brand.
When Karam reached out to Abbas regarding the takedowns, Abbas proposed a settlement of $1,000, which Karam declined. Karam believes this incident highlights trademark squatting.
Karam plans to consult with an intellectual property lawyer to explore legal options to challenge the trademark’s validity based on bad faith. A new provision in Canada’s trademark laws allows for invalidating trademarks filed in bad faith.
Despite the legal complexities, experts suggest that trademark ownership doesn’t equate to complete control over a word. The context in which the term is used plays a crucial role in determining infringement.
Amidst the dispute, Etsy emphasized that sellers must adhere to all laws and regulations, noting that sellers may contact the complainant to address removal concerns. The lack of an appeals process for takedown decisions poses challenges for affected sellers.
The incident sheds light on the complexities of trademark disputes and the need for tighter regulations to address bad-faith trademark filings. Experts advocate for improved processes for challenging trademarks and facilitating seller appeals in online marketplaces to prevent such disputes from escalating.