The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the $150 million suit filed by Nigerian entrepreneur Chianugo Peter against Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC, citing the absence of Justice Obiora Egwuatu, with the matter now fixed for April 22.
The case stems from Peter’s claim that his YouTubeAudio.com domain, which he had promoted and developed for eight years, was unilaterally shut down in breach of contract, with Google allegedly assuming control over the brand without compensation.
Peter, through his lawyer Emmanuel Ekpenyong of Fred-Young & Evans LP, had filed the suit on April 14, 2023, marking it FHC/ABJ/CS/238/2023, seeking $150 million in damages from both defendants for loss of brand value, promotional investment, and anticipated profits.
In an amended statement of claim dated April 29, 2024, the plaintiff demanded $50 million for marketing and promotional work, $100 million for lost potential profits, 50 million naira for re-registration of an alternative domain, and 10 million naira to prosecute the case.
He also requested that the court order GoDaddy.com to reinstate the YouTubeAudio.com domain, and for Google to restore YouTubeAudio on its PlayStore, asserting that the brand is distinct from YouTube trademarks despite Google’s claims.
Peter highlighted that he acquired rights to the domain following due checks by GoDaddy.com, promoted the platform between 2014 and 2022, and sought partnership with Google in 2014 and 2021 without response, with registration on Google Adsense in February 2021 and Google PlayStore in August 2021.
Google LLC, through counsel Mark Mordi (SAN) of Aluko & Oyebode, argued in its amended defence and counterclaim filed May 31, 2024, that its registered YouTube trademarks grant it exclusive rights, claiming Peter’s use of YouTubeAudio infringed these rights and caused $24,040.64 in expenses.
In response on July 12, 2024, Peter insisted that YouTubeAudio is legally distinct from Google’s trademarks, adding, “Hence, Google LLC is estopped from claiming any right over the YouTubeAudio domain name,” while GoDaddy.com LLC has not participated in the proceedings.
The matter remains pending as the court awaits Justice Egwuatu’s return to hear arguments on the alleged cyberspace contract breach, brand loss, and claimed damages from both multinational defendants.
