The Battle Over “Zap”: Who Really Owns This Popular Brand Name in Nigeria?

For many years, the name “Zap” has been used by different companies across Africa, especially in Nigeria. But who actually owns the rights to this name? This question has become very important recently, especially after Paystack launched a service called “Zap by Paystack.”

The Beginning: Zain’s Zap in 2009

Back in 2009, the telecom company Zain (which later became Airtel in some countries) announced a new mobile banking service called Zap. This service was meant to help people in Africa send money, pay bills, and do other banking transactions using their phones.

Zap was first launched in Kenya and Tanzania, with plans to expand to Uganda. However, there is no clear evidence that Zain ever officially launched Zap in Nigeria, even though Zain was a major telecom company in Nigeria at the time.

Features of Zain’s Zap Service

• Mobile Wallet – Customers could store money on their phones.
• Money Transfers – Send and receive money easily.
• Bill Payments – Pay for electricity, water, and other services.
• Recharge Services – Buy airtime for phones.
• Agent Network – People could deposit or withdraw cash at local agents.
• Merchant Payments – Pay for goods at shops using mobile money.

But since Zain later rebranded to Airtel, it is unclear what happened to the Zap service. Did they abandon the name? Did another company take over the rights?

Other Companies Using “Zap” in Nigeria

Over the years, many businesses in Nigeria have used the name Zap or something similar. Here are some examples:

1. Zappy – A Nigerian Neobank (Launched 2023)

• Allows users to send and receive money.
• Pay bills and convert airtime to cash.
• Create virtual cards for online shopping.
• Uses a “Zap Pin” for extra security.

2. Zaps Logistics – A Delivery Company

• Offers local and international shipping.
• Has offices in Lagos and Ibadan.
• Uses different vehicles (bikes, vans, trucks) for deliveries.

3. Zap by Paystack (Recent Launch)

• A new payment feature by Paystack.
• Allows businesses to collect payments easily.

The Big Problem: Who Owns the Name “Zap”?

Since so many companies are using the name Zap, does any one of them actually own the legal rights to it?

Business Registration vs. Trademark Registration

In Nigeria, registering a business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) does not mean you own the name completely.

• Business Registration – Only allows you to operate under that name.
• Trademark Registration – Gives you exclusive rights to the name and logo in your industry.

This means that even if a company is registered as “Zap Logistics,” another company can still use “Zap Mobile Money” unless one of them has a trademark.

Why Generic Names Like “Zap” Are Risky

The word “Zap” is short, simple, and easy to remember—which is why many businesses like it. But this also makes it hard to trademark.

• The law says a trademark must be unique.
• Common words like “Zap” may not qualify for full protection.
• If two companies use “Zap” in different industries (e.g., banking and logistics), they might both be allowed to keep using it.

Recent Legal Cases Over Brand Names

In Nigeria, there have been cases where companies fought over brand names. For example:

• ARCON vs. Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) – A ₦30 billion lawsuit was dismissed by the court.
• Konga vs. Jumia – Disputes over advertising and branding.

This shows that trademark battles can be expensive and time-consuming.

How Can Companies Protect Their Brand Names?

To avoid future problems, businesses should:

1. Register a Trademark Early – Don’t just register the business name; file for a trademark.
2. Do a Proper Search – Check if the name is already taken in your industry.
3. Make the Name Unique – Adding extra words (e.g., “Zappy” instead of just “Zap”) can help.
4. Monitor for Copycats – If another company starts using a similar name, act fast.
5. Consult a Lawyer – Intellectual property (IP) experts can guide you.

What Should Happen Next?

Since Paystack’s “Zap” is now getting a lot of attention, other companies using similar names might face challenges. Possible outcomes:

• One company buys the trademark rights – If a company like Zappy or Zaps Logistics already has a trademark, they could stop others from using “Zap.”
• They coexist peacefully – If the businesses are in different industries (banking, logistics, etc.), they might all keep using the name.
• A legal battle happens – If two companies in the same sector (e.g., fintech) both claim rights to “Zap,” they may go to court.

Conclusion: Be Smart About Brand Names

The “Zap” naming conflict shows why businesses must be careful when choosing a brand name. Just because a name sounds good doesn’t mean it’s legally safe.

• If you’re starting a business, pick a unique name and trademark it.
• If you’re already using “Zap”, check if you have legal protection.
• If you’re expanding, make sure your brand name won’t cause problems in new markets.

In the end, the best way to avoid trouble is to be original, register your rights, and protect your brand before someone else does.