When Sam Joseph Karam was informed via email by online marketplace Etsy that 11 of his T-shirt designs featuring the term “bruh” were removed due to a trademark violation, his suspicions were immediately aroused. Karam, the owner of Customized Designs, a U.S.-based apparel company, expressed surprise at the simultaneous removal of multiple listings, which led to a significant decline in sales after his Star Seller badge was revoked by Etsy.
The email from Etsy identified Malik Yawar Abbas as the complainant, holding the Canadian trademark for “bruh.” Karam’s experience is not unique, as multiple Etsy sellers shared similar stories with CBC News, revealing a pattern of takedowns triggered by complaints from Abbas.
Karam accused Abbas of “trademark squatting,” alleging that Abbas is exploiting the trademark for financial gain through licensing rather than producing any products. Legal experts suggest that platforms and legal systems need to enhance measures to prevent such misuse of trademarks.
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) granted a trademark for “bruh” in July 2025 for various clothing applications. Another recent trademark granted to Abbas covers the use of the term for advertising restaurant services. Despite inquiries, CIPO did not comment on the “bruh” trademark specifically.
Abbas’s website showcases the protection of the “bruh” trademark and encourages licensing for its use, focusing on potential commercial applications rather than selling products directly. When Karam reached out to Abbas regarding the Etsy takedowns, Abbas proposed a settlement requiring payment of $1,000, which Karam refused, citing what he believes to be trademark squatting.
Karam is exploring legal avenues, considering challenging the trademark’s validity based on bad faith. Under Canadian trademark laws, introduced in 2019, trademarks can be invalidated if obtained in bad faith, although the application of this provision remains untested.
Trademark experts emphasize that trademark ownership does not equate to absolute control over a word and that context plays a crucial role in determining infringement. Paula Clancy, an intellectual property law partner, suggests that the use of the term “bruh” on Etsy may not necessarily infringe, depending on how it is utilized.
While Etsy maintains its stance on responding to infringement notices, legal experts point out the importance of allowing sellers to appeal takedown decisions to prevent unjust actions. The ongoing dispute sheds light on the complexities and potential loopholes in trademark laws and enforcement mechanisms, calling for more stringent regulations and safeguards to protect businesses and creators.
