Tech entrepreneur and cryptocurrency influencer Blord has threatened legal action against social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over the use of the name “RATEL.”

Blord, asserting that “RATEL” is now exclusively tied to his brand identity, revealed that he has instructed his Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to issue a cease-and-desist letter to VDM. The letter demands that VDM immediately stop using the name without Blord’s authorization.

“I have directed my SAN to issue a cease-and-desist letter to VDM, instructing him to stop using my brand name, RATEL. He will have to get my approval henceforth before using the name RATEL,” Blord stated.

According to Blord, continued use of “RATEL” by VDM without consent constitutes brand infringement, as the name now forms part of his commercial and intellectual property interests.

VDM has yet to publicly respond to the warning. The dispute has already sparked online conversations, with supporters of the activist viewing “RATEL” as a platform tied to social accountability and activism, while Blord maintains it is a proprietary brand.

The situation is expected to evolve in the coming weeks, potentially involving formal legal proceedings.