Professor Patrick Ogwang through his lawyers of Omongole co and advocates has warned Mbarara University of Science Technology Vice Chancellor Prof Celestino Obua on illegal use of Jena Herbal (U) ltd property to solicit for funding from the government.
Prof. Ogwang’s notice comes amidst contraversy and fights on the ownwership of the Covidex herbal drug that is selling like a hot cake on the Ugandan market.
Last month, MUST issued a statement against the professor Ogwang warning him of legal actions if he doesn’t stop what the university called ‘illegal’ production and distribution of the same.
In a statement dated June 14, signed by Vice-Chancellor MUST, Prof Celestine Obua, Ogwang’s Jena Herbals is also warned to stop any production, distribution or sale of Covidex without the express permission of Mbarara University of Science and Technology as the ”holder of the intellectual property rights” for the product.
Now in retaliation, Prof. Ogwang back fires with another intention to sue the university for using Jena products with out his conscent to solicit for funding from the ministry of science, techinology and innovation.
In a notice dated 9th July 2021 to the Vice-Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, the legal team expressed dismay and amazement after learning that illegally without their authorization, the University used three of Jena products including Jena DS Xtra, Artemune, and Covidex to solicit for funding from the Ministry of Science, technology, and innovation.
The legal team adds that the University further went ahead to evaluate the products of Jena Herbals Uganda limited without their client’s consent.
“The contract between the University and the Ministry of Science Technology and innovation is formed on three Jena Herbals Uganda limited products yet our client was neither involved nor informed”- the notice states.
The legal team states that “we deem this as illegal and fraudulent action by the University and argue them not to go ahead with said action without the authorization of our client or Professor Ogwang personally”.
The notice warns that should the University deem fit to continue with the said illegal acts, they should be ready to be held liable for infringement of the trademarks, patents, and all associated intellectual property rights for which Jena Herbals Uganda limited will not hesitate to demand UGX 100Bn for unlawful use of their products.
