Freetown, Sierra Leone— East End Lions Football Club has taken a major step to safeguard its iconic identity, securing official trademark protection for its club crest, logo, and related marks.
In an announcement on Tuesday, the club confirmed that the Trademarks Registry at the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General has granted registration under Sierra Leone’s Trademarks Act No. 8 of 2014. The move gives East End Lions exclusive legal rights over its protected symbols and prevents unauthorized commercial use.
The registrations span two international classes, covering clothing, footwear, headgear, as well as games, sporting articles, and equipment. Club officials warned that any reproduction, imitation, or commercial use of the trademarks without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
“East End Lions will actively monitor the market and take all necessary legal action against infringements,” the club stated.
It specifically cautioned manufacturers, retailers, importers, and street vendors against producing or selling counterfeit jerseys, replica kits, souvenirs, or other merchandise featuring the club’s protected marks, noting that violations could lead to both civil and criminal consequences.
The club also named DiLegendary, located at 58 Bathurst Street in Freetown, as the sole authorized outlet for official East End Lions merchandise.
Founded in 1928, East End Lions is one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most storied football clubs. Management expressed gratitude to its loyal supporters for their ongoing commitment to preserving the club’s heritage and identity.
The development is seen as a significant effort by the club to protect its brand in an era of growing commercial opportunities and rising counterfeiting risks in African football.
