WHILE registration for 2011 is in full swing at the Durban University of Technology, a dispute is still raging between the institution and a local businessman over the rights to the Business Studies Unit brand.
On Monday, DUT deputy vice-chancellor Fred Otieno said the university would contest claims by businessman Paul Schofield that he owns the rights to the Business Studies Unit brand.
In December Schofield sought an urgent interdict in the Durban high court, claiming that he was the true owner of the name Business Studies Unit (BSU).
"The BSU was established in 1986 under the banner of Technikon Natal. Schofield was contracted as a delivery agent under a franchise agreement to deliver DUT courses and programmes. His use of the BSU trademark was to endure only for the period of the franchise agreement which, with the passing of time, terminated on December 31 2010," Otieno said.
Otieno said according to the franchise agreement, Schofield's role in relation to the business operations of the BSU was "purely that of a franchisee".
What's more, DUT's former vice-chancellor, Roy du Pré, had no authority to grant the right to a trademark to Schofield, he said.
"The former vice-chancellor and principal acted unilaterally and unlawfully when he assigned the trademark to Schofield," Otieno said.
Until December last year the BSU was attached to DUT and the name of the education institution run by Schofield.
Schofield has since severed ties with the institution, changing the name of his business to the Business Development Unit (BDU).
He has also signed a new contract with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Otieno said the BSU "continues to exist at the Durban University of Technology".
Schofield was not available for comment at the time of going to press.
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