Red Bull Give Loukman 24 Hours to Pull Down New Film over Brand Dispute

Ugandan filmmaker and producer Loukman Ali could face a brand infringement suit from Red Bull energy drink.

The energy drink giant Red Bull has sent the Ugandan film maker a cease and desist letter demanding the immediate removal of his latest short film Empty from all platforms and public screenings within 24hrs.

The letter accuses Loukman of unauthorized use of Red Bull’s trademarks, logos, or brand elements in his production.

“We call for the immediate removal of the film on all platforms where the film was uploaded for streaming and this should be done within 24 hours,” the letter stated.

The warning from Red Bull’s legal department headed by Phillip Snailington came through his email and also directed him to avoid using Red Bull’s trademarks or brand elements in any future productions or marketing materials.

The short film was released recently and the producer had already started marketing and promoting it via his social media platforms.

The letter, issued by Red Bull GmbH’s legal department, outlines three primary demands, Immediate removal of the short film EMPTY from all platforms, including YouTube, Vimeo, social media, websites, or public screenings, within 24 hours, Written confirmation of compliance by a specified date and a commitment to avoid using Red Bull’s trademarks or brand elements in any future productions or marketing materials.

Failure to comply, the letter warns, could lead to legal action, including monetary damages and recovery of legal costs. The notice is signed by Philip Snallington from Red Bull’s legal team, emphasizing that this is a formal notice of infringement.

Loukman Ali is a highly regarded Ugandan filmmaker, director, cinematographer, and visual effects artist known for his unique storytelling and cutting-edge visuals. His work has played a pivotal role in elevating Uganda’s film industry to international recognition.

His last short film ‘Ubuntu upper cut’ was released in 2023 and he also directed ‘Katera of the Punishment Island’ which was a project supported by Netflix and UNESCO.

The film was based on the African tradition practice that existed until the mid-20th century in which Ugandan girls who became pregnant out of wedlock were banished and left to die on the Island of Akampene, also known as punishment Island.