Nairobi, Aug. 20 -- Regional paints manufacturer, Crown Paints Kenya Plc, has lost a legal dispute arising from unauthorised painting of a commercial building in Thika with its brands without the property owner's consent.

The decision sounds a caution to corporates currently in a frenzy to market their brands across the country through mural advertising. Placing physical structures, banners, or paint on a private building without consent violates property rights.

The High Court upheld a Sh3.5 million damages award against the company for using Punjab Engineering Works Ltd's commercial building for advertising purposes.

The court dismissed Crown's appeal, finding that Punjab had established trespass by producing its title and photograph...