Nairobi, June 23 -- The High Court has ordered an Indian welding products manufacturer to deposit Sh30.9 million before a high-stakes trademark dispute against its former Kenyan business partner can proceed, intensifying a commercial battle centred on allegations of brand infringement and passing off.

The court directed Superon Schweisstechnik India Limited (SIL) to provide the security within 45 days and suspended further proceedings of the case until the money is deposited in a joint interest-earning account operated by lawyers for both parties.

The ruling marks the latest development in a dispute between Superon and a local company named Oxychem Africa Limited. The two companies previously maintained a commercial relationship before ...