Business

Which ‘influencers’ endorsed the Pakistani cafe impersonating Mondo Phuket?

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Nizam Khaskheli April 21, 2025

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After the United Arab Emirates, Pakistanis may have trouble visiting Thailand. On the 30th of March, Phuket’s iconic coffee and tea bar MONDO shared that a new cafe in Pakistan is illegally impersonating them. This is despite dozens of content creators from SEC A – hence having the resources for due diligence – endorsing the cafe.

“We despise unethical business practices and would like to clarify that we have no association with these cafes,” said the company. “They have used our name — including the exact phrase ‘Espresso & Tea Bar’ — without any changes. On top of that, they have adopted elements of our logo and store design with only minimal adjustments.”

Which Pakistani influencers endorsed this fraud company?

1. Girl Gotta Eat
2. Sania Tariq
3. Aisha & Amna
4. Asna Fatima
5. Amna Jauhar
6. Fatima Sheikh
7. Nayab Duray
8. The Hangry Girls
9. Mahrukh Explores It All

Would you trust these content creators again?

If an online content creator endorses a product or service that turns out to be a scam or impersonator:

• their audience loses faith in their recommendations. It’s like betting on a horse that doesn’t cross the finish line.
• it can tarnish a creator’s reputation, making it harder to collaborate with other brands or attract new followers.
• creators may face backlash, criticism, and even harassment, which can lead to a decline in engagement and loyalty.
• they may face legal repercussions, especially if they failed to properly vet the product or service.

For every theft apologist

Here are the legal and ethical violations that the MONDO impersonator in Pakistan could face:

1. Trademark Infringement: Using MONDO’s brand assets without permission violates Pakistan’s Trademark Ordinance, 2001. This could lead to legal action from the trademark owner.
2. Unfair Competition: Misrepresenting the store as a local branch of MONDO constitutes unfair competition under Pakistan’s Competition Act, 2010.
3. Breach of Intellectual Property Rights: Unauthorized use of MONDO’s brand assets, including logos, trademarks, and copyrights, infringes on the company’s intellectual property rights.
4. Deception: Misleading customers into believing the store is an official branch of MONDO is deceptive and unfair. As the only Muslim country that calls itself an Islamic republic, deception and misrepresentation are considered unethical and prohibited in Islam.
5. Lack of Transparency: Failing to disclose the true nature of the business relationship with MONDO undermines trust and transparency.
6. Unfair Business Practices: Islamic teachings emphasize fairness and justice in business dealings. Misrepresenting a business as an official branch of another company would be considered unfair.

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to obtain proper authorization and follow the necessary legal procedures to establish a legitimate business relationship with MONDO.

How to ethically launch MONDO in Pakistan

For business persons and investors that actually practice the ethics, there is an opportunity to launch an official MONDO branch in Pakistan. Here’s how to go about it:

• Contact MONDO’s franchise department in Phuket to express interest and inquire about franchise opportunities.
• Negotiate the terms of the franchise agreement, including fees, royalties, and territory rights.
• Ensure you understand the franchisor’s requirements and expectations.

Business Registration

• Register your franchise business with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
• Obtain necessary licenses and permits from local authorities.

Trademark and Intellectual Property

• Ensure MONDO’s trademark and intellectual property are protected in Pakistan.
• Register the trademark with the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO).

Compliance with Local Laws

• Comply with local labor laws, tax regulations, and health and safety standards.
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses for food businesses.

Training and Support

• Undergo training provided by MONDO to understand their business model, operations, and standards.
• Ensure ongoing support from MONDO’s franchise team.

Marketing and Branding

• Develop a marketing strategy that aligns with MONDO’s brand guidelines.
• Promote your franchise using approved marketing materials and channels.

Key Considerations

• Understand the franchise fees, royalties, and other financial obligations.
• Ensure you have a clear understanding of the franchise agreement terms and conditions.
• Research local market conditions, competition, and consumer preferences.

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