FirstRand Limited lost a trademark dispute against First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) that lasted nearly a decade.
South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled that the FAB brand does not cause confusion with FirstRand's FNB trademark.
The decision allows FAB, the largest bank in the United Arab Emirates, to enter the South African market.
FAB may now proceed with its application for a South African banking license.
The court ordered FirstRand to pay all of FAB's legal costs.