India IP Litigation
7,068 annotated decisions
Page 247 of 295 · 7,068 total
N. V. Sumatra Tobacco Trading Co. v.The Registrar of Trade Marks & Ors.
The petitioner challenged the Intellectual Property Appellate Board's (IPAB) order which allowed the registration of the trade mark 'HERO' for cigarettes. The petitioner argued that the IPAB erred by interfering with the Registrar's discretionary decision and misinterpreting legal principles regarding trademark priority and special circumstances. The High Court ultimately set aside the IPAB's order, confirming the Registrar's refusal to register the mark.
Mohan Lal Proprietor Of Mourya Industries v.Sona Paint & Hardwares
This judgment addresses complex legal questions arising from two suits concerning intellectual property rights. Specifically, it examines whether a holder of a registered design can sue for infringement against another party who also holds a registered design. The court also deliberated on the interplay between statutory remedies under the Designs Act and common law actions like passing off, particularly when the design is used as a trademark.
Micolube India Limited v.Rakesh Kumar Trading As Saurabh Industries & Ors.
This judgment addresses complex questions regarding the interplay between statutory design rights and common law remedies like passing off. The court ruled that a suit for infringement of a registered design is not maintainable against another registered proprietor if the registration covers the same features. Furthermore, while the remedy of passing off cannot be joined with the design infringement suit concerning the shape itself, it remains available in alternative to prevent consumer confusion arising from trade dress or trademarks.
Super Cassettes Industries v.M/S. Rachana Television Pvt. Ltd.
Super Cassettes Industries filed a suit against M/S. Rachana Television Pvt. Ltd. for the unauthorized use and broadcast of its copyrighted musical works and sound recordings on the defendant's news channel, NTV. The plaintiff alleged that despite initial attempts at amicable resolution, the infringement continued. After the court proceeded ex parte due to the defendant's absence, it found that the plaintiff had successfully proven the facts of infringement.
The Coca Cola Company And Anr. v.Rajesh
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of The Coca Cola Company, granting an injunction and ordering the transfer of the domain name 'cokestudio.in'. The court found that the defendant's registration and use of this identical domain name infringed upon Coca-Cola's registered trademarks (COKE STUDIO) and constituted passing off. This judgment reinforces the principle that a domain name can possess all the characteristics of a trademark, allowing rights holders to protect their goodwill online.
F Hoffman La Rochee Ltd & Anr v.Cipla Ltd.
This appeal involved disputes between Roche and Cipla regarding Patent No. 196774, which covered a cancer treatment drug ('Polymer A'). While Cipla had raised counterclaims seeking revocation based on non-disclosure (Section 8), the Division Bench addressed whether to stay the IPAB proceedings pending the outcome of cross-appeals in the High Court.
Tata Sons Ltd. v.Amit Mahna & Ors.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Tata Sons Ltd., confirming that the 'TATA' mark is a well-known trademark entitled to high protection. The court found that the defendants were engaging in both infringement and passing off by using a similar mark ('TATA GOLD') on pressure cookers, thereby attempting to free-ride on the established goodwill of the Tata Group. Consequently, the suit was decreed with permanent injunctions, an order for destruction of infringing goods, and an award of compensatory damages.
Marico Limited v.Adani Wilmar Ltd
The Delhi High Court dismissed Marico Limited's application for an interim injunction against Adani Wilmar Ltd, which sought to stop the broadcast of competitor advertisements. Marico alleged that Adani Wilmar's 'Fortune' ads disparaged its 'Saffola' brand with false health claims. However, the court emphasized that advertisers must be given latitude in their messaging and held that unless claims are totally unsubstantiated, courts should avoid a hyper-technical view. The decision allowed the advertisements to continue pending final adjudication.
Jagdale Industries Limited v.Halewood Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.
Jagdale Industries Limited appealed an order dismissing its application for leave to sue Halewood Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. and others regarding alleged infringement of Patent No. 247946, which covers a fruit juice based electrolyte energy drink. The High Court dismissed the appeal, holding that the appellant failed to demonstrate sufficient evidence or causal link showing that a part of the cause of action arose within the court's territorial jurisdiction.
Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v.Wockhardt Limited
Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. appealed against the dismissal of its interim injunction application, alleging that Wockhardt Limited was infringing their registered trademark "METO" with "METOX". The court dismissed the appeal, holding that the appellant could not maintain the suit because the required assignment deed procedure under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, had not been completed.
Merck Sharp And Dohme Corporation v.Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Merck Sharp And Dohme Corporation filed an application seeking an interim injunction against Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, alleging infringement of its patent on the molecule SITAGLIPTIN. The plaintiffs argued that the defendant's product infringed their patented composition and brand names (JANUVIA/JANUMET). However, the court dismissed the application, finding that the plaintiffs failed to plead necessary circumstances regarding prior unsuccessful applications for related patents.
Vov Cosmetics Private Limited v.Union of India
Vov Cosmetics Private Limited challenged an order directing it to change its corporate name due to perceived resemblance with another entity. The dispute centered on whether the similarity in names, particularly involving the 'VOV' mark used in cosmetics, mandated rectification under the Companies Act. The Bombay High Court quashed the impugned order, emphasizing that mere similarity is not sufficient grounds for mandatory rectification and directing a fresh hearing.
Adai Mehra Production Pvt. Ltd. v.Mr Sumeet P. Mehra and Mr Puneet P. Mehra
This case before the Bombay High Court involved Adai Mehra Production Pvt. Ltd. challenging an interim order passed by an arbitrator concerning the remake rights of the classic film 'Zanjeer'. The dispute centered on the ownership and licensing of the original film's intellectual property, specifically its copyright in the screenplay. The court ultimately set aside the restrictive interim measures while allowing the petitioner to proceed with the film's production, provided certain financial conditions were met and subject to the final arbitration outcome.
M/S Harjee Foods & Anr v.M/S Barbino Enterprises Pvt Ltd. & Anr
The Delhi High Court addressed a dispute over the confectionery marks KIDO and KIDCO. While finding that the defendant's use of the unregistered mark KIDCO constituted passing off due to high likelihood of consumer confusion, the court did not find infringement against the registered mark KIDO. Consequently, the suit was decreed in part, granting a permanent injunction against the defendants using KIDCO in India, but dismissing the claim for damages because an interim injunction had already been in place.
United Breweries Ltd v.Khodays Breweries Limited Industries Ltd
United Breweries Ltd appealed a trial court judgment that dismissed its suit seeking permanent and mandatory injunction against Khodays Breweries Limited. The suit alleged infringement and passing off based on the use of 'Hercules Black Label' by the respondent, which was deemed deceptively similar to the appellant's registered trade mark 'Kalyani Black Label'. The High Court ultimately dismissed the appeal, affirming the trial court's decision.
Ramesh Sippy v.Shaan Ranjeet Uttamsingh and others (Defendant Nos. 1 to 9)
Ramesh Sippy filed a suit claiming to be the author and first owner of the copyright and Author's Special Rights in the film 'Sholay' and related films. He sought a temporary injunction against defendants who were dealing with or disposing of rights related to 'Sholay', including its 3D version. The court ultimately denied the ad-interim relief, finding that the Plaintiff failed to make out a prima facie case.
Novartis Ag v.Union Of India & Ors
This landmark Supreme Court judgment addressed the critical interplay between Section 3(d) of the Patents Act, 1970, and the definition of 'invention.' The case centered on Novartis's claim for a patent covering the beta crystalline form of Imatinib Mesylate (marketed as Glivec/Gleevec), a life-saving drug. The Court was tasked with balancing the need to encourage pharmaceutical research and development against India’s commitment to ensuring affordable access to essential medicines, particularly in developing nations.
Levi Strauss & Company v.Shivani Label
Levi Strauss & Company filed a suit against Shivani Label alleging clandestine manufacturing and supply of apparel under deceptively similar marks, including LEVI'S. The court found the plaintiff's claims substantiated by un-rebutted testimony and documents.
Levi Strauss & Company v.Prateek Trading Co.
Levi Strauss & Company filed a suit against Prateek Trading Co. alleging clandestine manufacturing and supply of apparel under deceptively similar marks, including LEVI'S. The court found the plaintiff's case to be true based on un-rebutted testimony and documents.
Vittal Mallya Scientific Research Foundation v.Indus Biotech Private Limited
Vittal Mallya Scientific Research filed a civil suit seeking permanent injunctions against Indus Biotech Private Limited for manufacturing and selling products (soluble double metal salt of HCA and anti obesity beverages) in violation of several process patents. The plaintiff subsequently moved to withdraw the suit as 'not pressed', which the court accepted, dismissing the case.
Tata Sons Ltd. v.Arno Palmen
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Tata Sons Ltd., finding that the defendant's registration of the domain name www.tatainfotech.in constituted trademark infringement and bad faith. The court noted that the plaintiff had prior rights over the associated brand, TATA INFOTECH, and found conclusive evidence demonstrating the defendant registered the domain solely to exploit the plaintiffs' reputation. Consequently, the court granted a permanent injunction against the use of the infringing domain name and ordered its cancellation.
Rajnarayan Dwivedi v.Girish
The petitioner challenged a trial court order that affirmed an injunction granted in favor of the respondents/plaintiffs. The dispute centered on the similarity between the respondents' brands ('Rashtriya Khajuraho Griha Udyog' and 'Calash Chhap Tobacco - Lalluwali') and the petitioner's brand ('Rashtrapriya Khajuraho Tambakhu Griha Udyog').
Sugen Inc. v.A. Rao & Anr.
The plaintiffs sued for injunction against infringement of Indian Patent No.209251, which covered the drug SUTENT. Although the Supreme Court initially set aside a revocation order, the Assistant Controller subsequently revoked the patent again. The court ultimately held that since the patent was revoked, the basis for the interim injunction disappeared, and the plaintiffs' application for continued relief was dismissed.
Reckitt Benkiser India Ltd v.Wyeth Ltd.
This Delhi High Court judgment addresses complex issues surrounding design rights under the Designs Act, 2000. The court specifically examined whether a design registered in a Paris Convention country can serve as grounds for cancelling an Indian-registered design. A key focus was defining 'prior publication,' clarifying that mere existence of a design in a foreign public record is not automatically sufficient; it must possess complete clarity to be understood by the eye of the mind regarding its application to a specific article. The court directed further proceedings to determine the factual merits.