Mixed Decisions
95 cases | Page 3 of 4
Rajam Industries Private Limited v.Lakshmi Industries
In this trademark rectification case, Rajam Industries sought the Madras High Court to cancel a registration held by Lakshmi Industries. The petitioner argued that the request for cancellation should follow prescribed legal procedures rather than informal communication with the Trademark Registry. After noting that the respondent had initiated steps toward cancellation and agreed to undertake the necessary formal actions, the court closed the original petition.
Trademark Address v.The Registrar of Trademarks
The Madras High Court addressed writ petitions challenging procedural delays in a trademark opposition case. While the petitioner initially sought to overturn an order rejecting an extension for evidence, the court noted that subsequent events had rendered the original petitions infructuous. Since the petitioner subsequently filed a rectification petition against the registered mark, the court disposed of the initial writs but directed the Registrar of Trademarks to expeditiously consider and decide the pending rectification application.
T.G.Arumugam v.T.G.Harigopal
The Madras High Court addressed a petition seeking rectification of the trademark 'UMBRELLA BAND' registration. The court noted that the dispute had been resolved through a joint memorandum of compromise, which was subsequently decreed by a lower court. Consequently, the High Court directed the Trademark Registry to allow applications filed under Form TM-P and Form TM-M, thereby officially recording the petitioner as a joint proprietor alongside the respondent. Furthermore, the registry was mandated to implement the agreed geographical division of territory.
M.Raja Mohamed v.The Registrar of Trademarks
The Madras High Court addressed a long-pending writ petition filed by M.Raja Mohamed seeking the restoration of his trademark, 'RAJA SUPARI.' The court did not delve into the merits of the case but issued a Mandamus directing the Registrar of Trademarks to consider the petitioner's representation dated 14.03.2017 and pass appropriate orders within twelve weeks. This order effectively moves the matter forward for substantive consideration by the Trademark Registry.
M/s.Fair Beat Herbals Cosmetics Private Ltd. v.The Registrar of Trademarks
The Madras High Court addressed writ petitions challenging trademark registration proceedings involving 'Fair Beat'. The court noted that objections had been raised against the application, and an inquiry was pending before the Trademark Registry. Consequently, the High Court directed the Registrar of Trademarks to conduct a thorough enquiry, ensuring all parties are given an opportunity to participate, and to pass final orders on the merits as quickly as possible.
Wipro Enterprises Limited v.Zydus Wellness Products Limited
Wipro Enterprises Limited filed a suit against Zydus Wellness Products Limited and others alleging passing off concerning its glucose-based chewy tablet brand, BOLTS, versus the defendants' product under the mark VOLT. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions regarding trademark infringement, tag line similarity, and packaging get-up. While initial prayers related to the tagline and color scheme were dropped due to prior compromises, the core dispute over the 'VOLT' mark remained central. The court ultimately directed the defendants to pay costs to the plaintiff.
M/s.Neuberg Hitech Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. v.Dr.Ganesan'S Hitech Diagnostic Centre Pvt. Ltd.
This Madras High Court order addressed applications seeking to vacate existing interim injunctions in a trademark infringement suit between Neuberg Hitech Laboratories and Dr. Ganesan's Hitech Diagnostic Centre. The court upheld the injunction regarding the mark 'Hitech,' noting its long-standing use, but modified the protection for the corporate name. Regarding device marks like 'Nalam,' the court found them to be descriptive and limited the scope of protection only to identical or deceptively similar composite marks, allowing defendants broader usage.
M/s.Proklean Technologies P. Ltd. v.M/s.Godrej Consumer Products Ltd
The Madras High Court addressed applications seeking interim injunctions against trademark infringement and passing off concerning the mark 'ProKlean' versus 'ProClean'. While acknowledging the applicant's registered marks, the court found that the balance of convenience tilted against granting an immediate injunction due to the respondent's significant turnover. Consequently, the applications were disposed of without granting the requested restraint, but the respondent was mandated to submit quarterly accounts of sales and profits related to the disputed mark.
Geoscope Exim Private Limited v.Snj Distillers Private Limited
The Madras High Court addressed an appeal filed by Geoscope Exim Private Limited challenging an interlocutory order regarding passing off. The court noted that the main suit was at an advanced stage and, based on mutual agreement between counsel, decided to dispose of the appeal without expressing a definitive view on the merits. This decision allows the Commercial Division to proceed with the final arguments in the original infringement and passing-off case.
Netsweeper Inc. v.Netsweeper Technologies Private Limited & Others
Netsweeper Inc. filed a suit against several entities for passing off its corporate name 'NETSWEEPER' and infringing on its trademark rights. The plaintiff sought damages, permanent injunctions, and an accounting of profits derived from the deceptive use of the brand. While the court addressed multiple claims including licensing fees and tax debts owed to the government, the judgment primarily focused on restraining the defendants from using or dealing with the 'NETSWEEPER' name in a manner that suggests affiliation with the plaintiff.
M/S.Godaddy.Com Llc v.M/S.Puravankara Projects Limited
The Madras High Court addressed a dispute over domain name infringement brought by M/S.Puravankara Projects Limited against Godaddy.com LLC and its Indian subsidiary. While the court acknowledged the Plaintiff's trademark rights, it significantly curtailed the scope of the suit. The mandatory injunction seeking removal of infringing trademarks was rejected due to lack of necessary parties, but the Plaintiff was allowed to proceed regarding alleged liability arising from the Defendants' use of domain suggestion tools.
PNB Vesper Life Science Pvt. Ltd v.The Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks
PNB Vesper Life Science Pvt. Ltd challenged the Controller General of Patents' order that deemed its patent application, relating to novel Cholecystokini Receptor Ligands, as abandoned. The petitioner argued that the abandonment was based on procedural failures and clerical errors by agents, not due to lack of interest in the invention. The Madras High Court acknowledged the violation of timelines but emphasized principles of natural justice, ultimately restoring the application for fresh consideration.
S.Sudhakar / Shri Lakshmi Agro Foods P Ltd. v.Priya Krishnakumar / Krishnakumar
This Madras High Court case addresses a complex dispute involving alleged infringement of registered trademarks and copyright in the food product sector. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendants were using deceptively similar marks ('UDAYA MASALA' vs 'UDHAIYAM') and infringing on the artistic work/logo associated with their masala powders. While the suit sought various injunctions, damages, and accounts of profits, the judgment provided a preliminary decree addressing these claims.
M/s Patanjali Biscuits Pvt Ltd v.Hatsun Agro Product Ltd.
This appeal before the Madras High Court addressed disputes concerning alleged trademark infringement and passing off between Patanjali Biscuits Pvt Ltd and Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. The core dispute revolved around the similarity of trademarks 'AROKYA' and 'AAROGYA', particularly in relation to biscuit products. While the lower court had vacated an interim injunction, the appellate court focused on the procedural aspect of a Summary Judgment application filed by the defendants. Finding that the Single Judge dismissed the summary judgment request without sufficient reasons under commercial courts law, the High Court allowed the appeal and remanded the matter for reconsideration.
M/s.TVS Srichakra Limited v.M/s.Nemson Rubber Industries
M/s.TVS Srichakra Limited filed a suit against M/s.Nemson Rubber Industries alleging infringement of its well-known trademark, "O TVS TYRES," and associated copyright. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions, destruction of infringing goods, damages, and account of profits. However, the court ultimately decreed the suit only for the specific prayers related to permanent injunctions after receiving an undertaking from the defendants.
D. Baskaran v.The Deputy Registrar Of Trade Marks & The Registrar of Trade Marks
This Madras High Court judgment addressed a dispute over the lapsed registration of the 'TAJMAHAL' trade mark. The petitioner sought directions to compel the Trade Mark Registry to accept his renewal application, which had been refused due to the lapse of time. The court ruled that mere expiration is insufficient for removal; the statutory procedure, specifically issuing Form O-3 notice under Section 25(3) of the Trade Marks Act, must be followed scrupulously before a mark can be removed from the register.
Unza International Limited / Cavinkare Private Limited (depending on the suit) v.Cavinkare Private Limited / Wipro Limited (depending on the suit)
This Madras High Court judgment, dated November 15, 2018, resolved multiple complex trademark disputes involving Unza International and Cavinkare Private Limited against Wipro entities. The court decreed Civil Suit No. 1006 of 2009 in favor of Unza International regarding the 'ENCHANTEUR' mark, while simultaneously dismissing other related suits (C.S.Nos. 221 & 222) and closing associated writ petitions based on a compromise memo signed by the parties. The ruling highlights how litigation can conclude through negotiated settlements.
Vennila Clothing Company v.M/s.Arrs Silks
The Madras High Court modified existing interim injunctions in a dispute between Vennila Clothing Company and M/s.Arrs Silks regarding trademark and trade dress infringement. The court partially allowed the applications seeking to vacate the previous injunctions, establishing an interim arrangement where the defendants could use specified changed trade dresses for a period of eleven months. This decision allows the main suit to proceed while providing temporary relief to both parties.
Lifestyle Equities CV v.QDSeatoman Designs Pvt. Ltd.
This Madras High Court judgment addresses intra-court appeals concerning a business relationship between Lifestyle Equities CV (owner of the 'Beverly Hills Polo Club' trademark) and QDS entities. The core dispute revolved around an agreement governing the organization and support of the BHPC brand in apparel, leading to litigation under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The court ultimately allowed the appeal filed by Lifestyle while dismissing the counter-appeal by QDS, affirming that the disputes are arbitrable.
Muthukani Diravidakani & Rakkappan Muthukani (Trading as M/s Anil Appalam & Chips) v.K.S.Raja, The Registrar of Trade Marks, and The Registrar, Intellectual Property Appellate Board
The Madras High Court allowed the petitioners, who trade as M/s Anil Appalam & Chips, to file a Review Petition against an adverse order passed by the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) in 2013. The court granted this permission and further directed the IPAB not to strictly enforce the limitation period if the review petition was filed within two weeks of the High Court's order. This procedural relief allows the petitioners to challenge the original decision regarding their trade mark registration.
Sangeetha Caterers And Consultants v.S.M.Subbaiah
The Madras High Court addressed a trademark dispute where Sangeetha Caterers And Consultants sought permanent injunction against Defendants for infringing and passing off their registered mark 'APOORVA'S SANGEETHA'. Although the defendants remained ex parte, the court found sufficient evidence to grant injunctions restraining further use of the offending word 'SANGEETHA' and directing the surrender of related materials. However, the claim for damages or accounts of profits was dismissed due to a lack of conclusive evidence from the plaintiff demonstrating direct financial loss.
G.Senthil Kumar & Helikx Trust/Training Institute v.Helikx HR Training and Business Consulting LLP & Others
The Madras High Court addressed a Civil Revision Petition concerning the delay in disposing of an interim injunction application related to a trademark infringement suit. The petitioners had filed Original Suit No. 48 of 2016 alleging trademark infringement and sought a temporary injunction via I.A.No.66 of 2016. Recognizing the prolonged delays, the High Court issued a directive to the lower court to expedite the disposal of the application within two months.
S.K.Janimiya (M/s.Crescent Therapeutics Ltd.) v.Mr.Narender Pal; Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks; Intellectual Property Appellate Board
The Madras High Court allowed the writ petition filed by S.K.Janimiya challenging an adverse order from the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) regarding the trademark OLAPIN. While noting the petitioner's lackadaisical conduct and delay in presenting evidence, the court ultimately set aside the IPAB's finding that no documents were filed. The matter was remitted back to the IPAB for a fresh examination, allowing them to consider the records and take further evidence.
This Application Has Been Filed Seeking ... v.Ashok Leyland Limited And Another
The Madras High Court addressed applications seeking interim injunctions concerning the trademark 'O2'. While the court found that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case for passing off, it ultimately denied the request for infringement relief. The judge ruled that despite concerns about delay, the applicant was entitled to an interim injunction specifically regarding the act of passing off by the respondent.
Apex Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. v.Apex Formulations Pvt. Ltd.
The Madras High Court addressed an application seeking a stay in a trademark infringement suit. While the applicant argued for a stay pending opposition proceedings, the court determined that since the original suit was filed under the older Trade and Merchandise Marks Act, 1958, the relevant provisions applied. The court framed an issue questioning the validity of the plaintiff's trade mark registration and adjourned the case to allow the defendant time to comply with statutory requirements regarding challenging the trademark's validity.
G.M.Pens International Pvt Limited v.Bright Brothers Limited
The Madras High Court addressed a trademark dispute concerning the use of 'BRITE' by two companies in different sectors. The Plaintiff, G.M.Pens International, used 'REYNOLDS BRITE' for pens, while the Defendant, Bright Brothers Limited, used it for kitchen utensils and plastic goods. The court found that because the products were entirely distinct—pens versus kitchenware—there was no likelihood of public confusion. Consequently, the court ruled in favor of the Plaintiff regarding its right to continue using 'REYNOLDS BRITE' but denied claims for damages or a declaration against the Defendant.
Plaintiff (Assignee) v.M/S.Delux Films And Others
This Madras High Court order addressed applications concerning the alleged infringement of a plaintiff's copyright in the literary work 'THANGAM/BANGARAM/GANGA'. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions, royalties, and liquidated damages against M/S.Delux Films and others for adapting and telecasting the serial 'Thangam'. While the court did not rule on the merits of infringement or royalty at this stage, it issued procedural directions to ensure timely trial.
G.M.Pens International Limited v.Ramesh Kumar Jain
G.M.Pens International Limited filed a suit seeking injunction against respondents for committing piracy of their registered design (No. 186574) concerning their '045 SMARTGRIP' pens, which were allegedly imitated by the defendants' 'BITCO FINGER' pens. The case reached the Madras High Court via Civil Revision Petitions challenging an order that allowed discovery and interrogatories to the petitioner. The High Court ultimately set aside this order, emphasizing that the trial judge must judiciously assess whether such tools are necessary and not merely a shortcut to prove the case.
Atlas Metal Processors Pvt., Ltd. v.H.K.International
Atlas Metal Processors Pvt., Ltd. filed a suit against H.K.International alleging infringement of its patented stainless steel vacuum bottle design and associated registered designs. The plaintiffs sought permanent injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing goods. After considering the arguments from both sides, the court ultimately decreed the suit concerning the patent and design infringements (Prayers A and B), while dismissing the claims related to passing off, damages, and accounts (Prayers C, D, E, and F).
Mariappan v.A.R.Safiullah
This Madras High Court judgment addressed appeals concerning alleged infringement and passing off related to food-grade laminated paper resembling banana leaves. The plaintiff, Mariappan, claimed exclusive rights under Patent No. 198079 and a registered design. The court sustained the interim injunction favoring Mariappan, recognizing his established goodwill and potential irreparable loss. However, it noted that the concept was prima facie innovative rather than an invention, confirming the earlier order against A.R.Safiullah.
Facing a similar IP matter?
Arctic Invent is a specialist IP firm with deep litigation expertise across India, EU, US, and UK. Our team uses data-driven strategy to build stronger cases.