Industry Sector

Mechanical — India Design Cases

30 decisions indexed

Page 1 of 1 · 30 total

design defendant favorable · Jan 20, 2026

M/s. Pyromaitre Thermal India Pvt. Ltd. v.Pyromaitre INC. Thr Its Authorized Rep

Bombay High Court · 58172021

The applicant (M/s. Pyromaitre Thermal India Pvt. Ltd.) filed a revision application challenging an order that rejected its application for rejection of the plaint in a commercial suit. The dispute centered on allegations of infringement of the plaintiff's industrial oven design by the respondent. The High Court upheld the lower court's decision to reject the application, finding no grounds for rejection.

design plaintiff favorable · Jan 2, 2025

Thermo Electrics Madras Manufacturing v.P.R.Gopalakrishnan

Madras High Court · 192766924

Plaintiffs filed a civil suit seeking permanent injunction against the defendants for committing piracy through fraudulent imitation of four registered designs (No. 193288, 193289, 193290, 193291) related to Extraction and Heating Mantles. The plaintiffs alleged that the first defendant had access to their trade secrets and designs during his employment with the second plaintiff, leading to unauthorized imitation.

design plaintiff favorable · May 24, 2024

Paresh Ajitkumar Kapoor v.Controller Of Patents And Designs And Ors.

Calcutta High Court · 76632714

The appellant, Paresh Ajitkumar Kapoor, appealed against an order by the Deputy Controller cancelling his registered design for an Air Cooler (No. 233559) based on alleged prior publication in China. The appeal contended that the cancellation relied only on insufficient evidence from the CNIPA website and ignored previous rejections of similar claims. The High Court set aside the impugned order and remanded the matter for fresh adjudication.

design mixed · Apr 26, 2024

Dharmaj Technologies v.Mac Swin Technologies

Gujarat High Court · 102181805

Dharmaj Technologies filed a suit against Mac Swin Technologies alleging infringement and passing off related to its Registered Design No. 253469, which pertains to a diamond processing machine. The dispute centered on the defendant's manufacturing and sale of machines bearing identical or obvious imitations of the plaintiff's design. Following an undertaking by the defendant discontinuing the use of the impugned design, the court allowed the suit to the extent of granting permanent injunctions against future infringement.

design plaintiff favorable · Jun 20, 2023

The Raring Corporation And Anr v.Neogie Engineering Works Pvt Ltd

Calcutta High Court · 39358231

The petitioners sought interim protection against the respondent for copying their registered design, 'Sonic Nozzle', which is an essential component of their dust suppression system. The dispute centered on whether the respondent's product infringed the petitioner's protected shape and configuration, or if the design was purely functional and therefore unprotectable.

design defendant favorable ★ Landmark · Aug 5, 2022

Kamdhenu Limited v.Aashiana Rolling Mills Ltd

Delhi High Court · 15597879

Kamdhenu Limited filed a suit alleging infringement of its registered design for surface patterns on steel rods. The core dispute revolved around whether this design was novel, as Aashiana Rolling Mills Ltd contended that the pattern was derived from an existing British Standard (BS4449-2005). The Delhi High Court ultimately dismissed Kamdhenu's appeal, holding that since the standard prescribed the specific surface pattern for identifying a steel grade, the design lacked originality and was incapable of registration.

design defendant favorable · Feb 4, 2022

M/S Mold Tech Packaging Limited v.S.D. Container Proprietor Patwari

Madhya Pradesh High Court · 57881675

The appeal was filed by M/S Mold Tech Packaging Limited against an order rejecting its application for a temporary injunction. The plaintiff claimed that the respondent was pirating and infringing their registered designs of containers and lids. However, the court dismissed the appeal, finding that the plaintiff's designs were not new or original as they had been in use globally prior to registration.

design defendant favorable ★ Landmark · May 12, 2021

M/S Kamdhenu Limited v.M/S Aashiana Rolling Mills Ltd.

Delhi High Court · 45300504

Kamdhenu Limited sued Aashiana Rolling Mills Ltd. alleging infringement of its registered design for steel bars featuring a double-ribbed surface pattern. The defendant challenged the validity of this registration, arguing that the design was merely a common feature found in industry standards and prior publications. The Delhi High Court ultimately ruled in favor of the defendant, finding that the plaintiff's design lacked novelty because it reflected established industry practices and known standards.

design defendant favorable · Aug 23, 2018

M/S Aashiana Rolling Mills Ltd v.M/S Kamdhenu Ltd

Delhi High Court · 191599286

This appeal addressed an interim injunction sought by Kamdhenu Ltd against M/S Aashiana Rolling Mills Ltd for alleged infringement of a registered design on TMT steel bars. Kamdhenu claimed its unique surface pattern was protected, while Aashiana argued that the design merely replicated a widely accepted British Standard (BS 4449:2005). The Delhi High Court ultimately set aside the injunction, finding that Kamdhenu's registration was suspect because it relied on a commonly applicable standard available in the public domain.

design plaintiff favorable ★ Landmark · Nov 3, 2017

M/S Kamdhenu Limited v.M/S Aashiana Rolling Mills Ltd

Delhi High Court · 127158675

M/S Kamdhenu Limited filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against M/S Aashiana Rolling Mills Ltd for infringing its registered design related to TMT steel bars. The plaintiff claimed that the defendant copied the unique double-rib surface pattern of their patented bar, which was protected under Design Act, 2000 (No. 250968). The defendant countered by arguing that the design was based on a public domain British Standard and lacked novelty. The Delhi High Court granted interim protection to Kamdhenu Limited, finding a prima facie case for infringement.

design defendant favorable · Jan 17, 2017

Atul Narsibhai Patel v.The Assistant Controller Of Patents & Designs & Ors.

Calcutta High Court · 50714151

The petitioner appealed against the cancellation of his registered seal design (Design No. 200628). The dispute centered on whether the design lacked novelty or originality due to its similarity to features depicted in an earlier tender document published by the Gujarat Electricity Board. The High Court upheld the Assistant Controller's decision, finding that the prior publication defeated the right of registration.

design plaintiff favorable · Dec 6, 2016

Mandev Tubes Pvt. Ltd v.Kalpesh R. Jain And 2 Ors

Bombay High Court · 45075169

The Plaintiff, Mandev Tubes Pvt. Ltd., sought protection for its registered design (No. 224751) concerning copper tubes, alleging that the Defendants infringed this design and engaged in passing off. The Plaintiff claimed the design was novel and original, featuring an expanded bell shape at one end of the tube.

design plaintiff favorable · May 27, 2016

R.N. Gupta & Co. Ltd. Jasola New Delhi v.M/S Action Construction Equipments Ltd. Dudhola & 3 Others

Allahabad High Court · 188397546

The appeal challenged an order from the Additional District Judge which granted an interim injunction restraining the defendant-appellant from manufacturing and selling registered designs for tower cranes. The appellant argued that since a ground under Section 19 of the Designs Act, 2000 was raised as a defense, the suit must be transferred to the High Court under Section 22(4).

design plaintiff favorable · Jan 4, 2016

J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited & Anr v.Bull Machines Pvt Ltd

Delhi High Court · 70487596

J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited filed an application seeking to amend its plaint in a suit against Bull Machines Pvt Ltd, aiming to enhance the suit's valuation and the quantum of damages claimed due to ongoing copyright and design infringement. The plaintiffs argued that despite previous arrangements, the defendant continued manufacturing and selling infringing backhoe loaders. The court ultimately allowed the amendment, emphasizing that commercial disputes require a flexible approach to ensure justice.

design plaintiff favorable · May 5, 2015

Symphony Ltd v.Wim Plast Ltd & 2

Gujarat High Court · 28237134

Symphony Ltd filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against the piracy of its registered designs for Air Coolers. The defendants were accused of marketing and selling products with identical design, shape, and configuration. The court found that a prima facie case was made out in favor of the plaintiff, leading to the continuation of the interim relief.

design plaintiff favorable · Feb 27, 2015

Atlas Plastic v.C G Enterprise

Gujarat High Court · 70768173

Atlas Plastic filed a civil suit seeking declaration and permanent injunction against C G Enterprise for infringement of its registered designs. Atlas Plastic subsequently filed an application seeking to amend its plaint to incorporate details regarding the cancellation petition status of one of the defendant's impugned designs.

design plaintiff favorable · Apr 29, 2014

M/S Manoj Selas And Locks v.The Bihar State Electricity Board

Patna High Court - Orders · 197971155

M/S Manoj Selas And Locks challenged an order that blacklisted them for two years and forfeited their Bank Guarantee after they were rejected from a tender. The dispute centered on whether the petitioner possessed a valid design certificate (Design No. 198589) required by the Board, which the Board disputed.

design defendant favorable · Dec 6, 2013

Pawan Deep Singh Bahl v.Princep Supply Agency

Delhi High Court · 196564273

Pawan Deep Singh Bahl filed a suit against Princep Supply Agency alleging infringement of his registered industrial design (No. 182353) and copyright, along with claims of passing-off regarding 'Mercury in Glass Thermostats'. The plaintiff claimed the defendant copied his compact thermostat design. However, the court ultimately dismissed the suit not on the merits of IP infringement, but because the plaintiff failed to implead the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), which was deemed a necessary party for determining the culpability of piracy and infringement.

design defendant favorable · Aug 6, 2012

Tarun Sethi v.Vikas Budhiraja

Delhi High Court · 195988954

This case involved a dispute over the registered design of a door spring, which the plaintiffs claimed was infringed by the defendants. The plaintiffs asserted that their capsule-shaped door spring, protected under Design Registration No. 202794, was being copied. However, the court examined the core issue of novelty and originality. Ultimately, the court found that the design lacked sufficient distinction from existing market products, leading to the dismissal of the suit.

design defendant favorable · Dec 16, 2011

M/S Metal Impacts Pvt Ltd v.M/S Impact Metals Pvt Ltd

Karnataka High Court · 145973574

The dispute involved a registered design for easy open end lids used in aluminum containers. The defendant challenged the registration, arguing that the design was not new or original, had been publicly disclosed globally long before the filing date, and was based on an invention by Mr. Ermal Fraze. The court found that the plaintiff suppressed material facts regarding the global prior art and lack of novelty/originality.

design interim order · Sep 16, 2010

Lucky Exports v.The Controller Of Patents And Designs and Ors.

Calcutta High Court · 73987186

Lucky Exports appealed against the rejection of its application for cancellation of a design registration (Coaster Brake Hub). The appellant argued that the respondent's design was not novel because advertisements were published publicly before the registration date. The court found merit in this argument, noting the prior public disclosures.

design interim order · Sep 16, 2010

Lucky Exports v.The Controller Of Patents And Designs and Ors.

Calcutta High Court · 181529447

Lucky Exports appealed against the rejection of its application for cancelling a design registration held by respondents. The core issue was whether the registered design, Coaster Brake Hub, was novel, considering advertisements published prior to the registration date. The court found that the prior advertisements proved disclosure before the application date.

design defendant favorable · Oct 14, 2004

Bucyrus Europe Limited And Anr. v.Vulcan Industries Engineering Company

Calcutta High Court · 1063396

The appeal was filed by Bucyrus Europe Limited against an order refusing to grant an ex parte ad interim injunction. The court found that the appellant had deliberately suppressed vital information, specifically filing three applications for cancellation of their registered designs before the Controller of Designs. Consequently, the High Court dismissed the appeal and the application for injunction.

design plaintiff favorable · Apr 7, 2004

Tapria Tools Limited v.Eastman Cast And Forge Limited

Bombay High Court · 1786122

Tapria Tools Limited filed a notice of motion seeking an injunction against Eastman Cast And Forge Limited for pirating and infringing its registered designs (Nos. 167097 and 178415) related to adjustable wrenches and plier sleeves. The plaintiffs argued that the defendant's products were fraudulent imitations, while the defendants claimed lack of novelty and common usage. The court found a strong prima facie case in favor of the plaintiffs.

design defendant favorable · Oct 11, 2001

Rotela Auto Components (P) Ltd. v.Jaspal Singh And Ors.

Delhi High Court · 793618

The plaintiffs sought perpetual injunction against infringement and passing off related to their registered lock designs. The defendants argued that the design was previously published in various magazines and lacked novelty or originality. The court ultimately vacated the interim injunction, finding that due to prior publication, the design could not claim protection.

design defendant favorable · Aug 17, 2001

S.S. Products Of India v.Star Plast

Delhi High Court · 127724

S.S. Products Of India filed a suit for permanent injunction against Star Plast, alleging infringement of their registered air pump design (No. 176150). The defendant contested the suit by pointing out that they also held a valid registration (No. 182208) and challenging the court's jurisdiction.

design defendant favorable · Mar 15, 1996

R. Doraiswamy, Prop. Santha v.Integrated Engineering Industries And ...

Madras High Court · 490688

The plaintiff, engaged in manufacturing wet grinders, claimed exclusive rights over their novel 'TILTING TYPE' grinder design, which was registered. The suit alleged infringement by defendants who were producing similar grinders. However, the court found that evidence showed similar designs were already in use and published prior to the registration date.

design defendant favorable · Jan 5, 1996

Sardar Jaswant Singh v.M/S. Daya Industries And Another

Delhi High Court · 805218

Sardar Jaswant Singh appealed against the dismissal of his application (IA 1188/91) filed to set aside an earlier order where the design registration was cancelled by M/s. Daya Industries. The cancellation petition argued that the design for heat convectors was not new or original and had prior publication. The High Court ultimately dismissed the appeal, finding that the appellant failed to demonstrate sufficient cause for his prolonged absence.

design null · Apr 6, 1973

Western Engineering Company v.America Lock Company

Delhi High Court · 1863786

Western Engineering Company held a registered design for a horse-shoe shaped cycle lock. America Lock Company also obtained a similar design registration. Western Engineering Company sued America Lock Company for infringement, claiming the latter copied its design. The court analyzed both designs to determine if they were original or merely trade variants.

design plaintiff favorable · Mar 10, 1967

Western Engineering Co. v.Paul Engineering Co.

Calcutta High Court · 1352805

The petitioner applied for the revocation of the respondent's cycle lock design (No. 127199) under Section 51-A of the Indian Patents and Designs Act, 1911. The petitioner argued that their earlier registered design (No. 125728) was prior art and that the respondent's design lacked novelty or originality. After examining the designs, the court found sufficient similarity to allow the application.

Arctic Invent — IP Strategy

Protecting your design rights?

Design disputes move fast. Arctic's IP team specializes in interim relief, design invalidation, and cross-border enforcement strategies.

Speak to a specialist →