Bench:Sanjeev Narula
368 IP cases indexed. Covers trademark, patent matters.
Cases Presided Over
368 cases indexed | Page 7 of 13
Pratibha Proprietor Of Lamed India v.Union Of India & Anr.
The Delhi High Court allowed a rectification petition filed by Pratibha Proprietor Of Lamed India against a registered trademark 'LAMED'. The court cancelled the registration (No. 1576720) after noting that one of the respondents, who held the mark, no longer intended to use it. This decision effectively cleared the path for the petitioner to utilize the brand name.
Modern Snacks Pvt Ltd v.Maa Bara Devi Namkeen Bhandar And Anr
Modern Snacks Pvt Ltd filed petitions seeking the removal and cancellation of specific copyright registrations held by Maa Bara Devi Namkeen Bhandar. The court noted that a prior civil suit between the parties had been decreed on consent terms, wherein the Respondent agreed not to use any deceptively similar labels or trademarks. Since the respondent subsequently undertook to withdraw relevant trademark applications and cancel certain copyrights, the High Court allowed the petitions.
Epitech S.P.A. v.The Controller Of Patents
Epitech S.P.A. appealed a rejection order issued by The Controller of Patents, which had denied the grant of its PCT national phase application (No. 6850/DELNP/2014). The Controller's initial decision was based on the finding that the data provided by the Appellant related to an irrelevant compound (PEA-OXA) instead of the claimed subject matter (PEA-OXLE). However, the Delhi High Court found this reasoning insufficient and factually incorrect, noting that the data did indeed include examples pertaining to PEA-OXLE. Consequently, the appeal was allowed, setting aside the Impugned Order and directing the Controller to decide the application afresh.
Imagine Marketing Limited v.Ashok Kumar And Ors.
Imagine Marketing Limited (boAt) successfully secured an interim injunction against several defendants accused of trademark infringement. The Delhi High Court recognized that the defendants were using deceptively similar domain names and creating fake websites to sell counterfeit or fraudulent consumer electronics, causing irreparable harm to boAt's goodwill. The court restrained these parties from operating such domains and ordered registrars to suspend the infringing sites within ten days.
Castrol Limited v.Vivek Sen, Trading As Tridev Auto Parts & Anr.
In a suit concerning trademark and copyright infringement, Castrol Limited successfully secured several critical interim orders from the Delhi High Court. The court granted exemptions allowing the Plaintiff to proceed urgently without pre-litigation mediation or prior notice to the defendants. Crucially, the court authorized the appointment of a Local Commissioner to conduct a search and seizure operation against the Defendants for counterfeit products bearing deceptively similar marks and packaging.
Huck International, Inc v.Assistant Controller Of Patents And Designs
Huck International appealed the rejection of its divisional patent application based on an objection under Section 16 of the Patents Act. The Appellant argued that they were denied a fair opportunity because the final decision was based on an objection not enumerated in the initial hearing notice. The Court agreed, setting aside the impugned order and directing the Respondent to issue a fresh notice.
3G Licensing S.A v.The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks and Anr
The appeal was filed challenging the rejection of a patent application. The Appellant argued that prior art cited by the Indian Patent Office had also been considered and the patent granted in Europe. The Court issued an interim order allowing the Appellant time to submit the European patent record.
M/S Raj Steel Rolling Mills v.M/S Haryana Strips Pvt Ltd & Anr.
The Delhi High Court allowed a petition filed by M/S Raj Steel Rolling Mills seeking cancellation of the trademark 'SHAILDU HEAVY'. The court found that the impugned mark was deceptively and structurally similar to the Petitioner's prior registered mark, 'SALDU', which had been in continuous use since 1974. Given the identical nature of the goods (iron and steel shapes) and the clear evidence of prior usage by the petitioner, the registration of 'SHAILDU HEAVY' was deemed a contravention of the Trade Marks Act, leading to its cancellation.
Louis Vuitton Malletier v.The Registrar Of Trade Marks
In this matter concerning a trademark opposition, Louis Vuitton Malletier sought relief after being unable to complete the payment for its notice of opposition due to a technical glitch with the payment gateway. The Delhi High Court acknowledged the petitioner's claim regarding the non-fault nature of the delay and took steps to ensure all parties were heard. Consequently, the applicant of the disputed mark was impleaded as Respondent No. 2, allowing the litigation to proceed fairly.
Kao Corporation v.The Controller Of Patents & Anr.
Kao Corporation appealed the rejection of its patent application (No. 5945/DELNP/2009) by the Joint Controller of Patents and Designs. The appeal challenged the ground that the applicant failed to file a rebuttal against non-patentability objections under Section 25(1)(f). The Court decided to issue notice to Respondent No. 2 before determining the matter.
Abhinav Immigration Services Pvt. Ltd. v.The Registrar Of Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court set aside the Registrar's refusal to register the mark 'VISA EXPERTS - PARTNERING LIFE CHANGING DECISIONS' for visa and immigration consultancy services. The court ruled that the composite nature of the mark prevents it from being deemed merely descriptive under Section 9(1)(b). Furthermore, addressing the likelihood of confusion (Section 11(1)), the Court noted an agreement with the conflicting trademark owner to proceed provided a disclaimer of the word 'VISA' is included. Consequently, the application was directed to be advertised for registration.
Busy Infotech Pvt Ltd v.Xpert Tricks Softwares & Ors.
This Delhi High Court order addresses an ongoing suit filed by Busy Infotech Pvt Ltd against various defendants for copyright infringement and trademark passing off related to its 'BUSY Software.' The court noted that previous interim injunctions were in place, and several pro-forma defendants had been discharged after providing undertakings. On December 8, 2023, the court directed the Plaintiff to file an updated memo of parties within one week before listing the matter again.
Fateh Chand Bhansali & Anr. v.M/S Vans Inc Usa
The Delhi High Court dismissed a writ petition filed by Fateh Chand Bhansali & Anr. challenging an interim order passed by the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) regarding the word mark 'IVANS'. The court noted that the petitioners had previously withdrawn their challenge to the same interim order, and therefore, any substantive arguments should be reserved for the final hearing of the underlying cancellation petition. This decision reinforces the principle that challenges to IP decisions must be pursued through appropriate procedural channels.
M/S Vajiram & Ravi Ias Study Centre Llp v.M/S Vajirao & Reddy Institute Pvt. Ltd.
The Delhi High Court dismissed the plaintiff's application for an interim injunction against passing off. The dispute involved two coaching institutes, 'Vajiram & Ravi' and 'Vajirao & Reddy,' both using names rooted in proper nouns. Despite the plaintiff claiming prior use and phonetic similarity between 'VAJIRAM' and 'VAJIRAO', the court found that the plaintiff failed to demonstrate irreparable harm or a strong likelihood of confusion at this preliminary stage. The balance of convenience tilted in favor of the defendant, allowing them to continue operating under their mark pending final trial.
Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc v.The Assistant Controller Of Patents And Designs
Microsoft appealed the refusal of its divisional patent application, which was rejected on grounds including lack of distinct invention (Section 16) and non-patentability as a computer program per se (Section 3(k)). The court set aside the impugned order regarding Section 16 but remanded the matter to the Respondent for fresh examination specifically concerning the objections under Section 3(k).
Macgregor, Alexander v.Assistant Controller Of Patents And Designs & Anr.
The appellant challenged the Assistant Controller's order dated November 19, 2020, which rejected Patent Application No. 3036/DELNP/2012 for 'Derivatives of Di(phenylpropanoid) Glycerol'. The court first condoned a delay of 479 days in re-filing the appeal and subsequently issued directions to list the matter before the Joint Registrar.
Grauer And Weil (India) Limited v.Mr. Nirav Shah & Ors.
In a dispute concerning specialized lubricants, the Delhi High Court allowed Grauer And Weil to proceed with its suit against former employees and their associated firms. The court granted an exemption from mandatory pre-institution mediation and appointed a Local Commissioner. This commissioner is tasked with conducting a detailed inventory of the defendants' products and collecting samples, based on allegations that the defendants are using confidential information and trade secrets related to the plaintiff’s 'GRODAL' brand.
Great Galleon Ventures Limited v.Champa Prema Tandel Sole Proprietor Of Dharmesh Distillery & Anr.
The Delhi High Court confirmed the existing ex-parte interim injunction, ruling in favor of Great Galleon Ventures Limited (Plaintiff) against Champa Prema Tandel Sole Proprietor (Defendant). The court found that the Plaintiff had established a strong prima facie case regarding trademark infringement and passing off concerning their 'GOA' brand. Crucially, the court dismissed the Defendant's challenge to territorial jurisdiction, noting that the plaint explicitly stated the goods were being sold in Delhi, thereby maintaining the injunction pending final disposal of the suit.
Zydus Healthcare Ltd. v.Assistant Controller Of Patents And Designs & Anr.
Zydus Healthcare Ltd. challenged the grant of Patent IN 426553 by alleging that the claims were broadened beyond the original filing scope, violating Section 59 of the Patents Act, 1970. The court issued an interim order addressing procedural matters (CM 61/2023) and directed notice to all parties for further consideration of the main petition.
Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC v.The Assistant Controller Of Patents And Designs
Microsoft challenged the Assistant Controller's decision rejecting its patent application for a network authentication system under Section 3(k) of the Patent Act, arguing that the invention provided a genuine technical solution to security problems. The Delhi High Court set aside the rejection based on the flawed interpretation of 'computer program per se,' emphasizing that an algorithm should not be automatically excluded if it offers a tangible technical contribution. Consequently, the matter was remanded back to the Controller for re-examination regarding novelty and inventive step.
Bundl Technologies Private Limited v.Pankaj Garg & Ors.
The Delhi High Court addressed the initial proceedings of a suit filed by Bundl Technologies against Pankaj Garg & Ors. The plaintiff alleges that the defendant's registered trademark infringes upon and attempts to unfairly capitalize on the goodwill of the 'SWIGGY' mark, which is declared a well-known mark. While procedural steps were taken to register the suit and manage filings, the court specifically queried the counsel regarding the validity of using the 2022 'well-known' status as grounds for challenging the defendant's earlier registered trademark.
Prof Manju Pathak v.M/S Shree Agro Foods
Prof Manju Pathak appealed a previous judgment where she had succeeded in an infringement suit under the Patents Act, 1970. Her grievance was that the original court did not award damages, costs, delivery-up, or rendition of accounts for the infringing products.
Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc v.The Assistant Controller Of Patents And Designs
The petitioner appealed a matter before the Delhi High Court concerning an objection related to Section 3(k) of the Patents Act, 1970. The court heard arguments and directed the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks to ensure the presence of a Controller for assistance on the next date.
Jay Switches (India) Pvt. Ltd. v.Sandhar Technologies Ltd & Ors.
The Plaintiff filed a suit alleging that the Defendant's fuel tank cap infringes their patent (IN427110) and registered design (275676). The court passed several orders, including allowing an exemption from pre-litigation mediation and granting interim relief regarding the production of impugned products.
Microsoft Technology Licensing Llc v.Assistant Controller Of Patents And Designs
Microsoft Technology Licensing Llc appealed the Assistant Controller's refusal to grant a patent application for a filtering user interface. The Controller rejected the application under Section 3(k) as being a 'computer program per se'. The High Court overturned this decision, emphasizing that software can be patentable if it demonstrates a technical contribution and applying the updated CRI 2017 Guidelines.
Sirona Hygiene Private Limited v.Flipkart Internet Private Limited & Ors.
In this case concerning online trademark infringement, the Delhi High Court delivered a mixed judgment based on joint compromises and ex-parte proceedings. The court decreed the suit in favor of Sirona Hygiene Private Limited against Defendant No. 1 (Flipkart) based on agreed compromise terms. Furthermore, it mandated specific takedown procedures for Defendant No. 2 (Amazon) to address unauthorized use of Sirona's trademarks. Finally, an injunction was passed against other sellers (Defendants Nos. 3-13) who were found to be passing off counterfeit goods.
Oneempower Pte Ltd v.The Controller Of Patents And Designs
Oneempower Pte Ltd appealed the rejection of its patent application for 'A Transaction Reward System' (TRS), arguing that it possessed a technical effect and was not merely a business method. The Controller rejected the application, holding that TRS was fundamentally an administrative or organizational business solution implemented using standard technology.
Alpa Laboratories Limited v.Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd And Anr.
The court heard arguments regarding the maintainability of a revocation petition filed by Alpa Laboratories Limited, which was based on the apprehension that Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd would institute an infringement suit. The court directed parties to seek instructions and re-notify the matter.
Dwd Pharmaceuticals Limited v.Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited
The Delhi High Court addressed an application by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries seeking permission to cancel the trademarks 'ZEST' and 'FERIZEST' registered by Dwd Pharmaceuticals Limited. The court dismissed the request concerning 'ZEST', citing principles of acquiescence, noting that the plaintiff had previously relied on similar marks containing 'ZEST'. However, the court issued notice for the cancellation petition regarding 'FERIZEST', allowing the litigation to proceed on that mark.
Knitpro International v.Examiner Of Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court allowed the appeal filed by Knitpro International against the Trade Marks Registry's refusal of a trademark application for a pattern on a knitting needle. The court found that the subject mark was inherently distinctive, capable of distinguishing goods, and that the objections raised under Sections 9 and 11 of the Act were untenable. Consequently, the court set aside the previous refusal and directed the Trade Marks Registry to proceed with the registration process.
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