Essential Export Sociedad Anonima v. The Registrar Of Trade Marks

M/S Babbar Wreckers Private Ltd.vsM/S Ashok Leyland Ltd.

M/S Babbar Wreckers Private Ltd. filed suit against M/S Ashok Leyland Ltd., claiming rights over technical specifications and engineering drawings used for manufacturing Light Recovery Vehicles (LRVs). The dispute centered on the alleged unauthorized use of these designs by Ashok Leyland in contracts with the Central Government. While Babbar Wreckers claimed substantial reputation and prior contractual benefits, the court found that the plaintiff failed to establish prima facie copyright ownership over the drawings. Consequently, the court balanced competing interests by directing Ashok Leyland to provide an undertaking for damages and file detailed accounts of profits derived from related government contracts.

Britannia Industries LtdvsITC Ltd

This case involves a dispute over the validity of a registered design used on 'Good Day' Biscuits labels. The defendant, ITC Ltd, sought summary judgment arguing that the design was not registrable under Section 19(1)(d) and Section 4(b) of the Designs Act, citing prior public disclosure. Britannia Industries Ltd countered this by seeking to place additional documents on record, which they claimed would correct an error in their user claim date. The court adjourned the matter to determine the admissibility of these crucial documents.

Marico LimitedvsMinolta Natural Care

The Bombay High Court addressed an interim application in a commercial IP suit filed by Marico Limited against Minolta Natural Care. The court noted that the plaintiff had presented a strong prima facie case for infringement covering trademark, copyright, design, and artistic work based on rival products. While the defendant sought time to explore an amicable settlement, the court granted a short adjournment but made it clear that if no resolution is reached by the next date, the interim application will proceed to final hearing.

Disys India Private LimitedvsThe Registrar of Trademarks

The Madras High Court set aside an earlier refusal by the Registrar of Trademarks to grant registration for the mark 'DISYS'. The appeal argued that the refusal, based solely on phonetic similarity to another mark ('DISYSO'), failed to consider evidence of the appellant's long-standing use and acquired distinctiveness. The court found the original order was a non-speaking order, necessitating a remand back to the Registrar for fresh consideration of the application on its merits.

Arq ProvidoresvsSchloss Hma Private Limited & Anr.

The Delhi High Court addressed an application seeking interim relief in a trademark infringement suit filed by Arq Providores against Schloss Hma Private Limited. While the court acknowledged the likelihood of confusion and potential harm to the Plaintiff’s reputation, it balanced this against the Defendants' existing use of the marks since November 2024. Consequently, the Court granted a conditional interim injunction, requiring the Defendants to restrict the use of 'ARQ' only in conjunction with their house mark 'THE LEELA' for specific services (Class 43), discontinue an infringing logo by December 15, 2025, and refrain from using 'ARQ' for certain food/catering services.