FMCG — India Patent Cases
614 decisions indexed
Page 19 of 21 · 614 total
Wipro Limited v.Oushadha Chandrika Ayurvedic India (P) Limited
Wipro Limited appealed against a single judge's decision to reject suits filed for trademark infringement ("Chandrika") and copyright infringement. The core issue was whether the Madras High Court had jurisdiction, as the respondents were located outside its territorial limits. The court held that when challenging jurisdiction via demurrer, the allegations in the plaint must be accepted as true.
Wipro Limited, Thiru Vi Ka Industrial ... v.Oushadha Chandrika Ayurvedic India (P) ...
The plaintiffs (Wipro Limited) filed suits alleging infringement of their registered trade mark 'Chandrika' and associated copyright by the defendants. The lower court rejected these suits on jurisdictional grounds, arguing that no essential part of the cause of action arose within its territory. The High Court appellate bench overturned this decision, holding that when jurisdiction is challenged via demurrer, the allegations in the plaint must be taken as true.
Eureka Forbes Ltd. v.Hindustan Unilever Ltd.
The appeal challenged the Single Judge's decision to allow a suit for patent infringement. The court examined whether the plaint disclosed a cause of action, particularly when the suit was filed against another patentee. The High Court held that the plaint did disclose a cause of action and dismissed the appeal.
New Hope Food Industries (P) Limited v.Pioneer Bakeries (P) Limited
The Madras High Court allowed the appeals filed by New Hope Food Industries, granting an interlocutory injunction against Pioneer Bakeries. The court found that New Hope had established strong prima facie evidence regarding trademark infringement ('MILKA') and copyright violation concerning its 'MILKA WONDER CAKE' brand and packaging. This decision allows New Hope to protect its market reputation while mandating the company to deposit Rs. 20 lakhs annually into the suit for the duration of the litigation.
R.K. Saraf v.The Assistant Registrar Of Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court addressed a challenge against the removal of the trade mark 'ROCHAK' from the register due to non-payment of renewal fees. While acknowledging arguments for liberal interpretation regarding lapsed trademarks, the court determined that crucial factual questions—such as the validity of the assignment and whether mandatory notice was issued—required detailed examination. Consequently, the High Court declined to exercise its writ jurisdiction under Article 226, directing the petitioner to exhaust the statutory appellate remedy before the Appellate Board.
Vikram Stores And Anr. v.S.N. Perfumery Works And Anr.
The Gujarat High Court allowed an appeal filed by Vikram Stores against a lower court's rejection of its notice of motion regarding trademark infringement. The core issue was whether 'RANGILI,' used by the defendant, was deceptively similar to the petitioner's registered trademark 'RANGOLI.' The court found that both marks were structurally and phonetically similar, concluding that an average consumer would be deceived. Consequently, the trial court's order was quashed, and the respondents were restrained from using the infringing mark for a period of eight weeks.
Parle Products Private Limited v.Surya Food And Agro Limited
Parle Products (plaintiff) claimed that Surya Food And Agro Limited (respondent) infringed its registered biscuit packet designs by marketing biscuits under the name PRIYA GOLD. The dispute centered on whether the plaintiff could establish a cause of action for infringement within the Madras High Court's jurisdiction, particularly regarding commercial sales in Chennai.
Rich Products Corporation And Anr. v.Indo Nippon Foods Limited
The Delhi High Court addressed an interim injunction request filed by Rich Products Corporation against Indo Nippon Foods Limited, alleging trademark infringement and passing off regarding 'Whip Topping.' The court ultimately found that the defendant had not infringed the plaintiff's registered mark. Key factors included the descriptive nature of the term 'WHIP TOPPING,' the lack of similarity between the distinctive elements ('RICH'S' vs. 'BELLS'), and the failure of the plaintiffs to disclose a material disclaimer in their registration, leading to the dismissal of the injunction application.
Dart Industries Inc. v.Techno Plast
Dart Industries Inc. filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against Techno Plast for allegedly copying its proprietary designs used in Tupperware products. The plaintiffs claimed rights under the Designs Act, 2000, and the Copyright Act, 1957, asserting that their globally recognized designs were infringed by the defendants' food-grade plastic storage containers. However, the court examined the prima facie case, noting serious questions regarding the validity of the registered designs. Consequently, the ex-parte injunction granted to the plaintiffs was vacated, though certain conditions were imposed on the defendants.
Cadbury India Limited And Ors. v.Neeraj Food Products
The Delhi High Court granted an interlocutory injunction in favor of Cadbury India Limited against Neeraj Food Products, finding a prima facie case of trademark infringement and copyright violation. The court held that the defendant's use of 'JAMES BOND' was phonetically and visually confusingly similar to Cadbury's registered mark 'GEMS', leading to a high likelihood of deceiving unwary purchasers. Furthermore, the packaging adopted by the defendant was deemed a substantial imitation of Cadbury's distinctive pillow packs, constituting both copyright infringement and passing off.
M/s Satnam Overseas v.The Deputy Registrar Of Trademarks And ...
This Delhi High Court judgment addresses a complex dispute over the geographical scope of the 'KOHINOOR' trademark for rice. The appellant, Satnam Overseas, sought rectification to limit the respondent's registered mark to only a few cities in Uttar Pradesh, alleging lack of bona fide use nationwide. However, the court ultimately dismissed the appeals, upholding the broader registration rights of the original user (the respondent). The ruling emphasizes that restricting a trademark based on limited local usage is impractical and contrary to normal trade practices.
Krishna Oil Industries v.Assistant Registrar Of Trade Marks
Krishna Oil Industries appealed the order of the Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks which treated their opposition against the registration of the trade mark 'EKKA' as abandoned. The appellant argued that they had filed their evidence before the abandonment order was passed, despite delays due to internal issues. The IPAB dismissed the appeal, finding no infirmity in the Assistant Registrar's decision because the appellant failed to file evidence within the final extended period.
R.K. Patel And Co., Tobacco ... v.Shri Rajdhar Kalu Patil @ Patel And Ors.
The Bombay High Court upheld the trial court's decision to grant a temporary injunction in favor of the plaintiffs (R.K. Patel And Co., Tobacco) against the defendants, finding that the defendant's actions constituted trade mark infringement and passing off. The judgment affirmed that the plaintiffs were entitled to injunctive relief based on prima facie evidence. Furthermore, the Court directed the expeditious disposal of the underlying suit, recognizing its age.
Sundar Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Sundar Dietetics Pvt. Ltd., and Sundar Diabetics Dezire v.Adyar Ananda Bhavan And Muthulakshmi ...
The plaintiff, operating under various names, sought an ad-interim injunction against the respondent for infringing two registered patents: one covering a process for making low glycemic sweets with fructose (No. 193899) and another covering the resulting product (No. 200285). The defendant challenged the validity of these patents, claiming fraud by the plaintiff. However, the court found that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case and granted the interim injunction.
Sona Spices Pvt. Ltd. v.Soongachi Tea Industries Pvt. Ltd.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Soongachi Tea Industries, granting an interim injunction against Sona Spices Pvt. Ltd. The court found that despite Sona Spices' prior use of the mark for spices, they had not established a prima facie case regarding their use of 'Sona' for tea before 1993. Given the Defendant's long-standing and substantial business in Sona tea, the balance of convenience lay with protecting the existing market player.
Jhaveri Industries v.Majethia Masala
The Bombay High Court ruled against Jhaveri Industries, finding that the use of 'Rajwadi' by Majethia Masala did not constitute trademark infringement or passing off. The court emphasized that since only 'Badshah' was registered and 'Rajwadi' had a disclaimer, the term is considered descriptive and generic for a type of masala. Consequently, the Plaintiffs failed to establish a prima facie case for granting interim relief.
Brooke Bond India Ltd. v.Girnar Exports (and others trading as M/s. Girnar Exports)
The dispute concerned an opposition filed by Girnar Exports against the trademark 'RED LABEL' owned by Brooke Bond India Ltd. The core issue was whether the late filing of the opposition, necessitated by a perceived error in the re-advertisement of the mark, was within the statutory period.
Amanat Tobacco Gul Manufacture v.Aftab Tobacco Products
The matter involved a Review Petition filed by Amanat Tobacco Gul Manufacture against an order that abandoned Opposition No. DEL-T-3769 regarding the registration of the trade mark 'Raja Gul Label' sought by Aftab Tobacco Products. The petitioners argued that their evidence was not considered and procedural lapses occurred, but the Tribunal found no error apparent on the face of the record.
M/s. Dhodha House v.S.K. Maingi
The Supreme Court addressed two appeals concerning intellectual property rights. In one case (Dhodha House), the appeal regarding trademark and copyright infringement was dismissed. In another case (Patel Field Marshal), the court allowed the appeal, ruling on jurisdictional issues related to composite suits involving both trade mark and copyright.
Gangotree Sweets And Snacks Pvt. Ltd. v.Shree Gangotree Sweets, Snacks And ...
The plaintiff, a manufacturer of sweets and snacks using the registered trademark 'Gangotree', filed for an interim injunction against the defendant, who was operating a similar business under the name 'Shree Gangotree'. The court found that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case based on its valid registration and long-standing use. Consequently, the existing interim injunction was made absolute.
Hawkins Cookers Ltd. v.Zaverchand Liladhar Shah And Ors.
Hawkins Cookers Ltd. filed a petition seeking cancellation of a registered design (No. 164949) held by Respondent No. 1, claiming that their own prior innovation was copied. The court examined the registration certificate and found that it covered the entire Tava along with its handle, not just the innovative part. Ultimately, the court dismissed the petition, finding no case for infringement.
Federation Of Packaged Drinking Water v.Union Of India (Uoi)
Petitioners challenged the actions of the respondents (BIS/Uoi) which prevented them from using the BIS mark and refused license renewals for packaged drinking water sold in flexible pouches. The petitioners argued that they met all existing standards (IS: 14543:2004) and no specific standard existed for pouches at the time. The court ruled partly in favor of the petitioners, directing the respondents to allow BIS marking use and renew licenses until a new standard is prescribed.
Hindustan Lever Limited v.Madhusudhan Industries Limited
Hindustan Lever Limited opposed the registration of the trade mark 'UJALA KING' by Madhusudhan Industries Limited, arguing that it was deceptively similar to their well-known marks 'SUNLIGHT' and 'SUN'. The IPAB ultimately ruled in favor of Hindustan Lever, finding that the impugned mark did not qualify under relevant sections due to confusing similarity.
Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Healthcare v.Anchor Health And Beautycare Private
The plaintiffs sought an ad-interim injunction against the defendant for infringing their registered toothbrush design (No. 170554). The defendant argued that the design was not novel, was obvious imitation of existing designs, and that the plaintiffs had concealed material facts regarding prior litigation and earlier public domain designs to obtain the injunction.
Faber-Castell Aktiengesellschaft v.Pikpen (P.) Ltd.
The plaintiffs, who manufacture and market textmarkers under the 'Faber-Castell' brand with a registered distinctive design, filed a motion alleging that the defendant was breaching an existing injunction by continuing to sell deceptively similar products despite cosmetic alterations. The court examined the changes made by the defendant and accepted their undertaking to make further distinguishable changes.
Faber-Castell v.Pikpen Private Limited
The plaintiffs sought an injunction against the defendants for infringing their registered design and passing off their product using the identical trade mark "TEXTLINER". The court found that there was a deceptive similarity in the shape, configuration, color scheme, and get-up of the products. After establishing the plaintiffs' ownership rights, the court allowed the motion for an injunction.
Kanpur Trading Company Pvt. Ltd. v.Afroz Ahmed And Feroze Ahmed Trading As Sahana Works
The dispute involved two trademark applications (No. 588196 and 588197) for the word 'Ghari' by Kanpur Trading Company Pvt. Ltd., which were opposed by Afroz Ahmed and Feroze Ahmed. The opponents failed to file requisite evidence within the statutory time, leading to the abandonment of their opposition. They subsequently filed a review petition, which the Tribunal dismissed as lacking merit.
Latha C. Mohan v.Cavinkar Pvt. Ltd. And Ors.
The Madras High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of Latha C. Mohan, who claimed prior use and goodwill associated with her beauty parlour business under the trade name 'Kanya.' The court found that both parties operated within the same field (cosmetology/beauty), creating a likelihood of consumer confusion and diversion of trade. Despite the respondent's registered trademarks, the applicant successfully established a real and tangible risk of damage to her commercial reputation, warranting immediate protection.
Prestige Housewares (India) Ltd. v.Prestige Estates And Properties Cooperatives
This appeal before the Karnataka High Court challenged an order from the Copyright Board regarding the revocation of a copyright registration held by Prestige Estates And Properties Cooperatives. The petitioners, Prestige Housewares (India) Ltd., alleged that the respondent was infringing their artistic work and Trade Mark 'PRESTIGE', causing confusion in the market. However, the court ultimately dismissed the appeal, finding no merit in the contention that the respondent's use of the mark constituted infringement or passing off.
Jaininder Jain And Ors. v.Registrar Of Trade Marks And Ors.
Appellants filed a petition seeking removal/rectification of trade mark registrations (Nos. 376224, 384556, 463530, and 486516) allegedly made by respondents based on misrepresentation. The appeal challenged the dismissal of an interim application for staying the impugned order. The court dismissed the appeal, stating that the legality of the underlying family settlement was a matter for civil proceedings.
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