India Trademark Cases
3,667 decisions indexed
Page 96 of 123 · 3,667 total
Modi- Mundipharma Pvt. Ltd. v.Union Of India & Anr.
The Delhi High Court addressed a challenge to the Intellectual Property Appellate Board's (IPAB) decision to de-register the trademark 'FECONTIN' due to alleged non-use. The court found that the IPAB overlooked a crucial fact: 'FECONTIN' was registered as an associated mark of 'FECONTIN F'. Citing Section 55(1) of the Trade Marks Act, the High Court held that the use of an associated trade mark can be accepted as equivalent to the use of the primary mark. Consequently, the court set aside the IPAB's order and remanded the matter for a fresh hearing.
Pepsico Inc & Ors. v.Dugar Spices & Eatables (P) Ltd. & Ors.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Pepsico Inc, granting a permanent injunction against Dugar Spices & Eatables for the illegal use and sale of counterfeit and look-alike snack products. The court found that the defendants were violating Pepsico's rights through deceptive similarity in trademarks (KURMURE, CRACKURE), logos, packaging design, and overall trade dress associated with the 'KURKURE' brand. Furthermore, the judgment included directions to customs departments to prevent the import of these infringing goods.
yahoo inc v.mr rinshad rinu ors
Yahoo Inc sued Mr Rinshad Rinu and others for infringement of its YAHOO trademark in Class 39, alleging deceptive use in a trading name (yahookochi.com) and business operations. The defendants used the Yahoo mark and logo, claiming they had invested significantly in promoting it.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.Guddu
Hindustan Unilever Limited successfully sought interim protection against Guddu, alleging that the respondent was manufacturing and selling soaps under the brand 'New Liberty' with trade designs, graphics, and color schemes deceptively similar to Lifebuoy. The court recognized the distinctive 'trade dress' of Lifebuoy in the competitive FMCG sector. Given the high potential for consumer confusion among unwary buyers, the Calcutta High Court appointed a Special Officer to inventory the infringing goods and granted an interim injunction to preserve the petitioner's market reputation.
AVMH Corporation v.Subu Trade Pvt. Ltd.
This Madras High Court judgment addressed a civil revision petition challenging an order that rejected a plea to dismiss a trademark suit. The respondent sought injunctions regarding their 'SACHA MOTI' trademark for food products, while the petitioners argued the suit should be dismissed due to parallel proceedings in the Delhi High Court and before the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). The High Court upheld the trial judge's decision, finding no illegality in allowing the suit to proceed.
Subhas Chand v.Mahesh Chandra Agrawal & Others
Subhas Chand, proprietor of M/s Panchhi Petha Store, filed a suit alleging that defendants were infringing his registered trademark and copyrighted labels by using 'New Panchhi Petha Store'. The court found that the defendant's use of similar colors, imagery (lady with umbrella), and trade name was intended to deceive consumers. Given the plaintiff's established reputation and goodwill in manufacturing quality sweets like Petha and Dalmoth, the appeal succeeded, upholding the finding of infringement.
Paramount Surgimed Limited v.Paramount Bed India Private Limited & Ors
The Delhi High Court set aside an earlier ex-parte injunction granted in favor of Paramount Surgimed Limited. The court found that the plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case, noting that the plaintiff was aware of the defendant's use of the 'PARAMOUNT' mark since 2009 and had not adequately demonstrated its use in the hospital bed sector. Given the established business operations of the defendants, the balance of convenience lay in their favor, allowing them to continue their trade.
Dharam Chand Ladha Mal v.Subhash Sabun Udyog & Ors
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, Dharam Chand Ladha Mal, finding clear similarity between the trade dress of the defendants' products (NIROKHA) and the plaintiff's registered trademark (NAULAKHA). The court granted permanent injunctions to prevent further infringement and passing off. Furthermore, it directed each defendant to pay a compensation amount of Rs. 50,000/- to the plaintiff.
Mr. Shammi Narang & Anr v.Pindrop Music App Private Limited
The Delhi High Court set aside an ex-parte interim injunction favoring Mr. Shammi Narang & Anr against Pindrop Music App Private Limited. The court found that both parties held registered trademarks, but crucially, they operated in different classes (Class 41 for the plaintiff's studio services and Class 42 for the defendant's mobile application). Citing Section 28(3) of the Trademarks Act, the court ruled that since the marks were not used in the same class, infringement could not be established at this stage. The ruling prioritized the balance of convenience in favor of the growing startup.
Irinjalakuda Town Co-Operative Bank Ltd v.ITC Ltd & Ors.
The plaintiff filed a suit alleging passing-off and infringement, claiming that the appellant's use of the mark 'ITC' in its banking business was unfair. The court ruled that since the plaintiff had its registered office within the territorial jurisdiction of the Calcutta High Court, the court possessed the necessary authority to hear the action under Section 134(2) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Eveready Industries India Limited v.Euro-Solo Energy Systems Limited
The Calcutta High Court ruled in favor of Eveready Industries India Limited, finding that Euro-Solo Energy Systems Limited had infringed upon its intellectual property rights. The court determined that the defendant's dry-cell batteries were deceptively similar to Eveready's products, specifically noting the adoption of the exact color scheme and substantially similar trade dress. Consequently, a clear case of passing off was established, leading to a decree for the plaintiff.
Vimal Electric Company & v.Vimal Agro Products Pvt Ltd
The appellants filed an Appeal From Order challenging a Commercial Court's decision that allowed the respondent's application and ordered the return of the plaint. The original suit was for passing off action based on the use of the 'VIMAL' trade name. The High Court dismissed the appeal, holding that the Commercial Court lacked territorial jurisdiction based on the causes of action pleaded.
M/s.Agsar Match Industries v.M/S.Edison Paints By Its
The Madras High Court confirmed a lower court's finding that M/S.Edison Paints was engaging in passing off by using a deceptively similar mark (Double Stag) for red oxide and colour oxide. The court emphasized that even if the products were technically different or had minor packaging variations, the similarity of the core trademark image—the stag—would lead the target audience (civil contractors/masons) to believe both products originated from the same company or sister concerns. This ruling strongly protects established goodwill against confusing imitation.
ITC Ltd v.Irinjalakuda Town Co-Operative Bank Ltd & Ors.
ITC Ltd filed a composite suit against Irinjalakuda Town Co-Operative Bank, alleging infringement and passing off due to the bank's use of 'ITC' as an abbreviation in its name. The respondents sought revocation of leave under Clause 12 of the Letters Patent, primarily arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction because no part of the cause of action arose within Calcutta. However, the High Court found that a true reading of the plaint showed the suit was maintainable and granted leave to proceed with both claims jointly.
Ajanta Pharma Ltd v.Uas Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd & Another
The Calcutta High Court ruled in favor of Ajanta Pharma Ltd in a case involving the trademark 'Sunstop' for sun-screen cream. The court found that Uas Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd had deliberately attempted to pass off its similar product as belonging to Ajanta, exploiting the plaintiff's established market reputation and substantial sales figures. Consequently, the court granted a decree restraining Defendant No. 1 from continuing this dishonest practice.
M/S Guruji Enterprises Pvt Ltd. v.Union Of India And Anr.
The Delhi High Court dismissed an appeal filed by M/S Guruji Enterprises Pvt Ltd. challenging the removal of its 'GURUJI' trademark. The core dispute centered on whether a mandatory prior notice (Form O-3) under Section 25(3) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, was properly served before the mark's cancellation. The Court upheld the Single Judge's finding that since the notice was sent by post and addressed to the proprietor, it was deemed legally served under Rule 15 of the Rules, thereby validating the removal.
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited v.Wockhardt Limited And Anr
The Bombay High Court addressed a Notice of Motion concerning an action in passing off brought by Torrent Pharmaceuticals against Wockhardt. The court analyzed the 'classical trinity' of passing off, focusing on misrepresentation and reputation. Ultimately, the judge found that Torrent failed to establish a prima facie case for passing off due to the long co-existence of the rival products without any demonstrated confusion or deception. Consequently, the interim injunction sought by Torrent was dismissed.
Intex Technologies (India) Ltd v.M/S Az Tech (India)
The Delhi High Court set aside an earlier single judge's order that had restrained Intex Technologies from using the mark 'AQUA' for mobile phones. The court found that the respondent, M/S Az Tech, failed to establish a prima facie case of passing off. Crucially, the court noted the dishonest conduct of Az Tech in copying Intex's logo font and style during the pendency of the suit, which disentitled them from obtaining an injunction.
Shrijee Industries Through Proprietor v.Shree Laxmi Industries
The Gujarat High Court addressed a petition seeking to overturn an order that rejected a stay application in a trademark dispute involving the mark 'MARSHAL'. The Court quashed the impugned order, finding merit in the petitioner's request for judicial intervention. Crucially, instead of dismissing the matter entirely, the court ordered the transfer of the subsequent civil suit (Regular Civil Suit No. 297 of 2014) to be heard alongside the original trademark suit (Special Civil Suit No. 3264 of 2013). This decision ensures that both parties' claims regarding the mark are adjudicated together.
M/S Shree Seco Pvt Ltd v.Union of India And Anr
The Rajasthan High Court addressed a writ petition filed by M/S Shree Seco Pvt Ltd seeking mandamus for the renewal of its Trade Mark Registration No. 721240. The court did not grant the renewal directly but issued a specific direction to the Registrar of Trademark (Respondent No. 2). This order mandates that the Registrar must decide on the pending renewal application within three months, providing a clear timeline and procedural path for the petitioner.
A. Ebrahim v.M/S. Ojin Foods Pvt. Ltd.
This Kerala High Court judgment addressed a challenge to the territorial jurisdiction in an infringement suit. The defendant argued that relief of passing off should only lie where they ordinarily reside, but the trial court found it was ancillary to the main trademark infringement claim. The High Court upheld the lower court's finding, noting that since both trademark infringement and passing off were sought, the jurisdictional issue could not be definitively settled at this stage. Consequently, the original petition challenging the jurisdiction order was dismissed.
Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. v.Lupin Ltd And Anr
The Bombay High Court dismissed the appeal filed by Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals against the refusal of interim relief. The dispute centered on alleged infringement and passing off concerning the medicinal preparation DEXORANGE, whose packaging and trade mark were copied by the respondents (Lupin Ltd And Anr). Despite strong claims regarding identical artistic work and deceptive similarity, the court found no immediate case for injunction after an 11-year delay in seeking relief. However, the court directed that the original suit be expedited, keeping all core issues of infringement and passing off open for future adjudication.
Abhoy Kumar Jain v.Vrajlal Manilal & Company And Others
The Delhi High Court intervened in a dispute over trademark rectification, setting aside an ex parte order passed by the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). The petitioner successfully argued that the original decision failed to consider their statement of defense and material evidence. Consequently, the court restored the petitioner's mark 'Tufan' on the register and remitted the case back to the IPAB for a fair reconsideration, emphasizing procedural fairness over substantive merits.
A. Arivazhagan / P.C.N. Raghupathy v.The Registrar of Trade Marks / Union of India & Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks
The Madras High Court addressed two writ petitions concerning the abandonment of various trademark applications. The core issue was the denial of a proper opportunity for petitioners to be heard before the Trade Mark Registry. Recognizing that due process had been violated, the court directed the respondents to provide an immediate personal hearing at the appropriate office and pass orders expeditiously in line with the Trademarks Act, 2002.
M/s.Mahesh Value Products Private Limited v.Bhagwati Rubber Industries
The suit was filed by M/s. Mahesh Value Products Private Limited against Bhagwati Rubber Industries, alleging infringement and passing off related to their registered trademark 'Stumper' and associated copyright. The plaintiffs sought perpetual injunctions and damages concerning the use of the mark 'Slamped'. However, despite multiple opportunities, the plaintiffs failed to appear before the court for recording evidence.
M/s. Eris Life Science Pvt.Ltd. v.M/s. Micro Labs Ltd
The Madras High Court ruled in favor of staying a trademark infringement suit when a rectification application concerning the registered mark is pending before the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). The court clarified that the right to file for trademark rectification is a statutory right and cannot be curtailed by requiring prior leave or prima facie satisfaction from the civil court. Given the similarity between the marks and the pendency of the IPAB proceedings, the suit was stayed.
Tata Sons Limited v.Ram Niwas & Ors
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Tata Sons Limited, granting permanent injunctions against Ram Niwas & Ors for trademark infringement and passing off. The court found that the defendants were deceptively using the mark 'TATA' and the domain name 'www.tatapackers.com' to associate themselves with the well-known TATA brand in the transport and logistics sector. Furthermore, the defendants were ordered to transfer the infringing domain name to Tata Sons Limited.
ITC Ltd. v.Irinjalakuda Town Co-Operative Bank Ltd. & Ors.
The court addressed a matter involving ITC Ltd. and Irinjalakuda Town Co-Operative Bank Ltd., where the defendant applied for the revocation of leave granted under clause 12 of the Letters Patent. The court noted that the defendants' application was crucial, especially regarding whether the plaintiff could take advantage under Section 134(2) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Mehra Cosmetics v.Ram Kumar Gulati & Ors.
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction favoring Mehra Cosmetics against Ram Kumar Gulati & Ors. The court found that the defendants were attempting to pass off their goods as those of the plaintiff by using a deceptively similar mark ('BLUE CHEF' vs 'BLUE CLIFF'). Despite arguments regarding the unregistered status of the plaintiff's trademark and procedural issues, the court ruled that the similarity in sound and appearance constituted passing off. The defendants were ordered to cease using the infringing mark and change labels on their existing stock.
Intouch Leather House India Pvt. Ltd v.Ishaan Overseas
The Plaintiff, Intouch Leather House India Pvt. Ltd., filed a suit alleging trademark infringement and passing off against Ishaan Overseas for using the mark 'EDMODA' on leather goods. The Plaintiff claimed its mark 'ESBEDA' was deceptively similar. However, the court found that the marks were sufficiently distinct visually and phonetically, leading to the dismissal of the motion.
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