IP Cases — 2009
85 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 2 of 3 · 85 total
M/S Surya Food & Agro Ltd. v.M/S Priya Gold Tea Company & Ors.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of M/S Surya Food & Agro Ltd., granting a permanent injunction against M/S Priya Gold Tea Company for trademark infringement and passing off. The court found that the defendant was dishonestly adopting the plaintiff's well-established mark 'PRIYAGOLD' and its slogan, causing consumer confusion. While the plaintiff succeeded in securing the injunction, the claim for damages was dismissed due to a lack of cogent evidence regarding the actual losses suffered.
M/S Alkem Laboratories Ltd. v.Mega International (P) Ltd.
The Delhi High Court dismissed M/S Alkem Laboratories Ltd.'s appeal against a judgment that rejected its claim of passing off regarding the trademark 'GEMCAL'. The court found insufficient evidence to establish Alkem as the proprietor or prior user, noting that both parties were concurrent users. Furthermore, the court observed no instances of consumer confusion and noted significant differences in sales figures, concluding that Alkem's claims were unsubstantiated.
M/s Lachhman Das Behari Lal v.Ghanshyam Das Jetha Nand & Ors.
The Delhi High Court addressed applications filed by the defendants seeking to set aside an ex parte decree passed against them in a suit involving trademark, copyright, and passing off claims. While acknowledging the procedural issues raised by the defendants regarding lack of personal service, the court found that the matter required further evidence to determine if there was sufficient cause for setting aside the decree or condoning the delay. Consequently, the court framed specific issues and directed both parties to file their lists of witnesses and evidence.
Agc Flat Glass Europe Sa v.Anand Mahajan And Ors.
The plaintiff, claiming global leadership in glass technologies, filed an application seeking to amend Claim 1 of Indian Patent No. 190380 concerning copper-free mirrors (MNGE). The defendants objected, arguing the amendment added new matter and was an attempt to evade patent revocation. The court allowed the amendment, finding it merely clarificatory.
Strix Limited v.Maharaja Appliances Limited
Strix Limited filed an application seeking an ad-interim injunction against Maharaja Appliances Limited for allegedly infringing Strix’s patented invention related to 'Liquid Heating Vessels'. The patent covers a thermally sensitive overheat control used in kettles. The court found that the Defendant was infringing the validly granted patent and granted the interim injunction.
Alberto-Culver Usa Inc. v.Nexus Health & Home Care (P) Ltd.
The Delhi High Court addressed the plaintiff's application for an interim injunction against alleged trademark infringement by Nexus Health & Home Care (P) Ltd. The court found a need to strike an equitable balance, issuing a mixed order. While restraining the defendant from using the infringing mark 'Nexxus' in relation to the goods covered by the plaintiff's trademarks, the court allowed the defendant to continue operating under its corporate name in specific states until the final disposal of the suit.
Muthooth Finance Ltd. v.The Indian Performing Rights Society Limited
The appeal challenged the Single Judge's order granting an interim injunction sought by The Indian Performing Rights Society Limited (R1). R1 alleged that defendants were infringing copyright by broadcasting recorded songs without obtaining necessary licenses. The High Court upheld the grant of the interim injunction, finding a prima facie case in favor of the plaintiff.
Cadila Healthcare Ltd. v.Gujarat Co-Operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. & Ors.
The Delhi High Court dismissed Cadila Healthcare Ltd.'s appeal against an injunction sought to protect its 'Sugar Free' trademark. The court upheld the lower court's decision, emphasizing that 'Sugar Free' is inherently descriptive and has become publicis juris in the food industry. While acknowledging a potential risk of consumer confusion regarding ingredients, the court found that the existing restriction on font size was adequate to prevent misrepresentation at this interim stage.
M/S Bright Electricals v.Mr. Ramesh Kumar Patel
The Delhi High Court allowed M/S Bright Electricals' application to amend its plaint in a trademark infringement suit. The plaintiff sought to correct an inadvertent mistake regarding the date of use for their 'GOLD MEDAL LABEL' trademark, changing the claimed start date from 1987 to 1979-80. Citing Supreme Court precedents emphasizing that amendments should be allowed liberally to avoid multiplicity of litigation and ensure justice, the court permitted the correction, noting that no serious prejudice would be caused to the defendants.
Chemtura Corporation v.Union Of India & Ors.
Chemtura Corporation filed an application seeking to continue an ad-interim ex parte injunction restraining defendants from infringing its patent on a side bearing pad assembly. The court examined the prima facie case and the balance of convenience, ultimately finding that the balance favored the defendants.
Jigar Vikamsey v.Bombay Stock Exchange Limited
This case involved a challenge to an arbitration award concerning the domain name 'sensex.in', which was claimed by Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE) as infringing its well-known trademark, SENSEX. The petitioner, Jigar Vikamsey, challenged the transfer order under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. The High Court dismissed the petition, finding no perversity or illegality in the original award. The court affirmed that the arbitration process was conducted fairly and legally, upholding BSE's claim over its trademarked domain.
krbl limited v.ramesh bansal
M/S. Krbl Limited (Krbl) sued Ramesh Bansal for trademark infringement and passing off, alleging that Bansal was soliciting trade and intending to use the 'INDIA GATE' mark (with device) on iodized salt, a product category where Krbl has established significant goodwill and reputation in relation to Basmati rice.
G.M.Pens International Limited v.Ramesh Kumar Jain
G.M.Pens International Limited filed a suit seeking injunction against respondents for committing piracy of their registered design (No. 186574) concerning their '045 SMARTGRIP' pens, which were allegedly imitated by the defendants' 'BITCO FINGER' pens. The case reached the Madras High Court via Civil Revision Petitions challenging an order that allowed discovery and interrogatories to the petitioner. The High Court ultimately set aside this order, emphasizing that the trial judge must judiciously assess whether such tools are necessary and not merely a shortcut to prove the case.
Bayer Corporation v.Union of India
Bayer Corporation, holding a patent for the drug Sorafenib tosylate, challenged the licensing process of its competitor, Cipla, arguing that Cipla's application for 'Soranib' constituted an infringement. Bayer contended that granting the license would violate Section 48 of the Patents Act and contravene the definition of a 'spurious drug' under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The Delhi High Court ultimately dismissed the writ petition, holding that unpatented drugs cannot be deemed 'spurious drugs,' thereby upholding the procedural integrity of the licensing process.
S. Ram Kumar v.Micromax Informatics Limited
S. Ram Kumar (appellant/patent holder) challenged a District Judge's order which granted an interim injunction restraining him from preventing or hindering the import and sale of dual SIM card phones, infringing his patent. The High Court dismissed the appeal, finding that given the IPAB was already involved in the matter, the balance of convenience favored the respondent (Micromax Informatics Limited).
I Plus Inc. v.Consim Info Private Limited
The Bombay High Court dismissed I Plus Inc.'s Notice of Motion seeking an injunction against Consim Info Private Limited regarding similar domain names, IndiaProperties.com and IndiaProperty.com. The court held that the terms 'India' and 'Property' are generic and descriptive words, incapable of trademark protection. Furthermore, considering the extensive use and established goodwill of the defendant, the balance of convenience tilted in their favor, leading to the denial of interim relief.
S.Paul Raj v.Tata Consultancy Services Limited
S.Paul Raj filed two applications seeking an interim injunction against Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS) for infringing his copyright and patent regarding his invention, 'FLYGUARD' (e-Passport Smartcard/TCS e-Passport Solution). The applicant claimed TCS was using the concept without permission after initial discussions. However, the court found that the applicant failed to satisfy the ingredients required for granting an interim order.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah v.Shree Venkatesh Films Pvt. Ltd.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah filed a suit alleging that the Bengali film 'Poran Jaey Joliya Re' infringed his copyright in the successful Hindi film 'Namastey London'. The core dispute centered on whether copying the storyline and plot amounted to infringement, despite the legal principle that there is no copyright in an idea. The court found substantial similarity and granted interim relief.
Reckitt Benckiser (India) Ltd v.Wyeth Limited
The dispute concerned an interim injunction sought by Reckitt Benckiser against Wyeth Limited for alleged infringement of their registered design for a 'perfect touch' spatula used with Veet hair removal cream. The court examined whether the design was novel, finding prima facie evidence that the design had been published abroad prior to its Indian registration date.
Reckitt Benckiser (India) Ltd v.Wyeth Limited
The suit concerned the infringement of Reckitt Benckiser's registered design for an S-shaped spatula used with its Veet hair removal cream. The defendant challenged the validity of this registration, arguing that the design was published abroad prior to the Indian filing date. The court found prima facie evidence that the design had been publicly available before 05.12.2003.
S.Ram Kumar v.Union Of India
S.Ram Kumar filed multiple Writ Petitions before the Madras High Court challenging various orders passed by Customs authorities concerning the import of his patented technology (Plurality of SIM/Blue Tooth). The petitioner claimed infringement and sought to quash the customs decisions. However, the court dismissed the petitions, holding that the petitioner failed to avail the effective alternate remedy provided under the Customs Act, 1962.
The Petitioner/Appellant (Name not specified) v.Cadilla Pharmaceuticals Ltd
The Madras High Court dismissed a petition seeking an interim injunction against Cadilla Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which was accused of infringing the petitioner's registered trademark CEFI-XL with its mark CEFOLAC-XL. The court found that there was no prima facie case of deception or confusing similarity between the two marks. Furthermore, the court noted the petitioner's delay in bringing the action (laches) and concluded that the balance of convenience favored the respondent, thus denying the temporary injunction.
Mahesh Gupta & Anr. v.Tej Singh Yadav & Anr.
The plaintiffs, who developed the 'Mineral RO' water purifier technology under Patent No. 199716 and marketed it under the brand KENT Mineral RO, filed a suit against the defendants for infringing their patent, copyright, and goodwill. The court found that the defendant's product fully adopted and copied the patented technology, leading to a settlement where the defendants agreed to pay damages and cease infringement.
BSA-Regal Group Ltd. v.Tube Investments Of India Ltd.
BSA-Regal Group Ltd. sought an interim injunction restraining Tube Investments Of India Ltd. from infringing its trade marks (BSA) on motorcycles, claiming exclusive ownership based on long use of the mark for cycles. The defendant argued that BSA Cycles Limited did not have the right to assign motorcycle rights and that it retained original title as the parent company of BSA Company Limited.
B.Barun Melsungen Ag v.Mr.Mohinder Paul
Plaintiffs filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against defendants, alleging that the defendant's product, MEDIFLON SAFETY, infringed on their Patent No. 210062 for an IV catheter assembly with a safety guard. The court examined the claims of both parties and found that the plaintiff's invention lacked inventive step and there was no prima facie case of infringement.
Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and AMR Technology, Inc. v.Barr Laboratories, Inc., Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. and Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and AMR Technology, Inc. filed a petition seeking permission from the Punjab-Haryana High Court to execute a letter of request issued by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey under the Hague Convention. The request sought evidence and documents related to patent infringement concerning Aventis's ALLEGRA® drug products manufactured using intermediates supplied by Ind-Swift Laboratories Ltd.
Uas Pharmaceuticals Pty.Ltd. v.Ajantha Pharma Limited
The Madras High Court dismissed an appeal filed by Uas Pharmaceuticals, which sought an interim injunction against Ajantha Pharma regarding the use of the trade name 'SUNSTOP'. The court found that despite the appellant's international reputation, they had not established their mark in India. Crucially, the respondent was found to be first in the Indian market with a similar product, leading the court to uphold the denial of the injunction based on the balance of convenience and prima facie evidence.
Anglo Properties & Traders Pvt. Ltd. v.The Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks & Anr.
This order from the Calcutta High Court addresses a petition filed by Anglo Properties & Traders Pvt. Ltd. against The Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks. The court directed the petitioner to file an affidavit-in-opposition within two weeks and subsequently file any reply thereto within one week. Furthermore, the matter was scheduled for further hearing to consider the petitioner's request for interim relief.
Mathew V. Mathew v.Ajith Kumar
The plaintiff, holding Patent No. 181142 for a specific kerosene stove design ('Stoman'), sued the defendant for infringement after noticing that the defendant was manufacturing and marketing a similar stove under the name 'Techman'. The court found that the defendant's product was a colourable imitation of the patented invention.
Mathew V. Mathew v.Premier Enterprises
The plaintiff, holding a patent for a specific gravity-fed kerosene stove design (Patent No. 181142), sued the defendants for infringing these rights by manufacturing and marketing a similar product under the name 'Mr. Cook Kero Gas Stove'. The court found that the defendants' actions constituted infringement and dismissed their counter-claim seeking patent revocation.
Facing a similar IP matter?
Arctic Invent is a specialist IP firm with deep litigation expertise across India, EU, US, and UK. Our team uses data-driven strategy to build stronger cases.