Year

IP Cases — 2016

133 decisions across all jurisdictions

By jurisdiction: India 133 European UPC 0 US PTAB 0
By type: trademark 61 patent 48 copyright 14 design 10

Page 4 of 5 · 133 total

trademark plaintiff favorable · May 3, 2016

A.P. Organics (P) Ltd., Ludhiana v.Assessee

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal - Chandigarh · 45608358

The assessee claimed Rs. 2,50,000/- as revenue expenditure for using the brand name "RICELA" from Ricela Health Foods Ltd., but the Assessing Officer and CIT(A) disallowed it, treating it as capital expenditure. The Tribunal ultimately ruled in favor of the assessee, holding that the payment was merely a license fee and thus a revenue expense.

trademark interim order · Apr 27, 2016

Eveready Industries India Ltd v.Roshanlal Jain & Anr

Calcutta High Court · 47052486

In this trademark dispute, Eveready Industries India Ltd filed a suit alleging both trademark infringement and passing off against Roshanlal Jain & Anr. The Calcutta High Court admitted the plaint subject to seeking leave under Clause 14 of the Letters Patent. The court granted leave under Order 2 Rule 2 CPC and directed the defendants to respond regarding the application for Clause 14 leave, allowing the litigation to proceed.

trademark mixed · Apr 26, 2016

Nirali Shail Patel & 1 v.M/S Ellorapark Hospitals Pvt Ltd

Gujarat High Court · 138691359

This Gujarat High Court order addresses a Civil Revision Application challenging the validity of a trademark suit. The applicants argued that since the plaintiff's trademark was unregistered at the time of filing, there was no cause of action under Section 27 of the Trademark Act. Citing Supreme Court precedent (K. Narayanan & Anr.), the court determined that this issue required further consideration and scheduled a hearing.

patent mixed · Apr 25, 2016

Genentech Inc And Others v.Drugs Controller General Of India And Others

Delhi High Court · 28050929

Genentech Inc. and its affiliates filed suit against the Drugs Controller General of India and others, challenging the approval granted for TrastuRel, a purported biosimilar version of their drug Trastuzumab. The plaintiffs contended that TrastuRel had not undergone adequate testing as required under Indian law before being launched. The Delhi High Court issued an interim order, restraining the defendant from marketing the product without proper trials while setting conditions for future regulatory approval.

trademark mixed · Apr 25, 2016

Roche Products (India) Pvt Ltd v.Drugs Controller General Of India

Delhi High Court · 68170451

Roche Products, the originator of the biological drug Trastuzumab (marketed globally under HERCEPTIN®), filed a suit seeking injunction against competitors launching purported biosimilars like CANMAb and HERTRAZ. The plaintiffs contended that these drugs were being misrepresented as 'Trastuzumab' or similar to HERCEPTIN®, without following proper regulatory guidelines for biologics. The court issued an interim order, restraining the defendants from making misleading claims and using proprietary data until the final decision on bio-similarity is reached.

patent plaintiff favorable · Apr 22, 2016

M/S Shinhan Apex Corporation v.M/S Euro Apex B.V.

Supreme Court of India · 161614515

The dispute arose from an arbitration award requiring M/S Shinhan Apex Corporation (appellant) to unconditionally and irrevocably transfer all rights and interests of Indian Patents No. 2143/MUM/2008 and 2144/MUM/2008 to M/S Euro Apex B.V. (respondent). The respondent challenged the execution, but the Supreme Court found that the appellant had duly executed and forwarded the transfer deed as per the modified request from the respondent themselves.

patent plaintiff favorable · Apr 22, 2016

M/S Shinhan Apex Corporation v.M/S Euro Apex B.V.

Supreme Court - Daily Orders · 72776090

This appeal concerned the enforcement of a PFA from an arbitration award, which mandated the respondent to unconditionally and irrevocably transfer all rights and interests in specific Indian Patents (Nos. 2143/MUM/2008 and 2144/MUM/2008) to the appellant. The Supreme Court found that the appellant had duly executed and forwarded the required deed of transfer, thereby fulfilling its obligation under the PFA.

patent defendant favorable · Apr 22, 2016

Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Pub) v.Xiaomi Technology & Ors

Delhi High Court · 64182738

Ericsson sued Xiaomi for infringing several patents related to AMR, 3G, and EDGE technology used in mobile devices. The defendants filed an application seeking vacation of a prior interim injunction by alleging concealment of material facts. The court found that Ericsson failed to disclose its agreement with Qualcomm regarding CDMA applications, leading to the vacation of the interim order concerning two specific patents.

trademark plaintiff favorable · Apr 22, 2016

M/S Saurabh Agrotech Private Limited v.Radhey Shyam Agencies

Delhi High Court · 91998431

The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction favoring M/S Saurabh Agrotech Private Limited, who is the registered proprietor of the 'ASHOKA' trademark. The plaintiff sought protection against defendants for alleged infringement, passing off, and copyright violation related to their edible oil products. Given that the plaintiff holds a valid registration and has established a strong prima facie case regarding market confusion, the court restrained the defendants from using the disputed mark pending the final outcome of the suit.

trademark plaintiff favorable · Apr 19, 2016

Polycon Industries Pvt. Ltd v.The Union Of India & Ors

Gauhati High Court · 103633019

The petitioner challenged an order directing it to change its name because the 4th respondent claimed ownership of the trade mark "POLYCON". The court quashed the impugned order, finding that the Regional Director improperly invoked retrospective powers under Section 22 of the Companies Act and failed to consider factors like different product classifications (Class 17 vs Class 19) and distinct geographical markets.

trademark interim order · Apr 18, 2016

Palm Grove Beach Hotels Pvt. Ltd. v.Royal Palms (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Bombay High Court · 179814250

Palm Grove Beach Hotels Pvt. Ltd. sought an injunction against Royal Palms (India) Pvt. Ltd. for alleged trademark infringement and passing off related to hotel branding. The court, while acknowledging the Plaintiff's claim, balanced it against the Defendants' established business success and prior use of similar marks.

trademark mixed · Apr 18, 2016

Delhi Public School Society v.Dps World Foundation And Anr

Delhi High Court · 199604058

The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of the Delhi Public School Society against Dps World Foundation And Anr. The court restrained the defendants from using the registered trade mark 'DPS' or any deceptively similar mark, citing infringement and passing off. While the plaintiff sought protection for its crest logo under copyright, the court denied this specific relief due to lack of evidence regarding continuous use. This ruling sets a precedent for protecting established educational brand identities in litigation.

copyright defendant favorable · Apr 7, 2016

Ipeg Inc. v.Kay Bee Engineers

Gujarat High Court · 80978773

Ipeg Inc. appealed a trial court order that rejected its suit claiming copyright infringement against Kay Bee Engineers. The plaintiffs asserted ownership over the unique artistic drawings of their 'Loader/Receiver' machine, arguing that the defendants copied these works to manufacture similar products. However, the Gujarat High Court dismissed the appeal, upholding the lower court's decision. The court found that the appellants failed to establish a clear and genuine cause of action, particularly regarding the transfer of copyright ownership.

trademark defendant favorable · Apr 5, 2016

Department Of Income Tax v.Smithkline Beecham Consumer Health ...

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal - Chandigarh · 20792035

The appeal was filed by the Department of Income Tax against an order regarding assessment year 1997-98. The core dispute involved whether the Rs. 4.5 crore compensation received by Smithkline Beecham Consumer Health upon termination of the 'ENO' and 'Fruit Salt' trademark license agreement constituted a taxable income or capital receipt.

design mixed · Apr 4, 2016

M/S Symphony Ltd v.M/S Summer Cool Home Appliances Pvt Ltd

Delhi High Court · 10118858

M/S Symphony Ltd filed an application seeking to amend its plaint in a dispute concerning air cooler designs against M/S Summer Cool Home Appliances Pvt Ltd. The plaintiff sought to clarify discrepancies regarding the dates of use and registration for various registered design models, such as 'Sumo' and 'Winter'. The court examined whether these amendments were necessary for proper adjudication or merely an attempt to resile from previous admissions. Ultimately, the Delhi High Court allowed the amendment, finding that it served only to clarify existing pleadings without fundamentally altering the nature of the suit.

trademark defendant favorable · Apr 4, 2016

Jiva Institute Of Vedic Science & Culture v.Mr. Raymond Bickson, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

Delhi High Court · 147145760

The Delhi High Court disposed of a contempt petition filed by Jiva Institute against Mr. Raymond Bickson regarding the alleged misuse of the 'JIVA' trademark. While acknowledging that the defendants had violated previous injunctions by using the mark on various goods, the court ultimately gave them the benefit of doubt. The judgment allowed the respondents to continue using the mark for their spa services and certain related items, provided they strictly avoid using it for soaps, cosmetics, ayurvedic products, or other allied/cognate goods, thereby balancing trademark protection with commercial reality.

trademark settled · Mar 30, 2016

Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited v.Psycoremedies Ltd.

Madras High Court · 8681772

The civil suit was filed regarding the alleged infringement of a trademark. The parties subsequently entered into a Memo of Compromise, resolving all disputes between them.

patent defendant favorable · Mar 30, 2016

Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) v.Competition Commission Of India

Delhi High Court · 164770226

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson challenged the orders passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which had initiated investigations based on complaints from Micromax and Intex. The core dispute revolved around whether the CCI possessed jurisdiction to examine claims related to royalty payments for Standard Essential Patents (SEPs). Ericsson argued that patent-related royalty issues fall exclusively under the Patents Act, 1970, not the Competition Act, 2002. The Delhi High Court ultimately dismissed the writ petitions, affirming the jurisdictional boundaries of the CCI in this context.

patent plaintiff favorable · Mar 29, 2016

Wind World (India) Limited v.Enercon GmbH

Bombay High Court · 57819424

Wind World (India) Limited challenged an arbitral tribunal's order that directed them to produce documents and granted interim measures. The dispute arose from various agreements, including the Intellectual Property Licensing Agreement. The Bombay High Court set aside the impugned order, finding it contrary to law.

patent dismissed · Mar 28, 2016

M/s.TVS Motor Company Limited v.M/S.Bajaj Auto Limited

Madras High Court · 183600564

The applications were filed by Bajaj Auto Limited (the defendant) seeking to eschew various documents marked as exhibits in a suit where TVS Motor Company Limited (the plaintiff) claimed non-infringement of Patent No. 195904. The court held that most objections regarding document admissibility could be deferred until the time of final arguments, except for specific objections concerning photocopies and newspaper clippings.

patent defendant favorable · Mar 23, 2016

Ritika Private Limited v.Biba Apparels Private Limited

Delhi High Court · 20292476

Ritika Private Limited filed a suit against Biba Apparels Private Limited claiming infringement of copyright and violation of trade secrets related to its garment designs sold under the RITU KUMAR brand. The plaintiff asserted originality in its sketches and drawings, which were adapted for various garments. However, the court found that the suit was barred by Section 15(2) of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, as the designs were capable of being registered under the Designs Act, 2000, but had not been so registered.

patent The Court granted an interim injunction restraining Patanjali from using the 'Kesh Kanti' trademark or any similar design for ten weeks or until further order. · Mar 18, 2016

emami limited v.patanjali ayurved limited

Calcutta High Court · 179178004

Emami Limited sued Patanjali Ayurved Limited for infringement of its registered trademark 'Kesh King' and design of a bottle, alleging that Patanjali’s ‘Kesh Kanti’ was deceptively similar and copied the bottle design, creating confusion among consumers. The Petitioner claimed significant turnover (Rs. 305.44 Crores) after acquiring rights to both the trademark and design.

trademark mixed · Mar 18, 2016

S.K.Janimiya (M/s.Crescent Therapeutics Ltd.) v.Mr.Narender Pal; Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks; Intellectual Property Appellate Board

Madras High Court · 135363433

The Madras High Court allowed the writ petition filed by S.K.Janimiya challenging an adverse order from the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) regarding the trademark OLAPIN. While noting the petitioner's lackadaisical conduct and delay in presenting evidence, the court ultimately set aside the IPAB's finding that no documents were filed. The matter was remitted back to the IPAB for a fresh examination, allowing them to consider the records and take further evidence.

trademark defendant favorable · Mar 11, 2016

Essel Propack Ltd. v.Essel Kitchenware Ltd. And Anr

Bombay High Court · 39933666

Essel Propack Ltd. filed a suit seeking injunctions for trade mark infringement and passing off against Essel Kitchenware Ltd. The court considered the convoluted litigation history and arguments regarding sufficient cause for interim relief. Ultimately, the court dismissed the Notice of Motion, finding that the Plaintiff had not demonstrated sufficient cause.

trademark defendant favorable · Mar 10, 2016

Paulsons Beauty and Fashion Private Limited v.Sulthana Restaurant

Madras High Court · 84424114

The plaintiff, Paulsons Beauty and Fashion Private Limited, filed Original Applications seeking an interim injunction to restrain the respondent, Sulthana Restaurant, from passing off or infringing its registered trade mark 'SULTHAN'S BIRIYANI'. The defendant argued that the names were not deceptively similar, that they cater to different customer classes, and that the name 'SULTANA' is a common universal term. The Court dismissed the applications, finding no deceptive similarity and ruling in favor of the respondent.

patent dismissed · Mar 9, 2016

Desai Haribhai Jeshangbhai v.Ministry Of Power - Govt Of India

Gujarat High Court · 172692640

The petitioner, who is a retired Assistant Agriculture Engineer and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, filed a Public Interest Litigation seeking assistance with his pending patent application related to electrical power production engineering. The Central Electricity Authority requested details of a working model for the innovation. The court dismissed the petition, stating that the petitioner must take further steps to submit a prototype/working model.

trademark plaintiff favorable · Mar 9, 2016

Pfizer Products, Inc & Anr v.Platinum Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd & Ors

Delhi High Court · 8184857

The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Pfizer Products, Inc. in a suit alleging trademark infringement and passing off by Platinum Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. The court found that the defendant was illegally selling a drug under the deceptively similar trademark BEQSULE against the plaintiff's registered mark BECOSULES. Furthermore, the court noted that the defendant adopted an identical trade dress (white and reddish orange color combination) to mislead consumers, leading to a decree of injunction.

trademark defendant favorable · Feb 29, 2016

Qarshi Industries Pvt. Ltd. v.Abdul Mueed & Ors.

Delhi High Court · 165728266

The Delhi High Court addressed an appeal filed by Qarshi Industries challenging the denial of an ex-parte ad-interim injunction against Hamdard in a passing off suit. The court found that given the complexity of the arguments—including issues regarding the descriptive nature of the Urdu words 'JAM-E-SHIRIN' and potential suppression of facts related to Pakistani trademark disclaimers—the prima facie case was not strong enough for an immediate injunction. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, requiring both parties to complete their pleadings before further relief could be considered.

patent settled · Feb 26, 2016

Noraris AG v.Bafna Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Madras High Court · 152506352

Noraris AG filed a suit alleging infringement of its patent (No. 212815) concerning Vildagliptin API and formulations against Bafna Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The plaintiffs initially prayed for a permanent injunction, rendition of accounts, and delivery up of stock.

trademark defendant favorable · Feb 19, 2016

Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH v.Jagdale Industries Private Limited

Madras High Court · 196282867

Sanofi-Aventis challenged the registration of Jagdale Industries' trademark 'CALDALE,' arguing that it was deceptively similar to their own mark 'CARDACE.' The Madras High Court examined the phonetic similarity and potential for consumer confusion, especially given that both products are prescription medicines. Ultimately, the court found no remote possibility or slightest chance of confusion, dismissing Sanofi-Aventis' appeal and upholding the trademark registration.

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