IP Cases — 2017
138 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 4 of 5 · 138 total
Maja Cosmetics & Anr v.Oasis Commercial Pvt. Ltd.
Maja Cosmetics filed a suit alleging that Oasis Commercial Pvt. Ltd. was infringing its registered trademark 'VI-JOHN' in relation to alcoholic beverages. The court ultimately found that the defendant's use of 'V-JOHN' was deceptive and infringed upon the plaintiff's mark, passing a decree in favor of Maja Cosmetics.
Glaxo Group Limited v.Aar Ess Remedies Private Limited & Ors
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Glaxo Group Limited against Aar Ess Remedies Private Limited & Ors for trademark, trade dress, and copyright infringement. The court found that the defendants were infringing on registered trademarks (ZINACEF, FORTAM) and common law rights (FORTAZ), as well as passing off the plaintiff's goods using similar packaging (trade dress/copyright). Given the multiple violations, the court granted permanent injunctions and awarded compensatory and punitive damages of ₹20 lakhs to Glaxo Group.
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.
BDA Ltd. v.National Industrial Corporation Ltd.
The appellant filed an application before the Controller of Patents and Designs for cancellation of Registered Design No.182771 under Section 19 of the Act. The Registrar had previously rejected this application, and since more than ten years had passed, the Calcutta High Court dismissed the appeal as infructuous.
Michele Caboni v.Union Of India And Anr.
The petitioner challenged the constitutional validity of certain sections and rules of the Patents Act, 1970, primarily arguing that the rules did not provide an opportunity to be heard before rights were closed, and that no appeal was prescribed against orders under Rule 137. The court dismissed the petition, finding no merit in the challenge to the statutory provisions.
M/S. Iritech Inc v.The Controller Of Patents
The petitioner sought to quash the 'deemed to be withdrawn' status of its Indian National Phase Patent Application (No. 5272/DELNP/2008) due to a clerical error in the application number being typed as 6272/DELNP/2008 in Form No. 18 and supporting documents. The respondents argued that the correction was sought after the statutory period expired, making it impossible for the Controller to act. The Court ruled in favor of the petitioner, finding the error clerical and restoring the application.
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.
McDonalds India Pvt. Ltd. v.Commissioner Of Trade and Taxes, New Delhi
This batch of cases addressed the tax implications of franchise agreements under various state sales tax laws. The core dispute centered on whether the royalties received by franchisors for allowing franchisees to use their brand system constituted a 'transfer of the right to use goods' (trademark). The Delhi High Court ultimately held that the franchise agreements only grant a limited right to use, and do not constitute an outright transfer of IP rights. Consequently, the tax demands levied on these transactions were quashed.
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.
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.
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.
Cipla Limited v.Novartis Ag & Anr
Cipla Limited appealed an injunction granted against it by the Delhi High Court, which restrained Cipla from using or manufacturing products containing INDACATEROL. The dispute centered on Novartis Ag & Anr's patent (No. 222346) for the drug INDACATEROL, marketed as ONBREZ. While Cipla argued that the respondents did not manufacture the drug in India and thus were not working the patent locally, the court upheld the injunction.
M/S. M. B. Exports Limited v.The Controller Of The Patents And Designs & Ors.
The Calcutta High Court addressed an application concerning the cancellation of Registered Design No. 244215, which was filed by Jagdhir Sing, Proprietor of M/s. M.B. Machinery Corporation. The court directed the respondent to produce the relevant records within two weeks and adjourned the matter.
Kanishk Sinha v.State of West Bengal
The petitioner, a patentee, challenged actions of the State regarding e-rickshaws, asserting that defendants were infringing his patent on echo friendly vehicles. The court affirmed the petitioner's status as a patent holder and held that any license granted by the State in violation of the existing injunction would be void ab initio.
Tryton Medical Inc. v.Union Of India & Ors.
Tryton Medical Inc. challenged the refusal by the Controller of Patents to examine its National Phase Patent Application, which had been rejected due to a minor delay in filing. The petitioner argued that the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) had previously allowed the appeal and directed the Controller to proceed with examination. The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of the petitioner, mandating compliance with the IPAB's orders.
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.
Saregama India Limited v.Whackedout Media Pvt. Ltd.
Saregama India Limited filed a suit alleging copyright infringement against Whackedout Media Pvt. Ltd., claiming ownership over musical and literary works and sound recordings. The core legal dispute revolved around the jurisdiction of the Calcutta High Court, specifically whether its territorial reach was established under Clause 12 of the Letters Patent despite the defendant challenging it based on Section 62(2) of the Copyright Act. The court ultimately dismissed the application to revoke leave, affirming that the averments in the plaint provided sufficient grounds for the court to assume jurisdiction.
T.K. Shawal Industries Pvt. Ltd. v.Controller Of Patents And Designs & Ors.
T.K. Shawal Industries Pvt. Ltd. challenged the registration of Design No. 252082, arguing that the scarf's surface pattern lacked originality and was anticipated by prior knowledge or publication. The court examined evidence regarding prior sales invoices and Wikipedia documents but found no cogent proof of novelty infringement. While dismissing the cancellation petition, the High Court noted an apparent clerical error in the certificate of registration date and directed the Controller to make the necessary correction.
Beckman Coulter Biomedical, LLC v.Union of India
The petitioner challenged an order by the Controller of Patents & Designs which returned its subject patent application (PCT/US2011/035420) on the grounds that the mandatory 31-month deadline for nationalization had expired. The petitioner argued that technical errors led to the delay and sought judicial intervention.
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.
hindustan unilever limited v.shree mehta chemicals indore pvt ltd
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUFL) sued Shree Mehta Chemicals (Indore) Pvt Ltd for infringement of its registered trademark 'SURF/SURF EXCEL' and copyright in the artwork on its detergent powder packaging, alleging that Shree Mehta’s ‘SANAN’ detergent packaging used a deceptively similar colour scheme, getup, and artwork. HUFL claimed significant sales and reputation associated with the SURF EXCEL brand.
Female Health Company Uk Plc v.Hll Lifecare Limited
Female Health Company Uk Plc filed an application seeking interim measures under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, alleging that Hll Lifecare Limited was violating confidentiality related to the manufacturing of its FC2 female condom. The court examined evidence regarding alleged product resemblance and breach of agreements. Ultimately, the court found no prima facie case for violation of confidentiality or infringement, concluding that the balance of convenience did not favor the petitioner, leading to the dismissal of the application.
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.
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.
Bayer Corporation v.Union of India
The dispute centered on whether Natco Pharma Limited (Natco) and Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. could export products covered by compulsory licenses, specifically SORAFENAT/SORAFENIB, for regulatory development purposes outside India. Bayer challenged these exports, arguing they infringed the patent or violated the terms of the Compulsory Licence. The court ultimately held that non-patentee companies cannot be deprived of exercising rights under Section 107A merely because a compulsory license was granted.
Sarin Technology Limited v.Piyush Dantara & 2
The court heard arguments regarding the framing of issues in a civil suit concerning patent infringement. The court accepted the suggested issues and framed them for further proceedings.
Philco Industries & Ors. v.The Dy. Controller Of Patents & Designs & Anr.
Philco Industries challenged the registration of a bowl design (No. 205014), arguing that it lacked novelty as it was common in trade and had been previously sold by them. The Deputy Controller rejected this cancellation petition, finding no cogent evidence of prior publication or use. The Calcutta High Court upheld the Controller's decision, agreeing that Philco failed to discharge its onus of proving prior art, thereby affirming the design registration.
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.
Som Distilleries And Breweries Ltd. v.The Controller Of Patents And Designs & Ors.
The Controller of Patents and Designs produced records regarding the application for cancellation of Design No. 223479 filed by Som Distilleries & Breweries Ltd. The court allowed both parties liberty to inspect the original records.
Kela Handloom & Co. v.Susanta Debnath
Kela Handloom & Co. filed a suit against Susanta Debnath and others, alleging infringement of their registered trademark 'ASMA' and associated artistic work in textile goods like lungies. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions, damages, and surrender of infringing materials. Ultimately, the court decreed the suit based on a Memorandum of Compromise reached between the parties.
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