IP Cases — 2018
224 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 6 of 8 · 224 total
Powerhouse Licensing LLC v.Ashok Banwarilal Gupta Trading As Qs
In this Bombay High Court matter concerning alleged trademark infringement, the court accepted an undertaking from the defendants. The defendants committed to refraining from using the trademark or trade name 'POWERHOUSE' across all platforms, including websites and social media. This interim order allows the case to proceed while securing immediate protection for the petitioner's brand.
M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel v.TKB Thalappakattu Briyani & Fast Food
The Madras High Court dismissed a civil suit filed by M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel against TKB Thalappakattu Briyani & Fast Food. The original suit sought permanent injunction and damages for passing off, alleging that the defendant was deceptively using similar trade marks and trading styles. However, the plaintiff subsequently instructed their counsel to withdraw the case, leading to its dismissal without costs.
Kalpesh R Jain And 2 Ors v.Mandev Tubes Private Limited
Mandev Tubes Pvt. Ltd. filed a commercial suit alleging that Hariom Metals & Tubes (the appellants) infringed its registered design for copper tubes, specifically claiming imitation of the unique bell-shaped ending. The plaintiff asserted substantial goodwill and market presence under trademarks like 'MT ECO SELF CONNECT'. However, the Bombay High Court dismissed the appeal filed by the defendants, upholding the single judge's finding that the plaintiff had demonstrated a prima facie case of infringement and passing off.
M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel v.Thalappakattu Briyani & Fast Food
The Madras High Court dismissed a civil suit filed by M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel against Thalappakattu Briyani & Fast Food. The original suit sought permanent injunction and damages for passing off the plaintiff's trade mark, 'Thalappakatti Biriyani Hotel.' However, the court accepted the plaintiff's request to withdraw the case, leading to its dismissal without costs.
Unilever Plc v.Golden Assam Tea Depot
Unilever Plc filed an IP suit against Golden Assam Tea Depot for trademark infringement. The dispute centered on the defendant's use of the impugned trade mark "Sipton" and other deceptively similar marks in relation to tea products, which infringed upon Unilever's registered trademarks, particularly "Lipton".
Nawaz Modi and Anr. v.Design Your Body Art/New Body Art Fitness Club and Ors.
The Bombay High Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, Body Basic Healthcare Pvt Ltd (Nawaz Modi), finding that the defendants were infringing on their registered trademarks and engaging in passing off. The court granted a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from using similar marks like 'NEW BODY ART' or misrepresenting their services as connected to the plaintiffs. Furthermore, the defendants were ordered to withdraw an application for registration of the mark 'BODY ART GYM' and pay substantial damages.
G.Thirumoorthy v.Ellora Kalyani Gold Covering
G.Thirumoorthy filed a suit against Ellora Kalyani Gold Covering seeking permanent injunctions for infringing his registered trade mark 'KALYANI COVERING' and copyrighted artistic work, as well as passing off. The plaintiff sought to prevent the use of the deceptively similar mark 'KALYANI GOLD COVERING' on gold covering ornaments. However, during the proceedings, the court noted that the plaintiff failed to file an affidavit confirming the survival of the cause of action. Consequently, the suit was dismissed.
Commscope Inc. Of North Carolina v.Union Of India
Commscope Inc. approached the Madras High Court seeking rectification of errors in its trademark registration certificate (No. 1380719). The petitioner argued that despite multiple representations, the Trademark Registry failed to issue the corrected certificate. The court intervened, directing the second respondent, the Registrar of Trademarks, to correct the error and issue a fresh Registration Certificate, thereby resolving the immediate procedural hurdle for the petitioner.
Atlas Radio Traders v.Vijay Marketing
Atlas Radio Traders filed a Notice of Motion alleging that Vijay Marketing was engaging in passing off by using the mark 'JZ CROWN' on electronic goods, which is deceptively similar to Atlas Radio Traders' prior trade mark 'CROWN'. The Bombay High Court granted an interim injunction restraining the Defendant from manufacturing or selling such goods until the final disposal of the suit.
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. v.Sri Sai Apollo Pharmacy
The Madras High Court ruled in favor of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., finding that the defendant, Sri Sai Apollo Pharmacy, had infringed upon its registered trademarks ('Apollo', 'Apollo Pharmacy') and committed passing off. The court granted permanent injunctions restraining the defendant from using similar marks or services. Furthermore, the plaintiff was awarded costs and directed the defendant to surrender all infringing materials and render accounts of profits.
Sunil Kishore Ahya v.Election Commission of India
The appellant sought information regarding the design and engineering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The respondents argued that disclosing this technical information, which falls under patent rights, could enable the manufacturing of spurious machines and threaten the democratic process. The Commission agreed with the respondents' stance.
Superon Schweisstechnik India Limited v.Modi Hitech India Ltd.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a trademark infringement suit filed by Superon Schweisstechnik India Limited against Modi Hitech India Ltd. The plaintiff claimed ownership of the trademark VAC-PAC for welding electrodes, arguing it was an arbitrary and fanciful mark. However, the court found that the abbreviation 'VAC-PAC' derived from descriptive terms (Vacuum Packaging) could not be protected as a trademark. Citing settled law, the court ruled that the suit constituted an abuse of process of law and dismissed it with significant costs imposed on the plaintiff.
M/S Zihwa Foods Pvt Ltd v.M/S G D Foods Manufacturing (India) Pvt Ltd
The Delhi High Court dismissed an appeal filed by M/S Zihwa Foods Pvt Ltd challenging a single judge's order. The appellant had sought to reject the original suit for permanent injunction on the grounds that the plaintiff lacked a registered trademark in Class 30, making the infringement claim unsustainable. The court upheld the initial decision, noting that when adjudicating an application under Order VII Rule II CPC (rejection of plaint), the court must rely solely on the averments made in the plaint.
Cello Plastic Industrial Work And Ors. v.Ajay Shantilal Raka
The Bombay High Court issued an interim order in a trademark dispute involving Cello Plastic Industrial Work and Ajay Shantilal Raka. The court directed the Registrar of Trademarks to produce specific application and opposition records before the next hearing date. This procedural step indicates that the case is actively moving forward, requiring both parties to prepare for detailed examination of the relevant intellectual property filings.
M/S VAJRA PLASTICS INDUSTRY v.M/S VARSHA POLYMERS
This appeal addressed allegations of design infringement concerning PVC rainwater gutters. The plaintiffs claimed their unique 'Euro Guard' gutter design was copied by the defendants' 'Varsha Square Gutter'. Although the plaintiffs held a valid design certificate, the High Court found it difficult to sustain the lower court's injunction order. The court ultimately set aside the temporary injunction while directing both parties toward expedited trial proceedings.
Kleenage Products (India) Pvt.Ltd v.The Registrar Of Trade Marks And Anr
The Bombay High Court ruled in favor of Kleenage Products, directing the Registrar of Trade Marks to restore and renew the trademark 'KLITOLIN'. The core issue was whether the mandatory prior notice (Form O-3) under Section 25(3) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, had been issued before the mark's removal. Since the respondents could not provide documentary evidence proving the issuance of this critical notice, the Court held that the removal was illegal and allowed the petitioner to renew the trademark.
Condore Health Care Pvt.Ltd v.M/S Corem Pharma Pvt Ltd
This case involved a Civil Revision Petition challenging the rejection of a suit filed under the Commercial Courts Act. The petitioner argued that since the estimated value of their intangible trademark rights and reliefs sought was less than one crore rupees, the court lacked jurisdiction. However, the respondent contended that the market value mentioned in the underlying Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exceeded the threshold. The High Court ultimately ruled that for determining pecuniary jurisdiction under the Act, it is the value of the reliefs estimated by the plaintiff for the purpose of court fees that governs, not the higher market valuation cited elsewhere.
Pradeep Cholayil & Cholayil Private Limited v.Karnataka Soaps And Detergent Limited
The Madras High Court confirmed the existing interim injunction in favor of Pradeep Cholayil and Cholayil Private Limited against Karnataka Soaps And Detergent Limited. The court found that the defendant's use of 'MYSOAP' was deceptively similar to the applicants' registered trademark 'MYSOP' for cosmetic soaps, constituting infringement and passing off. The injunction was confirmed post-contest and ordered to operate for a period of one year, allowing the main suit to proceed expeditiously.
Kama Ayurveda Private Limited v.Rwl Healthworld Ltd. & Ors
Kama Ayurveda sought an interim injunction against Rwl Healthworld, alleging that the defendant's product packaging was deceptively similar to its own 'Eladi Hydrating Ayurvedic Face Cream,' thereby constituting passing off. The Delhi High Court examined both products and found material distinctions in shape, color scheme (gold/cream vs. white/off-white), and floral patterns. Ultimately, the court concluded that a common purchaser would not be misled, dismissing the plaintiff's application for an interim order.
Hanuman Candle Works v.M/S Ashwini Candle Industry
The Gauhati High Court disposed of an appeal concerning alleged infringement of a trademark and copyright related to candle artwork. The respondent agreed to refrain from using the disputed artwork ('MAYUR'), leading the court to make its previous interim injunction order absolute. However, the core issue regarding concurrent usage of the 'MAYUR' trademark remains pending before the Registrar of Trademarks, necessitating further action by both parties.
Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd v.Raj Kumar Prasad & Ors
The Delhi High Court addressed an application by the plaintiff seeking a stay of infringement proceedings while rectification/cancellation proceedings against the defendant's trademark were pending. The court ruled that Section 124 of the Trade Marks Act requires the issue of invalidity to be formally raised and framed in the suit before a stay can be granted. Since the plaintiff failed to press this issue during the framing of issues, the application was dismissed, emphasizing procedural adherence over subsequent actions.
Lt Foods Limited v.Heritage Foods (India) Limited
The Delhi High Court stayed a trademark infringement suit filed by Lt Foods Limited against Heritage Foods (India) Limited. The stay was granted because both parties had pending cancellation/rectification applications concerning their respective 'HERITAGE' trademarks before the Intellectual Property Appellate Board. Crucially, the court clarified that while the main suit is stayed under Section 124 of the Trade Marks Act, this does not prevent the plaintiff from pursuing urgent interlocutory relief, such as an injunction.
M/s.Kaleeswari Refinery Pvt.Ltd. v.M/s.Kasthuri Traders
M/s.Kaleeswari Refinery Pvt.Ltd filed a suit against M/s.Kasthuri Traders alleging infringement of its registered trademarks ('Gold Winner') and copyrights related to packaging for sunflower oil. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions, damages, and accounting of profits due to the defendant's use of the deceptively similar mark 'Kasthuri Gold'. Both parties ultimately reached an amicable settlement.
Pankaj Sales Corporation v.Indra Jain Industries
The Delhi High Court dismissed an execution petition filed by Pankaj Sales Corporation against Indra Jain Industries. The dispute centered on whether the judgment debtor was violating a consensual decree related to trademark use. The court ruled that while the defendant was bound by the settlement agreement regarding specific registered trademarks (TRISHUL/TRIDENT and TRISHUL), the plaintiff could not claim exclusive rights over an unreferenced label design presented in the execution petition. Consequently, the attempt to enforce the alleged violation failed.
Asian Paints Ltd. v.A1 Colours Paints
Asian Paints Ltd. filed a suit against A1 Colours Paints alleging infringement and passing off related to its trade marks APEX and ROYALE. The court granted leave under the Letters Patent Act and decreed the suit in favor of Asian Paints.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.National Chemical Works
Hindustan Unilever Limited filed a suit against National Chemical Works alleging infringement of its registered trademarks (SUNLIGHT) and copyright in artistic packagings. The court granted permanent injunctions restraining the defendant from using similar marks ('SOOLIGHT') and reproducing the copyrighted trade dress on detergents.
Hindustan Unilever Ltd. v.Rds Industries
Hindustan Unilever Ltd. filed an IP Suit against Rds Industries alleging infringement of its registered trademarks, specifically the 'Device of SPLAT' mark used in detergent preparations. The court granted leave and passed an order restraining the defendant from using any identical or deceptively similar marks pending the final hearing of the suit.
Syed Zakirali S/o Syed Jawarali v.Syed Zahidali S/o Syed Jawarali & Ors
The Bombay High Court allowed the appeal filed by Syed Zakirali against the dismissal of his civil suit concerning trademark infringement. The court held that Defendant No. 2 was illegally passing off goods as those of the plaintiff using disputed wrappers and labels ('322 pucca label' and '322 A.K.'). Consequently, the defendant was restrained from using these marks if the plaintiff renews them, and ordered to pay damages or render accounts of profits.
M/s.P.S.Arumugam Associates v.M/s.Very Good Foods
The Madras High Court dismissed the appeal filed by M/s.P.S.Arumugam Associates against M/s.Very Good Foods, upholding the original finding that no infringement occurred. The court found insufficient evidence to establish deceptive similarity between the labels 'Chakra' and 'VG', noting differences in product descriptions and names. Furthermore, the plaintiff failed to adequately prove specific financial loss caused by the defendant's marketing.
Insecticides (India) Limited v.Parijat Industries (India) Pvt Ltd
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Insecticides (India) Limited, granting a permanent injunction against Parijat Industries (India) Pvt Ltd for passing off. The court found that the defendant's use of 'VICTOR 80' was deceptively similar to the plaintiff's established mark 'VICTOR', despite arguments regarding prior use and registration complexities. This judgment reinforces the principle that prior user rights can prevail over subsequent adoption, even if the latter is claimed in good faith.
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.