IP Cases — 2018
224 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 7 of 8 · 224 total
Radio Next Webcastion Pvt. Ltd. v.Union Of India And Anr.
Radio Next Webcastion Pvt. Ltd. challenged an administrative order that declined to list its application under Section 31D of the Copyright Act before the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). The denial was based on the absence of a dedicated technical member for copyright matters. The Delhi High Court examined whether the IPAB, which is primarily constituted under the Trade Marks Act, could exercise jurisdiction over copyright issues. The court held that due to statutory amendments, the existing Appellate Board has sufficient jurisdiction and can proceed with examining copyright applications despite the temporary vacancy in specialized membership.
Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A & Anr v.Shree Shankeshwar Utensils & Appliances Pvt Ltd
The Delhi High Court allowed Nestle's application seeking a stay of its trademark infringement suit against Shree Shankeshwar Utensils. The core issue was whether filing a rectification petition before the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) regarding the validity of the 'MAGGISUN' mark required prior permission from the Civil Court, even while the main suit was pending. Citing Supreme Court precedents, the court held that approaching the IPAB for rectification is an independent statutory right and does not require leave from the civil court. Consequently, the infringement proceedings were stayed until the IPAB decides on the validity of 'MAGGISUN'.
Rajeshbhai Gokulbhai Sojitra v.Registrar Of Trade Marks Boudhik Sampada Bhavan
The Gujarat High Court addressed a petition filed by Rajeshbhai Gokulbhai Sojitra concerning the prolonged delay in deciding his trade mark registration application for 'Krinal Double Filter Chuno'. The petitioner alleged inaction by the Registrar of Trade Marks, noting that the application had been pending since 2008. Recognizing the administrative lapse, the Court issued a directive to the Respondent Authority to finalize the decision on Application No.1688346 within eight weeks from the date of the order, without examining the merits of the underlying trade mark dispute.
Manyavar Fashion Private Limited v.Manyavar Creations Private Limited
This Karnataka High Court judgment addressed writ petitions filed by Manyavar Fashion Private Limited challenging a lower court's decision to issue only an emergent notice instead of granting immediate temporary injunctions. The petitioners sought protection for their registered trademark 'Manyavar' and copyrighted artistic work against alleged infringement and passing off by the defendants. The High Court, without delving into the merits of the case, directed the trial court to expedite the hearing on all interim applications and pass appropriate orders promptly.
M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel v.Thalappakattu Briyani Fast Food and Indian Chinese Thandoori
The Madras High Court granted a permanent injunction in favor of M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel against Thalappakattu Briyani Fast Food and Indian Chinese Thandoori. The suit, which was initially filed for passing off, resulted in a summary judgment decreeing the plaintiff's claim for injunctive relief. This decision protects the established goodwill of the plaintiff's 'Thalappakatti Biriyani Hotel' brand against deceptive use by the defendant.
Hotel Panchavati Gaurav v.Saikadam Foods And Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
Hotel Panchavati Gaurav filed an IP suit against Saikadam Foods And Beverages Pvt. Ltd. for infringing its registered trademarks and copyrights associated with the name PANCHAVATI GAURAV. The Bombay High Court granted leave, decreed the suit, and passed a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from using similar marks or labels.
M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel v.Thalappakattu Briyani
The Madras High Court addressed a civil suit filed by M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel against Thalappakattu Briyani, which sought permanent injunction and damages for passing off the plaintiff's trade mark. However, before any substantive hearing on the merits of the infringement claim could take place, the plaintiff chose to withdraw the suit. Consequently, the court dismissed the case as withdrawn.
Ashoka Distillers & Chemicals Pvt Ltd v.Ads Spirits Pvt Ltd
Ashoka Distillers & Chemicals Pvt Ltd filed a suit against Ads Spirits Pvt Ltd seeking permanent injunction and damages for trademark infringement, copyright violation, and passing off related to country liquor. The defendant argued that since the impugned product was restricted and sold only within Haryana, the Delhi High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction. The court agreed with the defense, finding that both parties operated in Haryana, thus necessitating filing the suit in a competent court there.
Klassic Wheels Private Ltd v.The Assistant Controller Of Patents And Designs and Anr.
The petitioner filed an appeal challenging the cancellation of Design No. 229267, which covered a 'Wheel Rim' design. The grounds for cancellation were lack of novelty and prior publication. The court dismissed both the appeal and the application for additional evidence.
M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel v.Thalappakattu Biriyani, Chicken, Mutton and Fast Food
The Madras High Court dismissed a trademark infringement suit filed by M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel against Thalappakattu Biriyani, Chicken, Mutton and Fast Food. The plaintiff had sought permanent injunctions and damages for passing off their trade mark 'Thalappakatti Biriyani Hotel.' However, the court accepted the plaintiff's request to withdraw the suit, leading to its dismissal without costs.
Red Bull Ag v.C. Eswari & Ors.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Red Bull Ag, declaring its 'Double Bull Device' and 'Single Bull Device' trademarks as well-known marks in India. The court found that Red Bull's extensive global presence, massive sales figures (controlling 97.3% of the Indian energy drink market), and widespread promotion satisfied the criteria for a well-known trademark under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. This declaration provides strong legal backing to prevent unauthorized use by defendants in related goods.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.National Chemical Works
Hindustan Unilever Limited filed a suit against National Chemical Works alleging infringement of its well-known trade mark 'SUNLIGHT' and its copyright in the associated artistic packagings. The court granted leave under the Letters Patent Act, decreed the suit, and passed permanent injunctions against the defendant.
Disposafe Health And Life Care Ltd & Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices Limited v.Rajiv Nath & Anr.
The Delhi High Court consolidated two related commercial suits concerning trademark disputes involving the 'DISPOSAFE' and other 'DISPO' formative marks. The court framed detailed issues covering questions of mark proprietorship, alleged infringement, passing off, and prior user rights. This consolidation paves the way for a comprehensive trial to determine the validity and scope of the trademarks in the medical device sector.
Shree Vari Multiplast India Pvt. Ltd v.Deputy Controller Of Patents & Designs
The petitioner challenged the registration of Design No. 242843 (Sunday Chair) on grounds that it lacked novelty or originality as it resembled known designs. The respondent argued that the design was unique, aesthetically pleasing, and distinct from prior art. The High Court upheld the Deputy Controller's order, finding the registered design to be novel and original.
The Institute Of Chartered Financial Analysis of India v.New Horizons Educational Institute Pvt. Ltd
The Institute Of Chartered Financial Analysis of India filed a civil suit against New Horizons Educational Institute Pvt. Ltd, alleging infringement and passing off related to the registered trademark 'CFA'. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions and damages. Although the court confirmed its jurisdiction under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, the suit was ultimately dismissed for default due to the plaintiff's counsel failing to provide instructions.
M/s.V.V.V & Sons Edible Oils Limited. v.M/s.S.G.R. (777) Foods Pvt Ltd.
This Madras High Court judgment records a compromise in an infringement suit concerning the bottle design and label color scheme for gingelly oil. The parties agreed to settle the dispute amicably, leading the court to pass a compromise decree. Key terms included the first defendant voluntarily amending its label by enlarging the logo and altering other features, agreeing to destroy remaining unused labels within three months, and ceasing deceptive imitation of the plaintiff's product.
B.Vivekananthan v.B.Anandan Trading as Anand's MOONRAKERS RESTAURANT & B.Anandan Trading as Anand's Moonrakers
This Madras High Court case involved a trademark infringement suit filed by B.Vivekananthan against B.Anandan regarding the use of the 'MOONRAKERS' mark in restaurant and hospitality services. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions for both trademark infringement and passing off, along with delivery up of infringing materials. Ultimately, the parties reached a joint compromise memo on April 30, 2021, which was recorded by the court, leading to a decree based on mutual settlement.
M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas Biriyani Hotel v.Dindigul Thalappakattu Biriyani & Fast Food
In a trademark dispute concerning the 'Thalappakatti' brand, M/s. Thalappakatti Naidu Ananada Vilas filed suit against Dindigul Thalappakattu Biriyani & Fast Food alleging passing off and seeking permanent injunction. However, before the court could rule on the merits of the case, the plaintiff chose to withdraw the suit entirely. Consequently, the Madras High Court dismissed the litigation as withdrawn.
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 registered trademarks, APEX and ROYALE. The court granted leave under the Letters Patent Act and decreed the suit in favor of Asian Paints, issuing perpetual injunctions against the defendant's use of similar marks (APEXS and ROYAL) on paint products.
Great White Global Pvt. Ltd. v.Sameer Kumar And 6 Others
The petitioner, Great White Global Pvt. Ltd., filed a suit against Sameer Kumar and others alleging infringement of its copyrights and trademarks. The court granted leave under the Letters Patent Act and passed an interim order recognizing the plaintiff's cause of action for infringement.
Biofarma v.Bal Pharma Limited
The Delhi High Court dismissed Biofarma's suit against Bal Pharma Limited concerning passing off and trade dress infringement. The court found that the plaintiff could not claim exclusive rights over the term 'MEX' because it was an acronym ('Metformin Extended Release') derived from the principal drug ingredient, rendering it descriptive and publici juris in the pharmaceutical trade. Consequently, the defendant was permitted to continue using the mark without infringing on the plaintiff’s established brand.
Ansari Bilal Ahmadlal Mohd. (Appellant) v.Shafeeque Ahmed Mohammad Sayeed (Respondent-Plaintiff)
The Bombay High Court dismissed the defendant's commercial appeal, upholding the original plaintiff's claim of passing off. The court found that a strong prima-facie case existed for passing off, despite differences in calligraphy and design elements. Considering the target audience—laborers with imperfect recollection—the court ruled that the defendant's use of 'SUKOON' was deceptively similar to the plaintiff's established brand, thereby protecting the plaintiff's proprietary rights.
S.Paul Raj v.Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.
The plaintiff filed a civil suit seeking permanent injunction against TCS for infringing his copyright and patent related to the e-Passport (Smartcard) invention, known as 'FLYGUARD' or 'TCS e-Passport Solution'. Despite multiple hearings and court directions, the plaintiff failed to appear or file necessary affidavits, leading to the dismissal of the suit.
Global Car Group Pte. Limited & Anr v.Droom Technology Private Limited
The Delhi High Court addressed a dispute over alleged disparagement between Cars24 (Plaintiffs) and Droom Technology (Defendants). Plaintiffs claimed that the defendant's advertising campaign, which used similar catchphrases and visual elements, was designed to denigrate their brand. However, the court found that the defendant had sufficiently modified its advertisement and that the phrase 'DON’T BE A BAKRA' was an integral part of the defendant's registered trademark, not a disparaging reference to the plaintiffs. Consequently, the court allowed the defendant to continue using the revised advertisement during the pendency of the suit.
Rohit Singh & Anr v.Apple Inc.
The Delhi High Court addressed the trade mark dispute between Rohit Singh and Apple Inc. concerning the term 'SPLITVIEW.' The plaintiffs sought permanent injunctions against Apple, alleging passing off due to the use of a deceptively similar feature name in its operating systems. While the court dismissed an interim injunction request, it proceeded to frame six detailed issues for trial, focusing heavily on whether the term is merely descriptive, who has prior usage rights, and if the plaintiffs' mark has acquired distinctiveness.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.Raj Enterprise
Hindustan Unilever Limited filed a suit against Raj Enterprise alleging infringement related to its detergent preparations, specifically concerning the use of an impugned pirated trade dress and 'Wheel Device'. The Bombay High Court granted leave under the Letters Patent Act and passed an order granting interim relief.
The Society Of Certified Public Acountants v.New Horizons Educational Institute Pvt. Ltd
The Society of Certified Public Accountants filed a civil suit against New Horizons Educational Institute Pvt. Ltd, alleging infringement and passing off related to the plaintiff's registered trademark 'CpA'. The court initially determined that the dispute fell under the jurisdiction of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, as it involved intellectual property rights relating to trademarks. However, the suit was ultimately dismissed for default because the counsel on record for the plaintiff submitted that they had no instructions from the plaintiff.
Meena Prints Pvt. Ltd. v.Shri Ajanta Fabrics And 9 Others
The petitioner, Meena Prints Pvt. Ltd., filed an IP suit against Shri Ajanta Fabrics and others for infringement and passing off related to its registered trademarks ('Meena Prints' and 'Cotton Design') and associated copyrights. The court granted permanent injunctions restraining the defendants from using similar marks in relation to textile goods.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.Suchit Industries
Hindustan Unilever Limited filed a suit against Suchit Industries alleging infringement related to the soap brand 'Karan'. The defendant, Suchit Murkute, admitted manufacturing soaps under the brand but undertook not to use the splat logo in the future. The Court granted leave and decreed the suit based on these undertakings.
Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha v.M/S Arora Stationers
Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha filed a suit alleging piracy of its registered design (No. 263172) for ball point pens against M/S Arora Stationers, seeking permanent injunctions and damages. The court was asked to consider an interim injunction application based on the alleged infringement under the Designs Act, 2000. However, the Court dismissed the application, finding that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate substantial newness or originality in their design.
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