IP Cases — 2019
339 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 6 of 12 · 339 total
Reliance Life Sciences Private Limited v.M/S Genentech Inc And Ors.
This case involves a dispute between Reliance Life Sciences (the appellant) and Genentech/Roche (the respondents) concerning the launch of the biosimilar drug TrastuRel. The respondents sought an injunction against TrastuRel, alleging inadequate testing under Indian regulatory guidelines despite the original patent having lapsed. The Delhi High Court ultimately allowed the appeal, granting an interim stay on the restrictive order, thereby allowing Reliance to continue its manufacturing and marketing operations.
Panacea Biotec Limited v.Union of India and others
Panacea Biotec Ltd. challenged the grant of its vaccine patent (IN'351) after the Opposition Board provided a recommendation that the Petitioner deemed 'flawed.' The Petitioner sought the High Court to reconstitute a new Opposition Board. The court rejected the petition, holding that the Act provides a self-contained mechanism for expert adjudication and judicial interference is unwarranted at this stage.
Cargill India Pvt Ltd v.Gati Ltd
The Delhi High Court allowed Cargill India Pvt Ltd's application to frame an issue concerning the validity of Gati Ltd's registered trademark, 'GATI Nature Fresh Apples.' Despite Gati Ltd arguing that Cargill was barred by limitation due to prior knowledge of the registration, the court rejected these objections. The judgment clarified the procedural mechanism under Section 124 of the Trademarks Act, allowing the plaintiff time to pursue rectification proceedings before the IPAB, thereby keeping the core validity question alive in the litigation.
Dayco Ip Holdings Llc v.Mago Gurupriit S, Prop. Jay Kay International
The Bombay High Court addressed a Notice of Motion concerning the non-compliance by the defendant with specific terms outlined in prior Consent Terms. The court directed the defendant, Mago Gurupriit S., to adhere strictly to the agreed-upon obligations, which included destroying all infringing goods and packaging bearing the plaintiff's marks, as well as unconditionally canceling his relevant trademark registration (No. 3082945). This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to court-mandated settlement terms in IP disputes.
Superon Schweisstechnik India Limited v.D & H India Limited
The Delhi High Court addressed an appeal challenging an order that allowed a plaintiff's application to amend their plaint. The plaintiff sought to introduce facts regarding the earlier use of the trademark SUPERON by its parent group, Stanvac Chemicals India Limited, dating back to 1994. Despite arguments from the defendant claiming grave prejudice due to the change in user date, the court upheld the amendment order. The judgment emphasized that at the stage of considering an amendment, the court must not delve into the merits or correctness of the claims, provided the amendment is necessary for proper adjudication and is bona fide.
Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited v.Ankit Mishra
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. filed a suit against Ankit Mishra and others alleging infringement of its registered trademark No. 1692705 (in class 5) by the use of similar marks like 'MONTEKET' or 'MONTEKET-LC'. The Bombay High Court decreed the suit, granting perpetual injunctions against the defendants for infringing the mark and passing off goods.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.Shree Shyam Udyog and Ors.
Hindustan Unilever Limited filed a commercial IP suit against Shree Shyam Udyog for infringement and passing off. The court granted leave under Clause XIV of the Letters Patent Act and decreed the suit, granting permanent injunctions.
Pfizer Inc v.Actiza Pharmaceutical Private Limited
Pfizer Inc filed a suit against Actiza Pharmaceutical Private Limited alleging infringement of its patents covering Sunitinib and Axitinib. The parties subsequently reached a settlement through mediation before the Delhi High Court.
Royal Dryfruit Range v.Royal Taste Dry Fruits
The Bombay High Court disposed of a Commercial IP Suit involving Royal Dryfruit Range versus Royal Taste Dry Fruits. The court accepted an undertaking from the defendant, Royal Taste Dry Fruits, to remove the disputed mark 'ROYAL' from its signage and packaging, as well as withdraw its trademark application. A short extension was granted for compliance, effectively settling the immediate dispute through mutual agreement and judicial acceptance of the undertakings.
Meto Polymers Private Limited v.Hindustan Healthcare Products
The civil suit was filed by Meto Polymers Private Limited against Hindustan Healthcare Products seeking a permanent injunction and damages for infringing a registered patent related to 'water beds'. However, the court noted that the plaintiffs had repeatedly indicated their intention to withdraw the suit but failed to prosecute it.
Communication Components Antenna Inc. v.Ace Technologies Corp. And Ors.
Communication Components Antenna Inc. filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against Ace Technologies Corp. and its subsidiaries for infringing Indian Patent No. 240893, titled "Asymmetrical Beams for Spectrum Efficiency." The Plaintiff alleged that two specific models of antennae manufactured by the Defendants infringed upon their patented technology used in telecommunications. Although the validity of the patent was challenged by the Defendants, the court directed them to deposit Bank Guarantees covering the value of infringing sales made both before and during the pendency of the suit. Failure to comply with these financial directions would result in a permanent restraint on manufacturing or selling the infringing antennae.
M/S.M K Food Products v.M/S.S H Food Products
M/S.M K Food Products challenged the return of its plaint filed in the Commercial Court alleging copyright infringement concerning product packing design. The court held that since the suit sought permanent injunction against infringement, it inherently contemplated urgent relief. Therefore, the requirement to exhaust pre-institution mediation under Section 12(A)(1) of the Commercial Courts Act was found illegal and set aside.
Mr.Babu Xavier v.M/s.Feather Touch Entertainments
Mr. Babu Xavier filed a civil suit against M/s. Feather Touch Entertainments and others seeking financial compensation and permanent injunction regarding the film 'VAA DEAL Tamil'. The court first established its jurisdiction under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, as the dispute involved intellectual property rights (copyright) related to the cinematograph film. Subsequently, both parties submitted a Joint Memorandum of Compromise, leading the court to pass a summary judgment based on the settlement terms.
Mylan Laboratories Limited v.Union Of India & Ors.
Mylan Laboratories Limited challenged the Deputy Controller's order regarding a patent application, arguing that prior arts were not adequately considered. The court examined the matter and held that since there are efficacious alternative statutory remedies (post-grant opposition or revocation), the writ petition would not be entertained.
Sulphur Mills Limited v.Crop Life Science Limited
Sulphur Mills Limited filed a suit against Crop Life Science Limited alleging infringement of its patented agricultural composition (Patent No. 282429). The parties subsequently reached a compromise and settled their disputes before the Madras High Court.
Eisai Co. Ltd. v.Satish Reddy
The plaintiffs, holding exclusive rights to Indian Patent No. 215528 for Lorcaserin, filed a suit seeking permanent and interim injunction against the defendants who were planning to commercialize an infringing drug (LHH). The court found that there was a prima facie case of infringement in favor of the plaintiff.
Shyam Steel Industries Limited v.Shyam Sel And Power Limited & Anr.
This Calcutta High Court judgment addresses a trademark infringement and passing off suit filed by Shyam Steel Industries Limited against Shyam Sel And Power Limited. The plaintiff alleged that the defendants were exploiting its reputation by using 'Shyam' on their TMT bar packaging, despite previous agreements to phase out the mark. However, the court noted the defendant's claim of honest adoption and the common nature of the word 'Shyam'. Consequently, the court declined to grant an immediate injunction but allowed the defendants time to file a detailed affidavit-in-opposition.
Utv Software Communication Ltd. v.1337X.To and others
The Delhi High Court addressed multiple suits concerning the unauthorized streaming and distribution of copyrighted cinematograph works on various websites. The court found that the defendant-websites were infringing upon the plaintiffs' copyrights.
M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananda Vilas Biriyani Hotel v.Thalappakattu Briyani Fast Food & Indian Chinese Thandoori
The Madras High Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, M/s.Thalappakatti Naidu Ananda Vilas Biriyani Hotel, finding that the defendant's use of 'Thalappakattu Briyani Fast Food & Indian Chinese Thandoori' constituted trademark infringement and passing off. The court held that the defendant willfully adopted a phonetically and deceptively similar name to capitalize on the plaintiff's established goodwill. Consequently, the suit was decreed, granting permanent injunction and awarding damages.
M/S.Earth And Air Films Private Limited v.M.T.Vasudevan Nair
This case involves a dispute over the rights to the classic Malayalam novel 'Randamoozham'. The plaintiff, the author M.T. Vasudevan Nair, entered into an MOU with Earth And Air Films Private Limited for film production based on his work. When the defendants failed to fulfill their payment obligations and other terms, the suit was filed seeking termination of the agreement and return of scripts. The core legal issue before the High Court was whether a valid arbitrable dispute existed, which ultimately led to the setting aside of the lower appellate court's conclusion.
Flexituff International Ltd v.M/S Tirupati Sprinklers
The plaintiff sued the defendant alleging infringement of its registered dripper design. The plaintiff claimed exclusive rights over the design developed since 2010. The defendant countered that the design was generic, not novel, and had been obtained from a third party (Mr. Uri Alkalay) prior to registration. The court dismissed both injunction applications.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v.Nk Singh & Ors.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. sought an ad interim injunction against Nk Singh & Ors., alleging that the defendants were openly offering for sale a patented anti-hyperglycemic agent, REMOGLIFLOZIN ETABONATE. The court found that the plaintiff held exclusive rights and granted the injunction.
patanjali ayurved ltd v.axiom ayurveda
Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. sued Axiom Ayurveda for trademark infringement, alleging that Axiom was using the terms 'endorsed by Maharishi Patanjali Ayurved Foundation Trust' and 'endorsed by Maharishi Patanjali Yogpeeth Foundation Trust' on their products, creating a deceptive association with Patanjali’s trademarks PATANJALI and PATANJALI AYURVED. The plaintiff claimed significant revenue (approximately Rs. 9,000 crores) and widespread distribution of its products under the contested marks.
Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited & Anr. v.Mr. Ajay Kumar & Ors.
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited (Times Group) against the defendants for infringing their intellectual property rights. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants were illegally making available electronic copies of 'The Times of India' and 'The Economic Times,' as well as using the plaintiff's logo on their website without authorization. The court found a prima facie case of infringement and passing off, leading to an order restraining the use of the trademarks and copyrighted works, and directing the locking of the infringing domain name.
M/s.Kaleesuwari Refinery Private Limited v.M/s.RVS Traders
M/s.Kaleesuwari Refinery Private Limited filed a civil suit against M/s.RVS Traders alleging infringement of its registered Trade Mark 'Gold Winner' and associated copyright, specifically concerning the use of the deceptively similar mark 'SPS Gold' on edible oil products. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions and directions for destruction of infringing materials. However, before the final judgment was passed, both parties entered into a Compromise Memo to settle all disputes.
Novartis Ag v.Natco Pharma Limited
Novartis filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against Natco Pharma Limited for infringing its patented pharmaceutical composition, Valsartan + Sacubitril (Patent No. 229051). The dispute centered on whether Natco's product, VALSAC, was identical to the claimed invention. The court found prima facie merit in Novartis' contentions and appointed an independent Expert Advisor to determine infringement.
Warner/Chappell Music Limited v.Spotify AB
The Bombay High Court passed an order in a Notice of Motion concerning copyright infringement related to musical works. The court granted leave to the plaintiff and directed the parties regarding financial deposits and future proceedings, while reserving final judgment on statutory licensing issues.
Hindustan Unilever Ltd. v.Mahabir Enterprises
Hindustan Unilever Ltd filed a commercial IP suit against Mahabir Enterprises alleging infringement of its copyright in artistic packaging/trade dress for detergents, along with passing off. The Bombay High Court granted permanent injunctions restraining the defendant from reproducing or selling infringing goods and ordered the payment of a fine.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.Halberd Chemicals
Hindustan Unilever Limited filed a commercial IP suit against Halberd Chemicals alleging infringement of its copyrighted artistic packaging/trade dress and registered trademarks. The Bombay High Court granted leave under the Letters Patent Act and decreed the suit, granting perpetual injunctions against the defendant for infringing these rights and passing off.
Parthasarathy Seniammal Educational Trust v.V.Rangasamy Naidu Educational Trust
This appeal before the Madras High Court addressed a dispute between two educational trusts regarding alleged trademark infringement and passing off. The appellants argued that mere abbreviations should not be considered infringement, while the respondents maintained that the single judge's decision was sound. The court ultimately dismissed the appeal but left all substantive issues open for resolution in the pending injunction application.
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