IP Cases — 2019
339 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 7 of 12 · 339 total
International Cycle Gears v.The Controller Of Patents And Designs & Ors.
The petitioner appealed against the Controller's order allowing the cancellation of Design No. 201728 for a 'Coaster Brake Hub'. The appeal argued that the design was significantly different from known models, particularly those published in February 2005. However, the High Court upheld the Controller's finding, concluding that the design lacked novelty and originality as it was substantially identical to prior publications.
Institute For Inner Studies & Ors v.Charlotte Anderson & Ors
This Delhi High Court order addresses a dispute concerning the exclusive rights over the name and practices of 'Pranic Healing'. The defendants argued that these terms and concepts were pre-existing since 1904, forming part of traditional knowledge available in the public domain, and thus incapable of protection under existing IP laws. The court directed specific defendants to file an affidavit detailing their position before further arguments.
Symphony Ltd. v.Thermo King India Pvt Ltd
Symphony Ltd. filed a suit against Thermo King India Pvt Ltd alleging that its air cooler model, 'Thermoking Typhoon,' substantially imitated Symphony's registered design for the 'Symphony Storm 70i.' The court found that the Defendant's product was a substantial imitation of the protected design. Despite the Defendant initially raising defenses regarding prior publication and difference in designs, the court ruled in favor of the Plaintiff, granting permanent injunction and awarding damages.
S.Sudhakar & Shri Lakshmi Agro Foods Pvt. Ltd. v.M/s.Puvaneshwari Oil Traders
The plaintiffs, S.Sudhakar and Shri Lakshmi Agro Foods Pvt. Ltd., filed a suit against M/s.Puvaneshwari Oil Traders alleging trademark and copyright infringement concerning their registered mark 'UDHAIYAM' used for food products like Gingelly Oil. The plaintiffs sought perpetual injunctions and damages for passing off. However, during the hearing, the plaintiff's counsel requested permission to withdraw the suit while retaining the liberty to file a fresh case should future infringement occur.
Associated Chemicals v.Associated Chemicals Corporation
In a commercial IP suit, the Bombay High Court mediated a settlement between Associated Chemicals and Associated Chemicals Corporation. The parties mutually agreed to allow both entities to continue using their respective trademarks—"Associated Chemicals" and "Associated Chemicals Corporation"—without objection. Furthermore, the Defendant agreed to remove the 'sister concern' designation from its website within 45 days, while allowing the Plaintiff to mention its group affiliation.
Pan Seeds Pvt. Ltd. v.M/S. Kishan Green Field Agritech & Ors.
In this trademark and copyright infringement suit, the defendants challenged the court's jurisdiction over the case. The Calcutta High Court did not immediately rule on the jurisdictional challenge but instead granted the plaintiff an opportunity to file a detailed affidavit in opposition. Furthermore, the court directed the defendants to disclose all sales accounts related to the 'DOUBLE PAAN' trademark from the date of filing, ensuring that the core issues of infringement and jurisdiction would be addressed thoroughly.
Vivek Kochher & Anr v.Kyk Corporation Ltd & Ors
The Delhi High Court addressed an appeal challenging a judgment that had partially allowed a counter-claim by Kyk Corporation, granting it permanent injunctions. The court found that while the Intellectual Property Appellate Board's (IPAB) findings were dispositive regarding trademark registration, they did not address Kyk Corporation's core claim of passing off. Consequently, the High Court set aside the granted injunctions and remanded the matter to the Single Judge to specifically consider Kyk Corporation's claim for passing off based on the existing evidence.
Rajendra Singh Shekawat v.M/S Shrinath Heritage Liquor Pvt Ltd
The Rajasthan High Court dismissed the appeal filed by Rajendra Singh Shekawat against an order that denied a temporary injunction. The plaintiff, holding registered trademarks MAHARAJA MAHANSAR and MAHARANI MAHANSAR, alleged infringement by the defendant's use of 'Mahansar D.J. Special.' While the court acknowledged the similarity in the word 'MAHANSAR,' it held that determining whether this commonality constitutes deceptive similarity or infringement is a complex question of fact requiring evidence from a regular trial. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, but the defendant was directed to provide production and sales accounts to facilitate potential restitution if the plaintiff succeeds later.
Dystar Colours Distribution Gmbh v.Jay Chemical Industries Ltd
The plaintiff filed a suit seeking interim protection for infringement of a patent. The court noted that the defendant had already filed its written statement and decided to expedite the hearing process.
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. v.Maxworth Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. filed a suit against Maxworth Pharma Pvt. Ltd. regarding alleged trademark infringement concerning the medicinal preparation 'PANTOCID'. The Bombay High Court granted leave and further issued an ad-interim injunction restraining the defendant from using the deceptively similar trade mark "MAX PANTOCID" or any other similar marks.
Ferid Allani v.Union Of India & Ors
The petitioner challenged the rejection of his patent application (IN/PCT/2002/00705/DEL), which covered a method and device for accessing web information. The Patent Office rejected it under Section 3(k) as a non-patentable computer program per se, and the IPAB dismissed the appeal citing lack of technical effect. The High Court allowed the petition and directed re-examination.
K.P.Selvah @ Panner Selvam v.Atlee
K.P.Selvah filed a civil suit seeking permanent injunction against Atlee and M/s. AGS Entertainment Pvt., Ltd., claiming copyright infringement over his story 'Kalki', which was registered with the South Indian Film Writers' Association. After facing procedural hurdles in the trial court, Selvah sought permission to withdraw the suit with liberty to file a fresh one. The Madras High Court intervened via revision petition, holding that the trial court erred by allowing withdrawal but denying the crucial liberty to institute a new suit on the same subject matter.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp v.Sanjeev Gupta
The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants were infringing their Indian Patent No. 209816 for the drug Sitagliptin by manufacturing and selling a product named 'Swizglipt' containing Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate (SPM). The dispute centered on whether manufacture solely for export fell under patent infringement, and the court ultimately confirmed the injunction in favor of the plaintiffs.
Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited v.Rupam Garments
The Bombay High Court addressed a Notice of Motion concerning allegations of infringement and passing off. The Defendant failed to appear before the court, leading the court to issue a bailable warrant against the proprietor of Rupam Garments. The existing ad-interim order was directed to continue.
Asianet Star Communications Pvt Ltd. v.The Registrar Of Trademarks & Anr.
This Delhi High Court judgment addresses a dispute over the alleged abandonment of a registered trademark due to non-renewal. The petitioner argued that the mandatory O-3 notice for renewal was improperly backdated and uploaded using an outdated form (RG-3), making it invalid. The court recognized serious inconsistencies in the Trademark Registry's process, directing senior officials and the concerned Examiner to appear in court with explanations and documentation regarding the improper uploading of notices. Crucially, the court granted interim relief, ensuring the trademark would not be treated as abandoned pending a full inquiry.
K.Dalpat Singh v.Intellectual Property Appellate Board
The Madras High Court dismissed a writ petition filed by K.Dalpat Singh challenging an order from the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). The dispute centered on whether opposition proceedings against the trademark 'Gold Mehal' had been validly abandoned. The court found no infirmity in the IPAB's decision, which set aside the initial finding of abandonment and remanded the matter for a full hearing on its merits. This ruling emphasizes procedural correctness in trade mark oppositions.
M/s.Kaleesuwari Refinery Private Limited v.M/s.SP Traders
M/s.Kaleesuwari Refinery Private Limited filed a civil suit against M/s.SP Traders alleging infringement of its registered trade mark 'Gold Winner' and violation of copyright related to the packaging of edible oil. The plaintiff claimed that the defendant was using the deceptively similar mark 'Shree Gold' and passing off inferior products as the plaintiff's brand. Although the initial claims involved trademark, passing-off, and copyright violations, the parties ultimately reached a compromise.
Corum Hospitality v.WBSE IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
The suit involved allegations that the Defendant was infringing the Plaintiff's registered trademarks by using deceptive names like 'WORLD BAR STOCK EXCHANGE' and 'WBSE IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd.' The parties reached a settlement before the court.
Communication Components Antenna Inc. v.Ace Technologies Corp. And Ors.
The case involves a patent infringement dispute where the plaintiff alleges that the defendants infringed their patent. The court issued an injunction and required the defendants to deposit a percentage of sales during the pendency of the suit.
Kinjal Lalitbhai Dave v.Red Ribbon Entertainment Private Limited
This appeal challenged an ex parte injunction granted by the Commercial Court regarding copyright infringement of the song "Char Bangadi Wari Gaadi." The appellant argued that the trial court failed to record reasons demonstrating how delaying the injunction would defeat its object, violating Order XXXIX Rule 3 CPC. While the respondent cited the appellant's delay in responding to the notice, the High Court ultimately allowed the appeal, quashing the impugned order and directing the parties to proceed with filing replies, emphasizing that statutory compliance cannot be treated as a mere formality.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp v.Venkata Reddy Alla
The suit was filed for permanent injunction restraining infringement of registered Patent No. 209816, along with damages and other reliefs. The case was successfully mediated, leading to a settlement agreement between the parties.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.Anil Chemicals
Hindustan Unilever Limited filed a suit against Anil Chemicals alleging infringement of its copyrighted artistic labels (WHEEL) and passing off through the use of deceptively similar artworks/trade dress (SURYA) on detergent products. The parties reached a settlement, leading to the court decreeing the suit.
Mr.Mohammed Niyamathullah v.Mr.Mohammed Hidayathulla
This civil suit was filed by Mr. Mohammed Niyamathullah seeking a permanent injunction against defendants for infringing his copyright in the Tamil feature film, “Pongadee Neengalaum Unga Kadhalum.” The core of the dispute revolved around an Assignment Deed executed on 09.10.2013, where the plaintiff provided financial assistance to the defendant (who was venturing into film production) and subsequently acquired the entire copyright under default clauses. Despite the defendants' claims of forgery and lack of funds, the court found that the assignment deed was validly established through evidence, leading to a decree in favor of the plaintiff.
Dharampal Satyapal Sons Private Limited v.Mr. Akshay Singhal & Ors.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Dharampal Satyapal Sons Private Limited, declaring its candy brand 'PULSE' a well-known trademark. The court found that the plaintiff had established extensive goodwill and reputation both domestically and internationally through significant promotion and unique trade dress. Consequently, the defendants were restrained from manufacturing or selling similar products under deceptively similar marks like 'PLUSS', protecting the integrity of the PULSE brand.
S.S White Burs,Inc v.S.S. WHITE DENTAL PVT LTD
The Delhi High Court addressed ongoing trademark disputes between S.S White Burs,Inc and S.S. White Dental Pvt Ltd, which had previously been stayed pending decisions by the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). Noting significant delays due to the non-appointment of technical members at IPAB, the court issued directions. The parties were directed to seek a status report from the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) regarding the appointment process, highlighting the potential harassment and delay faced by litigants.
Roderick John Andrew Mackenzie v.Himalayan Heli Services Pvt. Ltd.
Roderick John Andrew Mackenzie filed a suit alleging that Himalayan Heli Services Pvt. Ltd. was infringing his registered copyright in the artistic work titled 'HIMLAYAN HELI SERVICES'. The plaintiff claimed the defendant was illegally using his pictorial representation on various business materials. However, the court examined the history of the company and its logo design, finding evidence suggesting the defendant's original creation and use of the insignia, particularly incorporating the symbol of 'Dorje', leading to the dismissal of the application against the plaintiff.
M/s. Tvs Motor Company Limited v.M/s.Bajaj Auto Limited
TVS Motor Company Limited filed a civil suit against Bajaj Auto Limited seeking permanent injunction, accounts of profits, and damages for infringing Patent No.195904 related to 2/3 wheelers. However, before the court could rule on the merits, the plaintiff sought leave to withdraw the Civil Suit.
M/s.Micro-Pak Ltd. v.Radhika Sales
M/s. Micro-Pak Ltd filed a civil suit against Radhika Sales alleging infringement of its registered trademark 'Micro-pak' and associated copyright, particularly concerning anti-microbial stickers and moisture management products. The plaintiffs sought perpetual injunctions, destruction of counterfeit goods, and damages for passing off. Ultimately, the parties reached a Joint Compromise Memo, leading to the court decreeing the suit in terms of this settlement.
Srmb Srijan Private Limited v.Shreegopal Concrete Private Limited
The Calcutta High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of Srmb Srijan Private Limited against Shreegopal Concrete Private Limited. The dispute centered on the 'X-Ribs' surface pattern used on TMT bars, which the plaintiff claimed constituted a distinctive trade dress and trademark acquired through long use and extensive marketing. The court found a strong prima facie case for passing off, noting that the defendant was using an identical imitation of the plaintiff's unique product indicia. This ruling reinforces the protection afforded to unregistered trade dress when demonstrating consumer association.
Rubinetterie Bresciane Bonomi Spa v.M/S.Lehry Instrumentation & Valves Pvt. Ltd.
This case involves an Italian company, Rubinetterie Bresciane Bonomi Spa, which filed a suit against M/S.Lehry Instrumentation & Valves Pvt. Ltd. for passing off its trademark and design mark used on brass ball valves. The dispute escalated when the appellant challenged procedural orders passed during the trial process. The Madras High Court ultimately dismissed the appeal, holding that the impugned interlocutory orders did not qualify as 'judgments' under the Letters Patent, thereby rendering the appeals non-maintainable despite the provisions of the Commercial Courts Act.
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