IP Cases — 2021
423 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 1 of 15 · 423 total
Aktiebolaget Volvo & Ors. v.Woodol International & Ors.
The Delhi High Court partially ruled in favor of Volvo, granting a preliminary decree against Woodol International regarding the unauthorized use of the 'VOLVO' trademark on lubricants. Despite initial defenses by the defendants claiming no infringement and non-compliance with mediation requirements, the court accepted the affidavits stating that the defendants had ceased or were not manufacturing under the mark. The suit will now proceed to trial to determine the final quantum of damages and rendition of accounts.
Reckitt Benckiser India Private Limited v.Hindustan Unilever Limited
Reckitt Benckiser sought an interim injunction against Hindustan Unilever, alleging that HUL's advertising campaign disparaged its product, Harpic. The Delhi High Court examined the claims of false and misleading comparisons between the two toilet cleaner brands. While the court found prima facie evidence suggesting one specific print advertisement denigrated Harpic, it reserved judgment on the remaining advertisements, requiring a detailed reply from the defendant before making a final determination.
Sap Se v.Sanjay Kumar Goel & Anr.
In a trademark dispute concerning the names 'SAP' and 'SAPPY', the Delhi High Court took two key actions. First, it confirmed an existing interim injunction after the defendants withdrew their trademark applications, thereby protecting the plaintiff's interests temporarily. Second, recognizing the parties' willingness to resolve the conflict amicably, the court directed both sides to participate in mediation, signaling a move towards settlement for the ongoing commercial suit.
Ashique Exports (P) Ltd. v.Safaana Cosmetics & Perfumes
Ashique Exports (P) Ltd. filed a suit against Safaana Cosmetics & Perfumes alleging copyright infringement and passing off related to their bathing soap packaging. The plaintiff claimed that the defendant used an identical colour scheme, trade dress, and deceptively similar artistic work on its product 'ISIE', mimicking the successful brand 'IVA'. After examining the evidence, the Madras High Court found that the defendant had encroached upon the plaintiff's intellectual property rights. Consequently, the court decreed the suit in favor of Ashique Exports, granting permanent injunctions and directing the destruction of infringing stock.
Yonex Co., Ltd. v.Sumit Girdhar & Anr.
The Delhi High Court granted an ex parte injunction in favor of Yonex Co., Ltd. against Sumit Girdhar and others regarding counterfeit goods. The court found that the plaintiffs had established a prima facie case showing that defendants were dealing in counterfeit badminton equipment using the protected YONEX mark. This interim order immediately restrained the defendants from selling or advertising any products bearing the YONEX mark or similar variations, pending further proceedings.
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Maketing Federation Ltd v.M/S Shree Bankey Bihari Vegetables And Foods Co
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Maketing Federation Ltd filed a suit against M/S Shree Bankey Bihari Vegetables And Foods Co alleging trademark and copyright infringement, passing off, and seeking damages. During the proceedings, the defendants conceded to certain prayers, and the plaintiffs restricted their claim for damages. Consequently, the Delhi High Court decreed the suit in favor of the plaintiffs, granting permanent injunctions, mandatory injunctions, and awarding damages amounting to Rs. 1.50 lacs.
Machinenfabrik Rieter Ag & Anr. v.Tex Tech Industries (India) Private Limited
Machinenfabrik Rieter Ag & Anr. filed a suit seeking injunction against Tex Tech Industries for alleged infringement of its registered trademark and Patent No. IN 324406. The defendant challenged the court's territorial jurisdiction, arguing that neither party had a principal place of business in Delhi and that the transaction was merely a one-time trap purchase. However, the High Court dismissed the application under Order 7 Rule 10 CPC, noting that since the goods were delivered and the contract completed in Delhi, the cause of action arose within its jurisdiction.
Rxprism Health Systems Private Limited v.Canva Pty Ltd
Rxprism Health Systems Private Limited filed a suit against Canva Pty Ltd seeking permanent injunction to restrain the defendants from infringing its patented technology, titled 'Present and Record Feature of Canva'. The court allowed the plaint to be registered as a suit and set out directions for issuing summons and filing written statements.
SaNotize Research and Development v.Lupin Limited
The court permitted the plaintiff to amend their plaint, specifically regarding the separation of pure copyright material into a new exhibit. Given the sensitive nature of both parties' confidential information, the court ordered a controlled inspection meeting between limited representatives of both sides to facilitate further proceedings.
Leeds Skill Training Centre Pvt. Ltd. v.The Controller General of Patents, Trademarks, geographical Indications, Designs
Leeds Skill Training Centre Pvt. Ltd. challenged the delay in refunding a sum of Rs. 17,500 related to its trademark application under Rule 38(3) of the Trademarks Rules. The petitioner argued that the examination report should have been issued within three months of filing. However, the Madras High Court dismissed the writ petition after noting that the third respondent had already submitted the required examination report on November 30, 2011. Consequently, the court held that no further judicial consideration was necessary regarding the refund claim.
Perenniala Health Care India Private Limited v.S.Samsen Papli
Perenniala Health Care India Private Limited filed a suit seeking declarations of exclusive rights over the FRANCH trademarks and associated artistic works, along with permanent injunctions against alleged infringement. The plaintiff sought to nullify certain assignment deeds executed by the defendants. However, due to the plaintiff failing to appear or prosecute the case despite court notices, the Madras High Court dismissed the entire suit.
Verizon Trademark Services Llc & Ors. v.Innovation Meditech Private Limited
In this trademark dispute before the Delhi High Court, the Plaintiffs (Verizon Trademark Services Llc & Ors.) and the Defendant (Innovation Meditech Private Limited) have reached a mutual understanding. The court noted that the parties were actively engaged in drawing up a settlement agreement to resolve the ongoing litigation. This indicates a cooperative approach toward resolving commercial disputes outside of full trial.
Mahaan Foods Ltd & Anr. v.Calpro Specialities Pvt Ltd
In this Delhi High Court matter concerning trademark disputes, the court observed significant procedural difficulties on the part of the respondent. Despite being notified about the termination of key trademark license agreements, the respondent failed to provide a formal response and instead changed legal counsel without adequate instructions. Given these compounding issues, the bench decided to stay the operation of the impugned orders in the appeals, allowing time for the matter to be properly addressed.
Uyir Agriculture Private Limited v.Ueir Organic Food Private Limited
The Madras High Court allowed the Civil Revision Petitions, restoring an interim trademark injunction previously vacated by the lower court. The dispute centered on whether the petitioner had complied with procedural requirements under Order XXXIX Rule 1 of CPC after receiving the initial injunction. The High Court found that the delay in filing the compliance affidavit was excusable due to logistical constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby interfering with and setting aside the order that vacated the injunction.
SAP SE v.SAP HANA SERVER ACCESS HYDERABAD AND ORS
The Delhi High Court granted an ex parte ad interim injunction in favor of SAP SE against the defendants. The court found merit in SAP's claims regarding its proprietary software and trademarks ('SAP', 'SAP HANA'). Consequently, the court directed the immediate de-activation of multiple infringing websites and social media accounts, as well as freezing a specific bank account linked to the alleged pirated activities.
Kake Di Hatti v.Shree Foods & Ors.
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of Kake Di Hatti, who owns registered trademarks 'Kake Di Hatti' and 'KDH'. The case stemmed from a terminated franchise agreement where the Respondents allegedly breached terms, including non-payment of royalties. Given the breach and the risk of irreparable harm to the Petitioner's goodwill, the court ordered Shree Foods & Ors. to immediately cease operating the business and stop using the Petitioner's trademarks until further hearing.
Victoria Foods Private Limited v.Rajdhani Masala Co. & Anr.
The Delhi High Court addressed allegations of trademark infringement concerning the 'RAJDHANI' mark used for spices. While initially granting an interim injunction favoring Victoria Foods based on registration and prima facie evidence, the court subsequently heard a contempt application alleging continued violation by the defendants. Following a Local Commissioner's report detailing ongoing production post-injunction, the Court sealed the defendant's factory and ordered detailed inspections to assess compliance and potential misuse of goods.
M/S Copenhagen Hospitality And Retails & Ors. v.M/S. A.R. Impex & Ors.
The Delhi High Court granted interim relief in favor of M/S Copenhagen Hospitality And Retails & Ors. against M/S. A.R. Impex & Ors., finding a prima facie case of trademark infringement and passing off. The court restrained the defendant from using deceptively similar pizza names, proprietary products, and controlling the plaintiff's official social media accounts while the main suit proceeds. This order protects the brand integrity of LA PINO'Z PIZZA against unauthorized commercial use by the franchisee.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.Vishal Products
Hindustan Unilever Limited filed a suit against Vishal Products alleging infringement of copyright and passing off concerning the distinctive artistic label and trade dress of its 'WHEEL' detergent. The parties reached a consent order before the Bombay High Court, settling the dispute without pressing for damages or costs. Under the settlement, Vishal Products acknowledged HUL's proprietary rights, agreed to cease using the similar packaging, and committed to destroying all existing infringing stock.
Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited v.Salud Care (India) Private Limited
Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited filed an interim application alleging that Salud Care (India) Private Limited was manufacturing and marketing a pharmaceutical preparation under the mark PROLOMEK, which was confusingly similar to Sun Pharma's registered trademark PROLOMET. The court found a prima facie case of infringement and passing off.
Novo Nordisk A/S v.Union Of India & Ors.
Novo Nordisk A/S filed a petition seeking a writ of mandamus to compel Respondent Authorities (No. 1 through No. 3) to decide on its request for the cross-examination of witnesses in a pending post-grant opposition against Patent No. IN 257402. The court, after considering arguments from both sides, directed that Respondent No. 2 fix the date for the cross-examination and complete it expeditiously.
Fmc Corporation v.Best Crop Science Llp
The case involves a patent infringement dispute regarding one of the suit patents. Another related suit is pending before a different bench.
Mohan Breweries and Distilleries Limited v.M's Dhanalakshmi Bottles Supplies
Mohan Breweries and Distilleries Limited filed a civil suit alleging infringement of its registered design, logo, and trademark by M's Dhanalakshmi Bottles Supplies. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions, damages, and accounting for sales made using the protected bottle designs. However, during the proceedings, it was reported that the sole defendant had passed away. Given that the cause of action was in persona (personal to the individual), the court dismissed the suit.
Vikas Gupta & Anr v.M/S Sahni Cosmetics
The Delhi High Court upheld a lower court's decision, confirming an injunction that allowed M/S Sahni Cosmetics to continue using the trademark 'NEHA' for face cream. The court prioritized the defendant's established prior use of the mark dating back to 2003 over the plaintiff's claims, despite arguments regarding regulatory compliance under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. This decision underscores the importance of demonstrating long-standing market presence in trademark disputes.
Huntington Alloys Corporation v.Union Of India And 3 Ors
The petitioner challenged the rejection orders passed by respondent nos. 3 and 4 regarding its patent application for "Ultra Supercritical Boiler Header Alloy and Method of Preparation". The petitioner argued that these orders were passed without hearing them, making the 'prima facie' satisfaction perverse. The court directed both parties to file their respective replies and rejoinders.
Kbm Foods Pvt. Ltd. v.Sachin Gupta
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of Kbm Foods Pvt. Ltd. against Sachin Gupta, preventing the use of similar marks and trade dress for spices. The court found that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case of passing off based on long-standing prior use (since 1969) and significant goodwill associated with the 'GAI CHAAP' mark and 'COW' device. This decision underscores the importance of demonstrating continuous, bona fide usage when asserting trademark rights in the FMCG sector.
Sagar Ratna Restaurants Pvt Ltd v.D S Foods & Ors.
Sagar Ratna Restaurants Pvt Ltd challenged an order that referred its trademark dispute against D S Foods & Ors. to arbitration. The petitioner asserted ownership of the trademarks "SAGAR," "RATNA," and "SAGAR RATNA" and alleged infringement by the respondents, who were franchisees. Despite arguments for arbitrability based on the franchise agreement, the Delhi High Court ultimately intervened, finding that the core dispute concerning trademark rights was not amenable to arbitration due to inherent jurisdictional limitations.
Centaur Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd v.Mhs Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
Centaur Pharmaceuticals filed an Interim Application against MHS Pharmaceuticals. The court noted that the dispute was complex and did not meet the criteria for an immediate ad-interim order, requiring a final hearing after both parties submitted additional evidence.
M/S Gulab Oil And Food (Ahmedabad) Pvt. Ltd. v.Smt. Madhu Gupta
The Delhi High Court dismissed the appeal filed by M/S Gulab Oil And Food, upholding the District Judge's interim order that prohibited the appellant from trading and selling 'Gulab' Namkeen products. The court found a prima facie case for confusion between the marks, noting that consumers identify the plaintiff's products solely by asking for 'Gulab.' Furthermore, it held that since namkeen is an allied product to the registered goods (Gajak/Rewari), Section 29 of the Trade Marks Act was attracted, thus justifying the interim protection.
Kulvinder Singh Kohli & Anr. v.Monsendeep Kaur
The Delhi High Court granted an interim ex-parte injunction to Kulvinder Singh Kohli & Anr. against Monsendeep Kaur regarding the trademark 'Pamoist'. The plaintiffs established that they were prior adopters and users of the mark, which was used by their charitable trust before being transferred to Pamoist International. This preliminary order restrains the defendant from using the disputed mark or similar variants until the matter is further heard, while clarifying that the Trademark Registry retains full authority over the opposition proceedings.
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