IP Cases — 2021
423 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 14 of 15 · 423 total
Vifor (International) Ltd v.Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited
Vifor (International) Ltd filed a suit against Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited seeking permanent injunction and damages for infringing Vifor's patent. The parties subsequently reached an amicable settlement on August 9, 2021.
TTK Registered Ltd. v.Hiveloop Technology Private Ltd.
The plaintiff, TTK Prestige Ltd., sued Hiveloop Technology Private Ltd. for trademark infringement and passing off due to the sale of its 'PRESTIGE' kitchen appliances on the defendant's online platform without authorization. The defendant sought summary judgment, arguing that the doctrine of exhaustion applies once goods are lawfully sold into the market, and there is no privity of contract between the parties.
Monsanto Technology Llc v.Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd
The parties, Monsanto Technology Llc and Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd, filed joint applications to withdraw the suit and counter claim. They stated that they had amicably resolved their disputes through a Settlement Agreement dated March 26, 2021.
H. Lundbeck A/S v.Symed Labs Limited
The dispute concerned the alleged infringement of Indian Patent No. 227963 by Symed Labs Limited regarding Vortioxetine/Vortioxetine Hydrobromide. The parties amicably resolved the matter, leading to a decree in terms of the settlement agreement.
Yoshida Kenji v.The Asst.Controller Of Patents
This writ petition challenged the deemed abandonment of a Japanese national's patent application. The core dispute revolved around whether the 12-month statutory period for responding to the examination report should be calculated from the date the report was issued or the date it was actually received by the petitioner. The court ruled that the time limit must be counted from the date of receipt, finding that the petitioner had submitted a valid response within the extended timeframe.
Vimal Dairy Limited v.Gujarat Tea Depot Company
The Gujarat High Court upheld the interim injunction granted in favor of Gujarat Tea Depot Company against Vimal Dairy Limited. The court found that allowing Vimal Dairy to market its product could cause confusion among the public due to substantial similarities between the brands and labels, despite differences in trade products. This decision reinforces the principle that courts must look at prima facie similarity to prevent consumer deception in trademark and copyright disputes.
Uster Technologies Ag v.The Assistant Controller of Patents & Designs
Uster Technologies Ag challenged the rejection of its patent application, which related to a method for optimizing textile manufacturing processes. The petitioner argued that the rejection order was erroneous and failed to consider the provisions of the Patents Act regarding convention applications and amendments. The High Court set aside the impugned order and remanded the matter back to the Controller for fresh consideration.
Pfizer Inc v.Triveni Interchem Private Limited
The plaintiff alleges infringement of its Indian Patent No. 218291 related to Palbociclib, marketed under the brand name 'Palbace'. The court found a prima facie case of infringement but noted the timeline of alleged infringement was unclear.
Cerveceria Modelo Demexico S De R L De Cv v.The Origin Ventures & Ors
In a significant ruling for global beverage giants, the Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction to Cerveceria Modelo Demexico S De R L De Cv. The court found that the defendants were using the well-known 'CORONA' and 'BUDWEISER' trademarks and logos in a derogatory manner on their clothing line products. Recognizing the prima facie case, the court restrained the defendants from selling or marketing these disparaging products until further hearing, protecting the goodwill of the established brands.
adidas AG / adidas India Marketing Private Limited v.Mr. Rajender Kumar
The plaintiff, adidas AG through its Indian subsidiary, filed a suit alleging that the defendant was manufacturing, stocking, distributing, and selling infringing shoes and accessories bearing trademarks identical or confusingly similar to 'adidas', 'three bars', '3-Strips', and 'Trefoil'. The court found that the defendant's actions constituted trademark infringement, copyright violation, and passing off, leading to a decree in favor of the plaintiff.
C.V. Radhakrishnan v.Registrar of Trademarks
This Kerala High Court judgment addressed a writ petition filed by C.V. Radhakrishnan concerning the undue delay in issuing a trademark registration certificate for 'RIVER VALLEY.' Despite all procedural requirements being completed and publication occurring as early as December 2019, the petitioner had not received the final certificate. The court recognized the grievance regarding administrative delays and directed the Registrar of Trademarks to take necessary action on the petitioner's representation within two months.
Unilever Plc. v.Malti Ice Cream Industries
The Bombay High Court disposed of the Commercial IP Suit after the defendants volunteered to submit to a decree. The court allowed the petition for leave and passed a decree in favor of the plaintiffs, while permitting the defendants to destroy the wrappers bearing the offending marks under specific conditions.
M/S. Blue Heaven Cosmetics Private Limited v.Bhcosmetics Llc
The Delhi High Court permitted M/S. Blue Heaven Cosmetics Private Limited to amend its plaint in a trademark infringement suit against Bhcosmetics Llc. The amendment corrected an inadvertent typographical error, clarifying that the 'BH' logo/label was not yet a registered trademark but rather had a pending application and long-standing user rights since 1986. The court allowed this correction, recognizing it would not alter the core relief sought (permanent injunction for passing off and infringement), and subsequently modified an earlier court order to reflect the accurate status of the mark.
Reckitt Benckiser India Private Limited v.Hindustan Unilever Limited
Reckitt Benckiser India Private Limited filed an application seeking injunction against Hindustan Unilever Limited, alleging that a campaign of advertisements by HUL was designed to vilify and denigrate its popular toilet cleaner brand, HARPIC. The plaintiff argued that these ads disparaged the product's effectiveness and sought to divert market share to HUL's DOMEX. The court examined whether the defendant's advertising amounted to passing off or defamation of goodwill.
Premier Nutritions Privat Limited v.Amit Product A Proprietary Connern
The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of Premier Nutritions Privat Limited against Amit Product A Proprietary Connern, finding that the defendant's use of 'DOODH MANTHAN' was deceptively similar to the plaintiff's registered trademark 'MANTHAN/PREMIER MANTHAN'. Furthermore, the court allowed the appointment of a Local Commissioner to conduct an inventory and seize infringing products, reinforcing the immediate protection available to IP holders facing market imitation.
Jolen Inc. v.Shobanlal Jain
Jolen Inc. filed two civil suits in the Madras High Court against various defendants, including Shobanlal Jain, alleging infringement of its trade marks (JOLEN) and copyright in its crème bleach packaging. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions, rendition of accounts, and damages due to deceptive imitation and passing off. However, on August 9, 2021, the court dismissed both suits for non-prosecution, as the plaintiff had failed to respond to communications regarding the continuation of the litigation.
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.
Northland Rubber Mills v.Varun Mahajan & Anr.
Northland Rubber Mills filed a civil suit seeking an injunction against Varun Mahajan and others to prevent the use of the trademark 'NORTHLAND' or similar marks. The plaintiff asserted ownership based on historical adoption dating back to 1972. However, the defendants argued that Defendant No. 1 had rights as a legal heir and ex-partner of the firm. The court registered the suit and issued notice for the injunction application, setting the stage for further arguments.
Haryana Pesticides Manufactures Association v.Willowood Chemicals Private Limited
The petitioner filed a writ petition challenging the Controller's order rejecting its pre-grant opposition under Section 25(1) of the Patents Act, 1970, which led to the grant of a patent in favor of the respondent. The court addressed arguments regarding whether a writ petition is an efficacious remedy against such rejection.
M/S. Golden Tobie Private Limited v.M/S. Golden Tobacco Limited
M/S. Golden Tobie Private Limited filed a suit seeking permanent injunctions and damages against M/S. Golden Tobacco Limited, alleging wrongful cancellation of an exclusive trademark license agreement. The core dispute revolved around the interpretation and validity of the termination notices issued by the defendant. However, the court ultimately ruled that since the controversy primarily arose from contractual terms rather than statutory infringement, the matter was subject to arbitration as per the existing clause in the agreements.
Red Bull Ag v.Pepsico India Holdings Pvt Ltd & Anr
The Delhi High Court dismissed Red Bull's application for an interim injunction against Pepsico India Holdings regarding the use of the tagline 'STIMULATES MIND. ENERGIZES BODY.' by their product STING. The court found that both taglines are descriptive and laudatory in nature, meaning the plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case at this stage. Furthermore, the balance of convenience favored the defendants given their long-standing market presence with the tagline.
Alkem Laboratories Limited v.Danish Health Care Pvt Ltd & Anr.
The Delhi High Court decreed the suit filed by Alkem Laboratories Limited against Danish Health Care Pvt Ltd following an amicable settlement reached through court mediation. The dispute centered on the alleged infringement of Alkem’s registered trademark ‘ALDIGESIC’ in medicinal preparations. Under the terms of the settlement, the Defendants acknowledged Alkem's rights and agreed to cease using the infringing mark and similar trade dress, further agreeing to withdraw their own pending trademark application for 'ALGESIC'.
Resilient Innovations Pvt. Ltd. v.Phonepe Private Limited & Anr.
The Delhi High Court dismissed multiple petitions filed by Resilient Innovations seeking the removal/rectification of several PhonePe trademarks. The court held that because the petitioner had previously raised objections regarding the descriptive nature and invalidity of the marks in a separate civil suit (CS(COMM) 292/2019), they were bound by Section 124 of the Trademarks Act, 1999. This section mandates that challenges to trademark validity must be addressed within the original civil proceeding before the court can allow rectification proceedings.
Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. v.Mr Ishant Kashiwal Trading As The Hogwarts Kafe & Ors.
Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. successfully secured an interim injunction against Mr Ishant Kashiwal Trading As The Hogwarts Kafe in a suit for trademark infringement, passing off, and unfair competition. The court recognized Warner Bros' status as a global leader and prior proprietor of the well-known 'Hogwarts' trademarks. Crucially, the defendant was immediately restrained from using the infringing mark 'The Hogwarts Kafe' at their restaurant premises and directed to remove all related advertisements and listings online.
Wako India Kickboxing Federation v.Wako India Kickboxing Federation & Anr.
The Delhi High Court allowed the plaintiff's application seeking exemption from certain procedural requirements, while simultaneously registering the main plaint as a formal civil suit. The suit was filed under Section 57(2) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, seeking the removal and rectification of specific trademarks registered in the defendant's name. The court issued detailed directions for serving summons and ensuring timely filing of written statements and rejoinders by both parties.
V GUARD INDUSTRIES LTD v.SUKAN RAJ JAIN & ANR.
In a trademark dispute before the Delhi High Court, both parties expressed interest in reaching an amicable resolution. Consequently, the court referred the matter to the Mediation & Conciliation Centre for settlement discussions. The court also listed the case for reporting any settlement on November 9, 2021, while maintaining existing interim orders.
M/s Mold Tek Packaging Limited v.S.D. Containers
This judgment addresses a complex jurisdictional dispute arising from a civil suit filed by M/s Mold Tek Packaging Limited against S.D. Containers regarding disputed designs. The core issue was whether the High Court had the authority to entertain the defendant's counterclaim seeking cancellation of the design registration, alongside the plaintiff's declaration and injunction suit. The court affirmed its jurisdiction, interpreting the Design Act, 2000, to allow a defendant to raise all grounds for cancellation (under Section 19) in their written statement/counterclaim.
Novartis AG v.Natco Pharma Limited
Novartis AG filed a suit alleging infringement of its Indian Patent No. 229051, which covers a pharmaceutical composition combining Valsartan and Sacubitril. The dispute centered on whether Natco Pharma Limited's product, described as a supra molecular complex, infringed the patented combination.
Lucas Tvs Limited v.Surya Carbons
Lucas Tvs Limited filed a suit against Surya Carbons and other entities alleging trademark infringement, passing off, and copyright violation. The plaintiffs sought perpetual injunctions and damages regarding the use of their trademarks (LION, LUCAS TVS) and distinctive packaging on auto electrical parts. However, before the court could rule on the merits, the plaintiffs chose to withdraw the suit.
DINA MALAR A Partnership Concern v.K.Ramasubbu
This suit was filed by Dina Malar against several defendants, including K. Ramasubbu, alleging infringement of its trade marks ('DINA MALA') and copyright related to the work 'DINAMALAR'. The plaintiff sought perpetual injunctions and surrender of infringing materials. However, despite the initial filing under the Trade and Merchandise Marks Act and Copyright Act, the court ultimately dismissed the suit due to non-prosecution by the plaintiff.
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