IP Cases — 2022
934 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 3 of 32 · 934 total
M/S Subros Educational Society v.Union Of India
The Delhi High Court allowed an appeal filed by M/S Subros Educational Society against the refusal of registration for its trademark 'SBS World School'. The court found that the Registrar failed to properly consider the Appellant's existing registrations for similar marks under 'SBS' in Class 41. Consequently, the refusal order was set aside, and the matter was remanded back to the Registrar of Trademarks for fresh consideration.
Sotefin Sa v.Indraprastha Cancer Society And Research Center
Sotefin SA filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against the defendants for infringing Indian Patent No. 214088, which relates to a self-propelled carriage for horizontal transfer of motor vehicles. During the pendency of the suit, the parties amicably resolved their disputes and entered into Consent Terms.
M/S Subros Educational Society v.Union Of India
The Delhi High Court allowed an appeal filed by M/S Subros Educational Society against the refusal of registration for its trademark 'SBS World School'. The court found that the Registrar failed to properly consider the Appellant's existing registrations for similar marks under 'SBS' in Class 41. Consequently, the refusal order was set aside, and the matter was remanded back to the Registrar of Trademarks for fresh consideration.
Welcome Shoes Private Limited v.Retro Footwears Pvt. Ltd & Anr.
The Delhi High Court judgment in Welcome Shoes vs. Retro Footwears concluded the dispute through an amicable settlement between the parties. The defendants agreed to withdraw several similar trademarks, cease using deceptively similar marks like 'BURE' or 'WELCOMO' for footwear, and refrain from diluting the plaintiff's established brands ('WELCOME' and 'PURE'). This resolution provides a clear path forward, binding both companies to the terms of the settlement decree.
Jitendra Kohli v.The Controller Of Patents
Jitendra Kohli appealed the rejection of his patent application concerning an electronic tendering system. The Assistant Controller rejected the application under Section 3(k) for being a business method, based on the original process claims. The High Court found that the Assistant Controller erred by not considering the later-filed amended 'system and process claims', leading to the setting aside of the impugned order.
Pfizer Inc v.Azista Industries Private Limited
Pfizer Inc filed a suit seeking an injunction against Azista Industries Private Limited for infringing patent no. IN 218291, which covers the pharmaceutical product 'Palbociclib'. After considering the submissions and assurances given by the Defendants that they would not manufacture or sell the product in India, the Court decreed the suit.
Osram Gmbh & Anr. v.Tejmeet Singh Sethi & Anr.
In this Delhi High Court matter, the court addressed the ongoing suit concerning the 'OSRAM' trademark. The defendants voluntarily expressed their intent to abandon two specific trademark applications for the mark. Consequently, the court confirmed the existing interim injunction granted in favor of Osram Gmbh & Anr., while also directing the parties to list all relevant trademark filings for future consideration.
Hebei Hailan Bearing Manufacture Co. Ltd. v.M/S Pearl Bearing Co.
In this trademark dispute, the Delhi High Court addressed an application by the Plaintiff seeking disclosure of financial and import documents from the Defendant. While the Defendant argued that some information was confidential, the Court issued a conditional order. The Defendant must now file an affidavit detailing complete sale figures and submit all requested documents in a sealed cover for judicial review before they can be released to the Plaintiff.
Malabar Cements Limitd v.Drawing And Disbursing Officer, The Office of the Trademarks Registry; The Registrar of Trademarks
The Madras High Court allowed Malabar Cements Limited's Writ Petition, setting aside an earlier rejection order from the Trademarks Registry. The court ruled that a Notice of Opposition filed against Trademark Application No 427808 fell within the prescribed window for filing opposition, based on a public notice issued by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks. Consequently, the respondents agreed to accept and record the opposition upon re-submission within three weeks.
M/S. Yashram Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd v.M/S. Aditya Birla Fashion And Retail Limited (Madura F and L Division)
M/S. Yashram Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd filed an Original Suit seeking a decree of permanent injunction against M/S. Aditya Birla Fashion And Retail Limited for allegedly infringing the plaintiffs' granted patent (No. 306901) related to 'Stay Dry Period Panty'. However, the plaintiffs subsequently moved to withdraw the suit.
FMC Corporation v.Insecticides India Limited
The case involves FMC Corporation and others against Insecticides India Limited regarding patent infringement. The defendant has indicated they will not launch a product until certain patents expire.
Ds Confectionery Products Limited v.Nirmala Gupta And Anr
The Delhi High Court granted a permanent injunction in favor of Ds Confectionery Products Limited against the defendants for trademark infringement and passing off related to confectionery products. The plaintiff successfully demonstrated that its marks (PULSE/) were being deceptively used by the defendants' goods (PELSE/ and PLUS++/). Furthermore, given the defendants' failure to appear despite service, the court awarded the plaintiff damages of Rs. 2,00,000/-.
Essential Export Sociedad Anonima v.The Registrar Of Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court addressed an appeal filed by Essential Export Sociedad Anonima challenging the rejection of its multi-class trademark application (No. 3639686). While dismissing a request for stay, the court found prima facie grounds to reconsider the matter. The court noted that certain facts, including oppositions and COVID-19 related adjournments, had not been properly considered by the Registrar's Examiner. Consequently, the case was remanded back to allow for fresh consideration of the application.
Usha International Limited v.Registrar Of Trademarks And Anr.
Usha International Limited filed a petition seeking the removal/cancellation of the mark 'WSHA' from the Trade Marks Register, arguing that it is deceptively similar to their long-standing mark 'USHA'. The Delhi High Court accepted the petition and issued notice to the respondents. The matter was subsequently listed for further arguments on April 4, 2022.
New Balance Athletics Inc. v.Ashok Kumar Trading As WWW.SASTAJOOTA.COM & ORS.
The Delhi High Court granted an ad-interim injunction in favor of New Balance Athletics Inc. against Ashok Kumar Trading As WWW.SASTAJOOTA.COM & Ors., finding a prima facie case of trademark infringement. The court recognized that the defendants were operating websites offering footwear bearing New Balance's mark without authorization, leading to apprehension of counterfeit goods. Consequently, the court ordered the immediate deactivation and blocking of the infringing websites.
N.V. Satheesh Madhav And Anr v.Deputy Controller Of Patents And Designs
The appeal challenged the Deputy Controller's refusal to grant a patent for an invention related to a bio-bed and method for growing Vigna radiata plants. The initial objections included lack of inventive step, non-patentable subject matter (Section 3(h)), and clarity issues. Although some objections were dropped, the final refusal was based on Section 2(1)(ja) and Section 3(d).
M/s. Varkey Overseas Trading Company Pvt. Ltd. v.Official Liquidator Of Sumeet Machines ...
The Bombay High Court issued an ad-interim order in a company petition dispute involving the liquidation assets of Sumeet Machines. The court found that certain agreements produced late by one party lacked credibility, leading it to grant relief to the Official Liquidator. The ruling mandates that Sumeet Appliances Pvt. Ltd. must provide a full Affidavit of Disclosure detailing how they have used the trademarks and copyrights associated with the company's artistic works, along with all related income and actions taken.
Beardsell Limited v.Beardsell Polymers Pvt. Ltd.
The Madras High Court ruled in favor of Beardsell Limited, granting a perpetual injunction against two defendants (Beardsell Polymers Pvt. Ltd. and Beardsell Equipments Pvt. Ltd.) for passing off the company's trademark 'Beardsell'. The court found that these entities unlawfully appropriated the Plaintiff's established corporate name and were carrying on similar lines of business, risking public deception. Consequently, the injunction was granted, barring them from using or advertising the mark.
Merck Sharp And Dohme Corp & Anr. v.Yms Laboratories Private Limited
The commercial suit filed by Merck Sharp And Dohme Corp against Yms Laboratories Private Limited for Patent Infringement concerning Sitagliptin was settled mutually. The court decreed the suit in terms of this settlement agreement, which included the Defendant acknowledging the patent's validity and agreeing to cease all infringing activities.
M.I. Industries, Incorporated v.Registrar Of Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court allowed the appeal filed by M.I. Industries against the Registrar of Trade Marks, overturning the rejection of their trademark application 'NATURE'S VARIETY'. The court found that despite consisting of common dictionary words, the mark was sufficiently distinctive when applied to animal foodstuffs (Class 31), as it evoked a natural quality without being directly descriptive of the goods. Furthermore, the Appellant's international reputation and goodwill were noted in the decision.
Bacardi And Company Limited v.Bahety Overseas Private Limited & Ors.
This Delhi High Court order addresses a suit concerning trademark infringement where the plaintiff sought permanent injunction against the defendants. The court reviewed an application filed by the defendant seeking vacation of the existing interim injunction, which was granted previously. The judge directed the defendant to place on record the memorandum of appeal and produce evidence regarding similar bottle shapes, while also addressing a counter-application by the plaintiff alleging non-compliance with the original injunction.
Parmesh Construction Company Limited v.Mahinder Bhutani & Anr.
Parmesh Construction Company Limited filed a petition seeking the cancellation and rectification of Mahinder Bhutani's registered mark 'BHUTANI'. The court noted that while the petitioner argued 'BHUTANI' is a common surname, they also use it in their own trademark 'BHUTANI INFRA'. The court directed notice to be issued to the respondents and scheduled further hearings, indicating the matter will proceed through litigation.
M/S Mankastu Impex Pvt. Ltd. v.Kent Ro Systems Ltd.
The Delhi High Court resolved a complex trademark dispute between M/S Mankastu Impex Pvt. Ltd. and Kent RO Systems Ltd. The case involved an injunction suit against alleged infringement of the 'HEPA PURE' trademark. After extensive litigation, including appeals challenging rectification orders, the parties successfully entered into mediation. Consequently, the court decreed the original suit based on a settlement agreement, allowing Kent RO Systems to continue using the mark while Mankastu Impex agreed not to object.
Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH v.Mr X Trading As Messrs Amar Medical Store & Ors.
Boehringer Ingelheim International sought an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in a suit concerning its pharmaceutical products. The Plaintiff asserted rights over its trademarks and distinctive trade dress, which it claimed constituted original artistic works under the Copyright Act. While the court allowed the application for interim relief, it mandated that notice be issued to the Defendants before execution of the order, setting the stage for further litigation regarding brand protection.
Eris Lifesciences Limited v.Controller Of Patents & Anr.
Both petitions sought the revocation of Indian Patent No. 243301 under Section 64 of The Patents Act, 1970. The court condoned delays in filing written statements and disposed of related interlocutory applications. The matter was listed for further hearing due to the patent's impending expiry.
Shree Vari Multiplast India Pvt. Ltd. v.Nilkamal Plastics Limited
Shree Vari Multiplast India Pvt. Ltd. filed a suit against Nilkamal Plastics Limited, seeking permanent injunction against alleged infringement of Design No.176931 related to plastic moulded chairs. The plaintiff argued that the design was common knowledge and liable for rectification or revocation. However, the court ultimately dismissed the suit as infructuous because the registration period for the design had expired.
Eris Lifesciences Limited v.Controller Of Patents & Anr.
Eris Lifesciences Limited filed a revocation petition challenging Patent No. IN 243301, arguing that it should be revoked because the claims were covered by an earlier genus patent (IN 227719). The Delhi High Court noted that another appeal concerning the same patent was already pending before the court. Consequently, the court directed both parties to serve notices upon each other and listed the matter together with the existing appeal for a hearing on April 6, 2022.
Entrepreneur Media Inc v.The Senior Examiner Of Trade Marks Delhi
Entrepreneur Media Inc challenged the refusal of its trademark application 'ENTREPRENEUR' by the Senior Examiner of Trade Marks Delhi, arguing that the mark was distinctive and had acquired local reputation. The High Court allowed the appeal, setting aside the examiner's order. Crucially, the court did not decide the merits but remanded the case back to the Registrar, directing a fresh review based on specific evidence provided by the appellant regarding cited marks.
Government E Marketplace v.Unilex Consultants & Ors.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of the Government E Marketplace (GeM) against various parties for misusing its brand name. The plaintiff alleged that several defendants were registering or using 'GeM' as a domain name or URL extension, misleading the public into believing they were associated with the official portal. The court granted permanent injunctions and ordered the suspension of multiple infringing domains, reinforcing the protection of government digital brands against unauthorized commercial exploitation.
Shree Vari Multiplast India Pvt. Ltd. v.Nilkamal Plastics Limited
Shree Vari Multiplast India Pvt. Ltd. filed a suit against Nilkamal Plastics Limited alleging infringement of Design No.176931 related to plastic moulded chairs, seeking permanent injunction and declaration that the Cease and Desist Notice was unjustifiable. The plaintiff argued that the design was common use in the industry and liable for rectification due to lack of novelty. However, the court ultimately dismissed the suit as infructuous, noting that the registered design's protection period had expired.
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