IP Cases — 2022
744 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 9 of 25 · 744 total
Techfields Pharma Co Ltd Yu Chongxi v.Deputy Controller Of Patents And Designs
This matter was transferred from the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) to the Calcutta High Court following the enactment of the Tribunals Reform Act, 2021. The court directed the department to correct its records and instructed the Commercial Appellate Division to issue necessary notices.
Airtec Electrovision Pvt. Ltd. v.Sunil Kumar Saluja
The Delhi High Court dismissed Airtec Electrovision's appeal against the Commercial Court's refusal to grant an interim injunction. Airtec sought protection for its registered mark 'EIRTEC' against Sunil Kumar Saluja's use of 'AIRNET' on television sets, claiming deceptive similarity. However, the court found no sufficient phonetic or stylistic similarity and emphasized that common words like 'air' are often used in the electronics trade, ultimately upholding the lower court's decision.
Tommy Hilfiger Europe Bv v.Ms Originals Clothing And Ors
In this execution petition, Tommy Hilfiger sought to enforce a settlement decree against Ms Originals Clothing for continuing the sale of its branded goods. Despite having previously settled, the Decree Holder alleged that the Judgment Debtors continued infringing on their trademarks both in physical stores and online platforms. The court allowed the application for local commissioners to conduct an investigation into post-decree sales and directed the Judgment Debtors to provide access to relevant financial records.
Sopariwala Exports & Ors. v.Mr Grijesh Kumar Garg & Ors.
The Delhi High Court granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in favor of Sopariwala Exports & Ors. against Mr Grijesh Kumar Garg & Ors. The court found that the Plaintiffs had established a strong prima facie case regarding their well-known trademark 'AFZAL' used for tobacco products. Given the potential irreparable harm to the Plaintiff's goodwill, the Court restrained the Defendants from manufacturing or selling any goods using deceptively similar marks like 'AFDHAAL' and 'ALAFDHAAL', pending further hearings.
Parle Agro Private Limited / Surya Fresh Foods Limited v.Surya Fresh Foods Private Limited / Parle Agro Pvt. Ltd.
The Delhi High Court addressed ongoing disputes between Parle Agro and Surya Fresh Foods concerning the trade dress of their competing apple-based beverages, 'APPY FIZZ' and 'FRESH FIZZY'. Recognizing a willingness among the parties to find an amicable solution through modifications to the trade dress, the court directed both companies to participate in mediation. This move signals a judicial preference for alternative dispute resolution while keeping the core infringement suits active.
M/s.Kaleeswari Refinery Private Limited v.M/s.Sri Dhanalakshmi Traders
M/s.Kaleeswari Refinery Private Limited filed a suit against M/s.Sri Dhanalakshmi Traders alleging infringement of its registered trademark 'Gold Winner' and copyright in the associated artistic work and trade dress used on edible oil packaging. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions to restrain the defendant from using the deceptively similar mark 'Niju Gold' and passing off inferior products. Both parties subsequently reached a settlement, leading the Madras High Court to dispose of the captioned suit based on the terms of the Joint Compromise Memo.
Kanishk Sinha v.The Union Of India And Anr.
The appellant challenged the denial of his plea for extending the validity/tenure of his Patent due to seven-year delays by authorities. He also questioned the constitutional validity of Section 53 of the Patents Act, 1970. The Calcutta High Court upheld the Single Judge's decision, stating that no provision allows for automatic extension as a penalty and noting that the issue of constitutional validity was not properly argued.
PRECISE BIO PHARMA PVT. LTD. v.ASSISTANT CONTROLLER OF PATENTS AND DESIGNS & ANR.
The petitioner filed a petition seeking a stay against an order passed by the Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs. This order rejected the pre-grant opposition filed by Precise Bio Pharma Pvt. Ltd. regarding Indian Patent Application No. 2471/DELNP/2013 under Section 25(1) of the Patents Act, 1970.
Avery Dennison Corporation v.Controller Of Patents And Designs
Avery Dennison Corporation appealed a decision by the Controller of Patents and Designs which refused to grant a patent for 'Notched Fastener' due to lack of inventive step. The Appellant argued that the specific features (notch creation, position, shape, direction) provided a technical advancement over prior art documents D2 and D3. The Court ultimately allowed the appeal, finding that the invention satisfied the test of inventive step.
Cavinkare Pvt. Limited-Trends Division v.P & P Associates
Cavinkare Pvt. Limited-Trends Division filed a civil suit against P & P Associates alleging multiple infringements, including unauthorized use of the registered trademark 'GREEN TRENDS' and copyright infringement related to product artistic works. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions and damages for passing off. Ultimately, both parties reached an amicable settlement, which was formalized through a Memorandum of Compromise (MOC).
Lt Overseas North America Inc & Anr. v.Sai Krishna Foods
The Delhi High Court granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in favor of Lt Overseas North America Inc & Anr. against Sai Krishna Foods regarding trademark infringement. The Plaintiffs successfully demonstrated that their 'ROYAL' mark is well-known, enjoys significant goodwill, and the Defendant was using a similar mark to cause consumer confusion. Consequently, the court restrained the defendant from selling infringing products and ordered a Local Commissioner to search and seize the counterfeit goods.
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.
M/s.Kaleeswari Refinery Private Limited v.M/s.Sri Dhanalakshmi Traders
This case involved a civil suit filed by M/s.Kaleeswari Refinery Private Limited against M/s.Sri Dhanalakshmi Traders, alleging infringement of their registered trademark 'Gold Winner' and violation of copyright through the use of the deceptively similar mark 'Niju Gold' on edible oil packaging. The plaintiff sought permanent injunctions and an accounting of profits. However, both parties reached a mutual settlement agreement.
Gland Pharma Ltd. v.Akums Drugs And Pharmaceuticals Limited & Anr.
Gland Pharma Ltd. filed a rectification petition against Akums Drugs And Pharmaceuticals Limited, seeking cancellation of the Respondent's trademark 'CLINDIUM'. The Petitioner claims prior use and ownership of the similar mark 'CLINDUM' in pharmaceutical preparations. While the court condoned the delay in filing the petition and ordered the summoning of relevant records, it denied an immediate interim stay on the impugned trademark due to its existing registration status. The matter is now scheduled for further pleadings.
Sterlite Technologies Limited v.Anupam Singh & Ors.
Sterlite Technologies Limited filed a suit seeking permanent injunctions and damages against former employees (Defendants No. 1 & 2) and their new employer, HFCL Ltd., alleging breach of confidence and misappropriation of trade secrets. The core dispute revolved around patent applications filed by HFCL that allegedly incorporated Sterlite's proprietary information. Although the original suit was not numbered as a commercial suit, the court observed that disputes involving trade secrets and confidential information related to patents fall under the broad definition of 'commercial dispute'.
Starbucks Corporation v.Teaquila A Fashion Cafe & Anr.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Starbucks Corporation, granting a permanent injunction against Teaquila A Fashion Cafe & Anr. for infringing the registered trademark 'FRAPPUCCINO' and engaging in passing off. Despite the defendants being proceeded ex parte, the court found them guilty of infringement based on the evidence presented by Starbucks. Furthermore, the court awarded damages to Starbucks, noting that while specific sales figures were lacking, notional damages could be granted given the established infringement.
M/S P.M. Diesels P. Ltd. v.M/S Thukral Mechanical Works & Ors.
The Delhi High Court addressed a complex matter involving the trademark 'FIELD MARSHAL,' which had been pending for decades across multiple forums, including the IPAB. The court set aside an earlier order dismissing the cancellation petition by default, finding that the dismissal was erroneous given the long-standing nature of the dispute and common evidence already led. Consequently, the High Court restored the cancellation petition and consolidated it with the original suit (Suit No. 2408/1985), directing the matter to be listed for final arguments.
Thyssenkrupp Rothe Erde Germany Gmbh v.The Controller Of Patents & Anr
The petitioner filed a petition seeking the revocation of Indian Patent No. IN254458 before the Delhi High Court. The contesting respondent raised objections regarding the court's jurisdiction, arguing that the patent was granted in Chennai and an earlier revocation petition had already been filed before IPAB, Chennai.
M/S Steelbird Hi-Tech India Ltd. v.Mr. Tazeen Farooqui & Ors.
The Delhi High Court upheld the interim injunction in favor of M/S Steelbird Hi-Tech India Ltd. against Mr. Tazeen Farooqui & Ors., finding that the defendant's mark 'SEABIRD' was deceptively and confusingly similar to the plaintiff’s established trademark 'STEELBIRD'. The court emphasized the importance of common law rights derived from long, continuous use, ruling that registration alone does not supersede prior proprietary rights. This decision reinforces the protection afforded to well-known marks against potential dilution and confusion in the market.
Biogaia Ab v.Senior Examiner Of Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court allowed the appeal filed by Biogaia Ab against the Senior Examiner's refusal of the 'PROTECTIS' trademark for Class 5 goods (pharmaceutical products). The court found that 'PROTECTIS,' being an arbitrary term with no dictionary meaning, possesses sufficient distinctiveness and is not descriptive. Furthermore, the court noted that prior objections regarding similarity to other marks were unsustainable after reviewing their status. Consequently, the refusal was set aside, and the trademark application was directed to proceed for registration.
Sanjeev Khandelwal v.Ganesh Medicals
The plaintiff filed a suit alleging infringement of his patent (No. 197822) against three defendants. Subsequently, the parties executed a Deed of Compromise dated 22.11.2010. The court disposed of the suit based on this compromise.
UltraTech Cement Limited v.Dlvk Cement Private Limited
The suit filed by UltraTech Cement Limited against Dlvk Cement Private Limited was settled out of court. The Bombay High Court accepted the Consent Minutes of Order, disposed of the suit and interim application, and decreed the matter in accordance with the settlement terms.
akash aggarwal v.flipkart internet private limited
Akash Aggarwal, owner of the 'V Tradition' trademark for women's clothing, sued Flipkart alleging that the platform’s ‘latching on’ feature allowed third-party sellers to use his brand name and product images without consent, constituting passing off. The Plaintiff claimed significant sales and consumer engagement through Flipkart before this unauthorized usage.
Dow Agrosciences Llc v.The Controller Of Patents
Dow Agrosciences Llc filed an appeal challenging the rejection order dated September 9, 2020, concerning its patent application for 'ENDPOINT TAQMAN METHODS FOR DETERMINING ZYGOSITY OF COTTON'. The case was listed before the Delhi High Court after being transferred from the IPAB due to the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021.
The Hind Samachar Limited v.Punjab Kesari Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
The Delhi High Court disposed of a rectification petition concerning the trade mark 'PUNJAB KESARI' after the involved family members reached an oral and written settlement. The court directed the amendment of the trademark registration, effectively carving out specific geographical territories for both the petitioner (VKC group) and the respondent (AKC group). This resolution allowed the parties to coexist using the same mark within defined regional boundaries.
Resilient Innovations Private Limited v.PhonePe Private Limited
This appeal challenged an order that allowed the plaintiff (PhonePe Private Limited) to withdraw its initial commercial IP suit concerning trademark infringement and passing off, while retaining the liberty to file a fresh suit. The appellant (Resilient Innovations Private Limited) argued this order was erroneous and not maintainable for appeal. The Bombay High Court ultimately dismissed the appeal, holding that the Impugned Order did not qualify as a 'decree' under the CPC, thereby ruling on the issue of maintainability.
Novartis Ag v.Centurion Remedies Private Limited
Novartis filed a suit seeking permanent injunction and damages against Centurion Remedies Private Limited for alleged infringement of Indian Patent No. 233161. The court examined the defendant's affidavit, which claimed no commercial activity related to the patented drug ELTROMBOPAG OLAMINE/ REVOLADE. Furthermore, the Department of Pharmaceuticals clarified that its public notice was merely for collating local manufacturers and did not constitute government authorization under Section 100 of the Patents Act, 1970.
The British School Society v.Sanjay Gandhi Educational Society & Anr.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of The British School Society, confirming an existing interim injunction against the Sanjay Gandhi Educational Society. The court found that the unauthorized and continuous use of the identical mark 'The British School' by the Defendants constituted misrepresentation and caused irreparable prejudice to the Plaintiff's goodwill. Consequently, the Defendants were mandated to change their school names effective May 1, 2022, ensuring a smooth transition for enrolled students.
Merck Sharp And Dohme Corp v.Mr. Mahaveer Chand
The contempt petition was filed by Merck Sharp And Dohme Corp alleging non-compliance with a previous court order and settlement agreement concerning patent IN' 816. The petitioner claimed that the respondent continued dealing in products covered by the patent, specifically generic versions of Sitagliptin Phosphate Monohydrate. The Court directed the respondent to file an affidavit with an unconditional apology.
Voltas Limited v.Ashok Kumar & Ors.
The Delhi High Court granted an ad interim ex parte injunction in favor of Voltas Limited against Ashok Kumar & Ors. The court found that the defendants were infringing on Voltas' registered and well-known trademarks (VOLTAS and its logo) by operating a deceptive website, www.myvoltascare.com. Given the prima facie case established by Voltas regarding extensive goodwill and reputation, the court ordered immediate measures including restraining trademark use, blocking the domain name, disabling the website, freezing bank accounts, and suspending UPI IDs to prevent irreparable harm.
Facing a similar IP matter?
Arctic Invent is a specialist IP firm with deep litigation expertise across India, EU, US, and UK. Our team uses data-driven strategy to build stronger cases.