IP Cases — 2023
1,252 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 18 of 42 · 1,252 total
Nokia Technologies OY v.Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs
Nokia Technologies OY appealed the Assistant Controller's refusal to grant a patent for its system and method for listening to audio content. The appellant argued that the refusal order failed to consider their amended claims and responses to objections raised under Section 3(k).
Sintex Industries Limited v.Controller Of Patents And Designs And Anr
Sintex Industries Limited appealed against an order revoking Indian Patent No. 197086 on the ground of insufficiency of disclosure. The court noted that the subject patent had already been revoked by the Controller, satisfying the main prayer of the appellant for revocation. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed.
Sri.Hitesh Chouhan, Proprietor M/s.Metro Marketing v.Sri.Ganapathlal, Proprietor M/s.Jaya Stationery
The Madras High Court allowed the petition seeking the cancellation of the trademark 'LEO' registered by Sri.Ganapathlal. The court found that the respondent adopted a near-identical mark for identical goods (rubber bands), and this adoption was deemed dishonest and fraudulent, especially given prior undertakings to change the branding. Consequently, the registration certificate was cancelled, maintaining the purity of the trademark register.
M/s.United Spirits Limited v.The Registrar of Trade Marks
The Madras High Court dismissed M/s. United Spirits Limited's petition seeking rectification of a trade mark registration. The court noted that the petitioner had assigned several marks to Grover Zampa Vineyards Limited, rendering them no longer an aggrieved party regarding the impugned mark. Consequently, the petition was dismissed, but the door remains open for the assignee to initiate proper rectification proceedings.
Amgen, Inc. v.Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
Unified Patent Court decision.
BIGTEC PRIVATE LIMITED v.The ASSISTANT CONTROLLER OF PATENTS & DESIGNS
Bigtec Private Limited appealed against the Assistant Controller's order declining the grant of a patent for application No. 421/CHE/2009, citing lack of inventive step and non-patentability under Section 3(e). The court set aside the impugned order due to non-consideration of the appellant's contentions regarding prior art and Section 3(e), and remanded the matter for re-consideration by a different officer.
Prakash Ferrous Industries Private Limited v.The Registrar of Trade Marks
The appellant filed a Civil Miscellaneous Appeal challenging the Registrar of Trade Marks' refusal to register the word mark 'TIRUMALA' (Application No. 2080181). The High Court set aside the impugned order primarily because it was cryptic and lacked sufficient reasons for its decision. However, since evidence of use was not placed before the authority, the matter was remanded back to the Registrar for a reasoned decision after the appellant provides proof of use.
Bigtec Private Limited v.The Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs
Bigtec Private Limited appealed against the Assistant Controller's order declining the grant of a patent application. The refusal was based on objections regarding lack of inventive step and non-patentability under Section 3(e). The court set aside the impugned order due to non-consideration of appellant's contentions and remanded the matter for re-evaluation by a different officer.
Bigtec Private Limited v.The Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs
Bigtec Private Limited appealed against the Assistant Controller's order declining the grant of patent for Indian Patent Application No. 314/CHE/2009, concluding that the claims lacked inventive step. The court set aside the impugned order due to non-consideration of appellant's contentions regarding prior art and remanded the matter for re-consideration by a different officer.
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation v.Meril GmbH and Meril Life Sciences Pvt Ltd.
Unified Patent Court decision.
Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc v.The Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs, Government of India
Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc filed a Transfer Civil Miscellaneous Appeal (Patents) challenging an earlier decision regarding its patent application. The appellant subsequently instructed their counsel to withdraw the appeal.
Mankind Pharma Limited v.4 Square Pharmaceuticals Of ... and The Registrar of Trade Marks
The Madras High Court dismissed a petition filed by Mankind Pharma Limited seeking the removal of Trademark No. 1803072 (XYDI). The court noted that the last registration for this trademark had expired on April 6, 2019. Since the underlying issue—the status of the mark's validity—had changed, the petition was deemed infructuous. Mankind Pharma was granted leave to re-apply should the trademark be restored.
Perennial Health Care India Private Limited v.Manju Bai & Ramesh Kumar M.Jain; The Registrar of Trademarks
The Madras High Court case involving Perennial Health Care India Private Limited and Manju Bai & Ramesh Kumar M.Jain was concluded when the petitioner chose to withdraw their original petitions. The petitions, which sought various remedies under the Trademarks Act, 1999, including removal of specific trademark entries in Class 5, were formally dismissed as withdrawn by the court on August 23, 2023.
Ramada International, Inc v.La-Ramada World Private Limited & Anr
The Delhi High Court reinforced the existing ex parte ad-interim injunction in favor of Ramada International, Inc against La-Ramada World Private Limited. Finding that the defendants continued unauthorized use of the 'RAMADA' mark across various digital platforms and domains despite prior court orders, the court made the injunction absolute during the pendency of the suit. Furthermore, to ensure compliance, the Court appointed a Local Commissioner with extensive powers to seize evidence, including pamphlets and server data, and mandate the shutdown of infringing social media accounts.
Avago Technologies International Sales Pte. Limited v.Tesla Germany GmbH, Tesla Manufacturing Brandenburg SE
Unified Patent Court decision.
Phonepe Private Limited v.Digipe Fintech Private Limited
Phonepe Private Limited challenged Digipe Fintech Private Limited in the Madras High Court, seeking an interim injunction against the use of the mark 'DigiPe', alleging trademark infringement and passing off. Phonepe argued that its distinctive 'PhonePe' brand had immense goodwill and reputation in the digital payment sector. However, the court dismissed Phonepe's appeals, noting inconsistencies in the plaintiff's arguments across various legal proceedings, thereby upholding the lower court's decision.
Unilever Ip Holdings B.V. v.Mritunjay Kumar
The Commercial IP Suit filed by Unilever Ip Holdings B.V. against Mritunjay Kumar was settled between the parties. The Court accepted the Consent Terms, which were signed by both sides, and consequently disposed of and decreed the suit.
Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited v.Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited filed an information alleging that Boehringer Ingelheim (OP-1 and OP-2) was abusing its patent rights, specifically using the Second Patent to prohibit competitors from using 'Linagliptin' after the First Patent expired. The Commission found no prima facie case warranting an investigation into the matter.
M/s.VP Enterprises v.Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks
The Madras High Court allowed M/s.VP Enterprises' appeal, overturning the Senior Examiner's rejection of their trade mark registration application (3894824). The court found that despite objections citing conflicting marks under Section 11(1), the appellant's composite mark was distinctive and distinguishable from the cited marks. Furthermore, evidence of prior use and an existing registration for an identical device in relation to the same services supported the appeal. Consequently, the application was directed to proceed to advertisement.
United Biotech Private Limited v.Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited
The Madras High Court allowed United Biotech Private Limited's petition seeking the removal of the trade mark 'ONCONASE' (No. 447044) registered in favour of Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited. The court found that the mark had not been used since its registration, thereby satisfying the grounds for cancellation under Section 47 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Consequently, the Registrar was directed to remove the entry from the Register within four weeks.
Dxn Holdings Bhd v.Daehsan Trading (India) Pvt. Ltd.; The Registrar of Trade Marks
The Madras High Court dismissed two Original Petitions filed by Dxn Holdings Bhd seeking the removal of specific trademarks from the register. The court noted that the last registration date of the marks was in 2021, and crucially, the first respondent (Daehsan Trading) was found to be under liquidation. Given these developments, the petitions were deemed infructuous, though the petitioner was directed to take necessary steps for mark removal.
M/S Gm Modular Pvt Ltd v.Sh. Gopal Shinghal & Anr
The Delhi High Court allowed M/S Gm Modular Pvt Ltd's petition seeking the cancellation of the registered trademark 'GMT' held by Sh. Gopal Shinghal. The court found that 'GMT' is deceptively similar to the Petitioner's established mark 'GM', which has been in continuous use since 1999 for electrical goods. Given the prior adoption and substantial goodwill of 'GM', the registration of 'GMT' was deemed contrary to Sections 9 and 11 of the Trademarks Act, leading to its removal from the register.
Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited v.Sun Pictures A Division Of Sun Tv Network Ltd.
The Delhi High Court settled a trademark infringement suit filed by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited against Sun Pictures. The dispute centered on the use of the RCB team jersey in a derogatory manner within the film 'Jailer.' Through mutual agreement, the court decreed that the defendants must digitally alter all depictions of the RCB jersey and sponsor branding to ensure it is not identifiable before further release, effectively resolving the brand dilution concerns.
M/s.Navketan Enterprises v.Sandeep A. Jain and The Registrar of Trade Marks
The Madras High Court dismissed the Original Petition filed by M/s. Navketan Enterprises seeking the removal of an impugned trade mark from the register. The court noted that the petitioner had been instructed to withdraw the petition, citing a deed of assignment dated July 3, 2019, which transferred ownership of the mark to them. Consequently, the proceedings were dismissed as withdrawn.
Sprng Marketing Consulting Llp v.Union Of India
The Karnataka High Court allowed Sprng Marketing Consulting Llp's petition, setting aside an earlier rejection of its trademark application 'Spring.' The court found that the petitioner was denied a fair opportunity to present further arguments after a technical glitch during a virtual hearing. Consequently, the matter has been remitted back to the Trademark Registry for fresh disposal, with a specific date set for the petitioner's appearance.
M/S.Rspl Health Private Limited v.Reckitt And Colman (Overseas) Hygiene Home Limited & Anr.
The Delhi High Court dismissed the petitions filed by M/S.Rspl Health Private Limited, which sought to have the trademark 'HARPIC DRAINXPERT' removed from the register. The court found that despite the petitioner's earlier marks, there was no likelihood of confusion among the average consumer when comparing 'XPERT' and 'HARPIC DRAINXPERT'. Furthermore, the court rejected the petitioner's plea regarding bad faith under Section 11(10)(ii), stating that such a claim requires cogent evidence beyond mere similarity.
Dolphin Mart Private Limited v.Avenue Supermarts Limited & Anr.
In this trademark infringement dispute, the Delhi High Court addressed two key applications. First, it permitted the defendants (Avenue Supermarts) to introduce crucial trademark registration certificates into evidence, noting that since these were issued post-filing of the written statement and are in the public domain, they should be admissible. Second, regarding the plaintiff's request for an interim injunction against infringement, the Court dismissed the application, finding that the plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case or demonstrate that the balance of convenience favored them.
Hindustan Unilever Limited v.Pradeep Dhidaria
Hindustan Unilever Limited filed an Interim Application against Pradeep Dhidaria alleging that the latter had slavishly copied the original artistic work featured on the Plaintiff's product packaging. The court examined the resemblance, noting similarities in elements like the starburst and globe depiction used on the rival product's trademark 'MASTER'. Based on this prima facie finding of copying and subsisting copyright, the court continued the ex-parte ad-interim relief granted earlier.
Saint Gobain Construction Products Uk Limited v.Cyp Rock Industries
Saint Gobain Construction Products UK challenged the registration of 'GYP-ROCK INDUSTRIES' by Cyp Rock Industries, arguing that it was deceptively similar to their established trademark 'GYPROC'. The dispute centered on potential consumer confusion in the market. However, the court accepted the respondent's affidavit, wherein they voluntarily agreed to seek cancellation and cease using the mark. Consequently, the parties were directed to proceed with the voluntary cancellation process before the Trademark Registry.
Marico Limited v.MW & Sons
The Commercial IP Suit filed by Marico Limited against MW & Sons regarding alleged trademark infringement was settled between both parties. The Court accepted the Consent Minutes of Order, leading to the disposal and decreeing of the suit in favour of the Plaintiffs.
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.