IP Cases — 2023
1,252 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 20 of 42 · 1,252 total
Enercon ( India ) Limited v.Aloys Wobben
Enercon (India) Limited filed multiple Transfer Original Petitions (TOPs) before the Madras High Court seeking the revocation of various Indian Patents granted by the Controller of Patent Chennai. The petitions were filed under Sections 64 and 117D of the Patents Act.
Kent Cables Private Limited & Ors. v.Union Of India Through Its Secretary Department For Promotion Of Industry And Internal Trade & Ors.
The Delhi High Court addressed a writ petition challenging the advertisement of 'KENT' as a well-known trademark by the Registrar of Trade Marks. The core dispute centered on jurisdictional issues, with the Respondent arguing that such challenges must be filed in the Bombay High Court. However, the Court also clarified procedural requirements for the Registrar, emphasizing that when an applicant relies on court orders to establish well-known status, the Registrar must scrutinize whether those orders constitute a specific declaration or merely preliminary observations.
Paymate (India) Private Limited v.Paymate Pty Limited; The Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks, The Trade Marks Registry, Chennai
In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court disposed of an Original Petition filed by Paymate (India) Private Limited seeking to strike off a specific trademark registration. The court found that Trademark No. 1960699 was no longer in force because its last renewal date had expired on May 5, 2020, and the long stop period for restoration had passed. Consequently, the Court directed the Deputy Registrar of Trade Marks to cancel the certificate and remove the entry from the Register.
M/s. Goldmedal Electricals Pvt Ltd. v.The Registrar of Trade Marks
The Madras High Court allowed an appeal filed by M/s. Goldmedal Electricals Pvt Ltd., setting aside an order that had deemed its opposition to a trademark application abandoned. The core issue revolved around whether a communication sent to the Mumbai office, despite being addressed to the Chennai Registry, constituted substantial compliance with the Trade Marks Rules. The court ruled in favor of the appellant, finding that there was sufficient compliance and remanding the matter for fresh consideration on merits.
M/s.Jaya Balaji Tex v.Senniappan Kuppusamy; The Registrar of Trademarks
The Madras High Court dismissed two Original Petitions filed under Section 57 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. The petitions sought the removal of specific registered trademarks (No. 1607835 and No. 1464323) from the Register of Trademarks in Class 25. However, both parties reached an amicable resolution regarding the disputes, leading the petitioner to withdraw the cases before the court.
Lotte India Corporation Ltd. v.Phan Nguyen Confectionery Corporation; Ajanthaa K.T.K Products
The Madras High Court addressed a trademark infringement and passing off suit filed by Lotte India Corporation against Phan Nguyen Confectionery Corporation and Ajanthaa K.T.K Products regarding the 'CHOCO PIE' mark. Despite the plaintiff alleging identical use of the mark, the court found that the plaintiff failed to adequately prove the infringement by the defendants. Consequently, the suit was largely dismissed on the core claims of trademark violation and damages.
Home Box Office, Inc. v.Danish Salim; The Registrar of Trademarks
In this matter concerning trademark cancellation, Home Box Office challenged an entry in the Register of Trademarks. However, the court noted that the registered proprietor of the impugned mark had subsequently agreed to cancel the registration. Consequently, the High Court disposed of the Original Petition by directing the Registrar of Trademarks to complete the necessary steps for cancellation and removal of the entry within a specified timeframe.
Pfizer Products Inc. v.R. Hanumantha Rao
Pfizer Products Inc. successfully petitioned the Madras High Court to expunge the registration of the trademark VECOREX (No. 980006) from the register. The court noted that the mark had not been renewed since December 29, 2020. Consequently, the court directed the Registrar of Trademarks to remove the entry within four weeks, effectively clearing the mark for potential use by the petitioner.
Meril GmbH v.Edwards Lifesciences Corporation u. a.
Unified Patent Court decision.
R.Subbulakshmi (Deceased) & others v.1/183 & others
This case involved complex disputes among the partners and legal heirs of a newspaper publishing firm, Dinamalar. The core issue revolved around the status and ownership of the firm's trademark following its dissolution. The Madras High Court addressed several related civil suits and original applications concerning partnership rights and intellectual property.
Mankind Pharma Limited v.Trivigya Bioscience
In a trademark dispute concerning the 'KIND' family of marks, Mankind Pharma Limited successfully secured an undertaking from Trivigya Bioscience. The respondent acknowledged the propriety of Mankind's marks and voluntarily agreed to cease using the contested mark CDKIND in relation to pharmaceutical preparations. Consequently, the rectification application was disposed of as not pressed, resolving the conflict amicably.
B.M.Dhananjaya.S v.M/s.Billionsmiles Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.
The Madras High Court dismissed Original Petition (Trademarks) No. 26 of 2023 after the petitioner, B.M.Dhananjaya.S, filed a request to withdraw the case. The original petition sought the expungement and removal of an entry related to the registered trademark 1485593 from the Trademark Registry. The withdrawal was based on a settlement reached between the contesting parties, concluding the dispute without a formal judicial ruling on the merits.
Foodvista India Pvt. Ltd. v.The Registrar of Trademarks
The Madras High Court intervened in trademark applications filed by Foodvista India Pvt. Ltd., which were previously refused by the Trademark Registry on grounds of descriptiveness. The court found that the refusal orders were unreasoned and failed to consider the appellant's evidence of use and acquired distinctiveness, particularly under the proviso to Section 9(1) of the Trademarks Act. Consequently, the High Court set aside the impugned orders and remanded the matter back to the Registrar for reconsideration, mandating a reasoned decision based on all submitted evidence.
Mankind Pharma Limited v.Genova Biotechniques Pvt. Ltd.
Mankind Pharma Limited successfully petitioned the Madras High Court to remove a specific trademark, 'PSO KIND,' from the register. The court observed that while the mark was initially registered, its renewal had lapsed after November 8, 2020. Consequently, the time limit for both renewal and restoration had expired. The court directed the Registrar of Trademarks to cancel the registration certificate and remove the entry within four weeks.
Akebia Therapeutics Inc. v.Controller General Of Patents, Design, Trademark And Geographical Indications
Akebia Therapeutics Inc. challenged the procedures followed by the Controller General regarding a post-grant opposition filed against its granted patent (IN 287720) for HIF-1α prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor compounds. The Delhi High Court found that the Opposition Board's recommendations were unsustainable due to procedural irregularities in how evidence was presented and processed. Consequently, the court quashed the previous findings, allowed Akebia to lead additional evidence, and remanded the matter back to the Opposition Board for a fresh decision de novo.
Histogen Inc v.The Assistant Controller of Patents and designs
Histogen Inc filed a Transfer Civil Miscellaneous Appeal seeking to set aside an order passed by The Assistant Controller of Patents and designs regarding Indian Patent Application No. 5341/CHENP/2010. However, the appellant instructed their counsel to withdraw the appeal.
Bharathi Consumer Care Products Pvt.Ltd. v.Sanku Soap Works
Bharathi Consumer Care Products filed a suit against Sanku Soap Works alleging multiple infringements. The plaintiff claimed violations related to the deceptively similar use of their registered trademark 'SILVER FOAM XXX' and copyright in its artistic label/trade dress, as well as passing off. The initial prayers sought permanent injunctions and damages.
Dow Agrosciences Llc v.The Controller Of Patents
Dow Agrosciences LLC challenged the refusal of its patent application, 'Stabilized Agricultural Oil Dispersions,' citing errors and inaccuracies in the Controller's objections. The appellant argued that key prior art documents were wrongly cited or misinterpreted, particularly regarding thermal stability claims. Recognizing significant procedural flaws and incorrect references in the impugned order, the Delhi High Court allowed the appeal and remanded the matter back to the Patent Office for a fresh examination.
Iftikhar Alam v.M/S M.M.I. Tobacco Pvt. Ltd. And Another
The Allahabad High Court allowed an appeal filed by Iftikhar Alam, setting aside a prior temporary injunction granted against him by the District Judge. The court found that the trial judge failed to adequately consider crucial evidence, including documents suggesting the plaintiff's rights might have been abandoned or that the defendant was a prior user of the product. Consequently, the case has been remanded back to the trial court for a fresh and detailed hearing on the injunction application.
Roxtec Ab & Anr v.Sukant Chakravarty & Ors
The Delhi High Court addressed an application filed by Roxtec Ab & Anr seeking permission to file rectification petitions against registered trademarks, which the defendants argued were monopolizing common industry terms. The court examined the claims related to a 'Bulls Eye' device mark and the slogan 'We Seal Your World'. While addressing the scope of trademark rights, the Court ultimately disposed of the application but framed an issue regarding whether Roxtec India Private Limited (Plaintiff No. 2) was a necessary party in the ongoing suit.
Pioneer Bakeries (P) Ltd. v.New Hope Food Industries Pvt. Ltd.
The Madras High Court disposed of multiple Original Petitions filed by Pioneer Bakeries (P) Ltd seeking cancellation of several trademarks. The court noted that both parties had reached a comprehensive Settlement Agreement dated March 26, 2018. This agreement defined specific usage rights for the 'MILKA' mark in Class 30, ensuring mutual non-infringement across various product categories. Consequently, the petitions were disposed of based on this existing compromise, avoiding a full judicial hearing.
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd v.Controller Of Patents And Designs
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd filed an appeal under Section 117A of the Patent Act, 1970, challenging the Deputy Controller of Patents & Designs' order dated April 12, 2023, which rejected its application for patent registration.
V. R. Holdings v.Hero Investocorp Limited & Anr.
This appeal before the Delhi High Court questioned the correctness of a single judge's decision that dismissed an appellant's petition for rectification under Section 57 of the Trade Marks Act. The core legal debate centered on whether the Letters Patent Appeal was maintainable, particularly in light of restrictions imposed by the Commercial Courts Act, 2015. Given the serious dispute and potential impact on pending cancellation proceedings, the Court granted an interim stay on the impugned judgment to balance the interests of both parties.
Upl Limited v.Haryana Pesticides Manufactures Association and Anr.
Upl Limited filed an appeal before the Calcutta High Court challenging an earlier order issued by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademark. The court admitted the appeal, noting that no interim relief was warranted at this stage. The judgment sets out a clear procedural roadmap, directing the appellants to prepare and file comprehensive informal paper books within specified timelines for the matter to be heard on its merits.
Enconcore N.V. v.Anjani Technoplast Ltd. & Anr.
The Plaintiff, Enconcore N.V., a Belgium-based company, filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against the Defendants for infringing its patented technology related to folded honeycomb sandwich panels (Therm-Hex technology). The court held an interim hearing, modifying existing injunctions and imposing conditions on the defendants regarding sales reporting and security deposit.
M/S. Tradall S.A. v.The Learned Registrar of Trade Marks
The Madras High Court dismissed the Civil Miscellaneous Appeal filed by M/S. Tradall S.A. against the Learned Registrar of Trade Marks. The appellant had sought to revoke a previous refusal order and allow the registration of the mark 'HALLMARK' in Class 33. However, due to repeated non-appearance of the appellant's counsel during scheduled hearings, the court dismissed the appeal for lack of prosecution.
Murari Lal Harish Chandra Jaiswal Pvt. Ltd. v.M.Safiullah, Trading as M.N.A.Mohammad Sulthan & Sons, and also as Tajmahal Tobacco Co., Partnership Firms; Registrar of Trade Marks
The Madras High Court disposed of a rectification proceeding initiated by Murari Lal Harish Chandra Jaiswal Pvt. Ltd. against the trademark 'HANS CHAAP SCENTED KHANI, TAJMAHAL.' The court noted that the first respondent (M.Safiullah) had categorically stated their willingness to surrender the trademark. Consequently, the court directed the Registrar of Trade Marks to cancel and remove the entry relating to Trademark No. 865412 from the register within four weeks.
M/s.Amit Agarwal Trading as M/s.Seetu Electicals v.M/s.Hitesh Kumar Rastogi (Trading as M/s.Avon Electrical Industries)
The Madras High Court dismissed a rectification petition filed by M/s. Hitesh Kumar Rastogi against M/s. Amit Agarwal, which sought to remove the 'ORBIT THE CABLE PEOPLE' trademark registration. The court held that since the pending civil suits between the parties have not yet framed an issue concerning the invalidity of the registered mark, the rectification petition was not maintainable. This ruling underscores the strict procedural requirement under Section 124 of the Trade Marks Act, mandating that validity issues must be addressed in the rectification proceeding before infringement actions can proceed.
Plant-e Knowledge B.V., Plant-e B.V. v.Arkyne Technologies S.L.
Unified Patent Court decision.
Venator Materials Uk Limited v.Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs
Venator Materials UK Limited filed a Transfer Civil Miscellaneous Appeal (Patents) challenging an earlier order passed by the Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs. The appellant subsequently instructed his counsel to withdraw the appeal.
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