IP Cases — 2023
1,360 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 41 of 46 · 1,360 total
OCV Intellectual Capital, LLC v.Union Of India & Ors.
The appellant challenged an order dated March 30, 2016, passed by the Deputy Controller of Patents & Designs rejecting its patent application. The court found that two appeals were filed challenging the same order (AID 18/2022 and IPDPTA 34/2022), making AID 18/2022 redundant. However, since the primary appeal (IPDPTA 34/2022) was dismissed for default, the court directed the parties to appear on a future date.
Atos India Pvt. Ltd v.The State of Maharashtra
Atos India Pvt. Ltd challenged an order from the Maharashtra Sales Tax Tribunal, arguing that its work providing bug fixing and maintenance services on QAD Inc.'s ERP software was a service contract, not a sale of goods or developed software. The core dispute revolved around whether modifying existing proprietary code constituted 'development' leading to a taxable supply under the MVAT Act. The Bombay High Court ultimately ruled in favor of Atos India, holding that the transaction was fundamentally an indivisible contract for services.
Glaxosmithkline Biologicals Sa v.Controller General Of Patents Designs and Trademarks And Anr
This matter was transferred to the Calcutta High Court from the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) following the enactment of the Tribunals Reform Act, 2021. The court directed its Commercial Appellate Division to issue necessary notices to both parties and file a report before proceeding further. This procedural order sets the stage for the continuation of the patent dispute.
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. v.Novartis AG
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. filed a petition seeking the revocation of Patent No. 212815 titled “N-substituted 2-cyanopyrrolidines” under Section 64 of the Patents Act, 1970. The court dismissed the petition as infructuous after noting that the patent term had already expired and the petitioner had previously requested withdrawal.
Hermes International & Anr. v.Crimzon Fashion Accessories Private Limited
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Hermes International, declaring its 'H' trade mark as a well-known trademark. The court meticulously examined five factors outlined in Section 11(6) of the Trade Marks Act, including global promotion, extensive use since 1997, international registrations across numerous countries, and successful enforcement actions abroad. This judgment solidifies the legal standing of globally recognized luxury brands within India.
Capital Food Private Limited v.Radiant Indus Chem Pvt. Ltd
In this commercial suit concerning trademark infringement of 'SCHEZWAN CHUTNEY,' the Delhi High Court allowed the plaintiff to introduce crucial subsequent evidence. The court ruled that the take-down notices and market surveys were necessary for a fair adjudication, despite the defendant's objections regarding late filing. This order allows the case to proceed with expanded evidentiary material.
Decco Worldwide Post Harvest Holdings B.V v.The Controller of Patents and Designs
The appellants appealed against the Assistant Controller's rejection of their patent application for a fungicidal treatment using Ortho-phenyphenol (OPP) to treat black sigatoka in banana plants. The Controller rejected the application citing lack of novelty, inventive steps, and non-patentability under Section 3(h).
Medybiz Pharma Pvt. Ltd. v.The Registrar of Trademarks
Medybiz Pharma Pvt. Ltd. filed a Civil Miscellaneous Appeal challenging the refusal of their trademark application by The Registrar of Trademarks. However, before the High Court could rule on the merits of the appeal, the appellant chose to withdraw the case. Consequently, the Madras High Court dismissed (T)CMA(TM).No.56 of 2023 as withdrawn without passing any order regarding costs.
M/s Btv Kannada Private Limited v.M/s Eaglesight Media Private Limited
M/s Btv Kannada Private Limited appealed against an order passed by the XVIII Additional City Civil Judge, Bengaluru City, which allowed temporary injunctions sought by the plaintiff. The appeal challenged the misuse and misrepresentation of the plaintiff's logo, channel name, and assets by the defendants. The High Court dismissed the appeals but held that the impugned order was subject to the trial court's determination of jurisdiction.
Sorting Hat Technologies Private Limited v.M/s.PGR E-Commerce Private Limited; The Registrar Trade Marks Registry
The Madras High Court dismissed the Transfer Original Petitions filed by Sorting Hat Technologies seeking rectification of several registered trademarks. The dismissal was not based on the merits of the case, but rather due to the Registry's inability to successfully serve notice to the petitioner at the provided address. Crucially, the court allowed the petitioner the right to revive the petitions, ensuring that procedural hurdles do not permanently bar their legal claims.
Malwa Cotton Spinning Mills Limited v.Mahavir Spinning Mills Limited And Anr.
The Delhi High Court dismissed the trademark cancellation petitions filed by Malwa Cotton Spinning Mills Limited against Mahavir Spinning Mills Limited. The dismissal was based on a pre-existing settlement agreement from 2010, which stipulated that both parties would continue using their respective shade numerals and adopt unique identifiers for future shades. This compromise effectively resolved all disputes related to the trademarks in question.
Natco Pharma Ltd v.Fmc Agro Singapore Pte Ltd. & Ors.
Natco Pharma Ltd filed a revocation petition challenging the validity of Indian Patent No. 314523, granted to FMC Agro Singapore Pte Ltd. & FMC Corporation. Natco argues that since the main related patent (IN 204978) expired in March 2021 and has identical claims, IN523 is invalid and liable for revocation.
M/S K.W Enterprises v.M/S Karam Industrial Works
M/S K.W Enterprises filed a petition seeking the cancellation of an artistic work registered in favor of M/S Karam Industrial Works under Section 50 of the Copyright Act, 1957. The petitioner argued that the respondent had previously undertaken not to use 'K.I.W.' in relation to cycle parts, which is deceptively similar to K.W. The court observed that this matter was already being disputed in a separate civil suit (CS(COMM) 1035/2016).
Sns Products Private Limited v.Ijazuddin
The Delhi High Court disposed of a commercial suit (CS(COMM) 34/2022) in favor of Sns Products Private Limited. The defendant, Ijazuddin, agreed to permanent injunctive relief for the plaintiff and consented to transferring all relevant trademark and copyright applications to the plaintiff. Consequently, the court passed a decree based on these terms, resolving the dispute.
M/S. Hatsun Agro Product Limited v.H.Omar Farook and The Registrar of Trade Marks
M/S. Hatsun Agro Product Limited filed a petition seeking the cancellation and rectification of Trademark No. 2555577 in Class 25, arguing its invalidity or non-use. However, upon receiving an affidavit from the first respondent, H.Omar Farook, which confirmed that the trademark had expired on June 27, 2023, and that he would not renew it, the Madras High Court dismissed the petition as infructuous. This outcome highlights how a simple change in registration status can immediately resolve complex IP disputes.
Sunshine Velvet Private Limited v.Ramesh Kumar Jeevraj Luniya & Ors.
In this trademark infringement suit, the Delhi High Court issued procedural orders while addressing an interim application. The court noted that Defendant No. 3 was yet to be served and directed fresh service. Crucially, regarding the core dispute, the court confirmed the existing interim order concerning Defendants 1 and 2, despite their claim of changing the firm's name from 'SAANCHI VELVET FABRICS' to 'SAMIKSHA VELVET FABRICS'. The matter is set for further pleading completion.
W R Grace And Co Conn v.The Controller Of Patents
W R Grace & Co Conn appealed the Patent Office's refusal of its patent application (201717030699), which related to a crystalline form of Nicotinamide Riboside. The refusal was based on lack of inventive step and failure to meet requirements under Sections 3(d) and 3(e). The Appellant subsequently filed amended claims restricting the scope to the method aspect, leading the Court to remand the matter for fresh examination by the Patent Office.
A Dot Limited v.Registrar Of Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court allowed the appeal filed by A Dot Limited against the Registrar of Trade Marks' refusal to register the trademark 'WHAT DO YOU SEE?'. The court held that a combination of dictionary words forming a tagline can function as a source identifier, provided it does not describe the features or quality of the goods/services. Recognizing the mark's use as an expressive prompt rather than a descriptive feature, the High Court set aside the refusal and directed the Registry to process the application, while ensuring the rights are limited strictly to the phrase 'WHAT DO YOU SEE?'
Vedant Fashions Private Limited v.Rajul Devi Trading As Manyavar
The Madras High Court addressed petitions filed by Vedant Fashions Private Limited seeking the rectification of registered trademarks held by Rajul Devi Trading As Manyavar. The court noted that the dispute between the parties had been resolved through an out-of-court settlement agreement dated April 1, 2019. Consequently, both petitions were closed without any formal order regarding costs.
Hamdard National Foundation India v.Government Of Nct Delhi
Hamdard National Foundation India challenged the unrestricted use of 'Rogan Badam Shirin' by Ayurvedic manufacturers for almond oil, arguing it was reserved for Unani medicine. The petition sought directions to prevent unauthorized usage of this terminology. The court noted that the Ministry of Ayush had communicated to State licensing authorities that Raughan-E-Badam Shireen requires a Unani Drug License, thereby satisfying the petitioner's primary relief.
Knitpro International v.Examiner Of Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court allowed the appeal filed by Knitpro International against the Trade Marks Registry's refusal of a trademark application for a pattern on a knitting needle. The court found that the subject mark was inherently distinctive, capable of distinguishing goods, and that the objections raised under Sections 9 and 11 of the Act were untenable. Consequently, the court set aside the previous refusal and directed the Trade Marks Registry to proceed with the registration process.
Arvind Medicare Pvt Ltd. v.Registrar Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court allowed the appeal filed by Arvind Medicare Pvt Ltd. against the Trade Marks Registry's refusal of its device mark registration for medical services (Class 44). The court found that despite objections based on similarity to an earlier mark, the appellant had established significant goodwill and continuous use since 2012. Consequently, the application was directed to proceed to advertisement, allowing the matter to be decided on its merits against any potential opposition.
Biomoneta Research Pvt Ltd. v.Controller General Of Patents Designs And Anr
Biomoneta Research Pvt Ltd. appealed a decision by the Controller General of Patents and Designs which refused to grant a patent for its 'Air Decontamination Assembly.' The refusal was based on objections regarding lack of inventive step and non-patentable subject matter. Biomoneta argued that their device offered unique features not present in the prior art, supported by significant government funding and international recognition. The Delhi High Court ultimately allowed the appeal, setting aside the impugned order and directing the patent application to proceed for grant.
Brundaban Sahu v.The Registrar of Trademarks and Suneel Mahanty
The Madras High Court addressed the petition filed by Brundaban Sahu against The Registrar of Trademarks concerning trademark registration no. 1550492. Although the petitioner sought rectification and removal of the entry, counsel informed the court that a settlement had been reached between all parties involved. Consequently, the court dismissed the Original Petition as withdrawn without passing any order regarding costs.
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) v.Mc. GAN's Ooty School of Architecture
NIFT filed an arbitration petition challenging an award that favored Mc. Gan's Ooty School of Architecture (Respondent No.1). The dispute centered on Respondent No.1 allegedly violating the MOU by using NIFT's name and logo to solicit students, leading to termination. The court upheld the arbitrator's award, dismissing NIFT's petition.
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.
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.
Gopal Krishan S/O. Sh. Mangat Rai v.The Registrar Of Trade Marks (Govt. Of India)
This writ petition was filed by Gopal Krishan seeking a direction from the High Court to expedite the registration of his trademark 'PANTHER' in Class 5. The petitioner highlighted that the application had been pending for an extended period since 2015. The court issued notices to the respondents, setting a timeline of six weeks for the matter to be returned, thereby moving the case forward.
S M Motorenteile Gmbh v.Maharashtra Motors & Ors.
S M Motorenteile GmbH successfully pursued an infringement suit in the Delhi High Court regarding its 'SM' trademark used for high-quality automotive parts. While a settlement was reached with Defendant Nos. 1 and 2, the court decreed the suit against Defendants 4 to 6, finding them liable for selling counterfeit products under the disputed mark. The judgment underscores the importance of maintaining clear documentation of brand history and rights in complex international IP disputes.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Gmbh And Co. Kg & Anr. v.Alkem Laboratories Ltd & Anr., Vee Excel Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Private Ltd. & Ors., Micro Labs Limited, Natco Pharma Limited & Anr., Mankind Pharma Limited
This judgment addresses multiple suits filed by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma against various Indian pharmaceutical companies seeking permanent injunctions for infringing Patent No. IN 243301, which covers Linagliptin compounds. The Delhi High Court found that the plaintiffs failed to establish a prima facie case for granting interim relief. Furthermore, the court expressed concern regarding the patent's vulnerability due to prior claiming and alleged attempts at 'evergreening.' Consequently, all applications for injunction were dismissed, allowing defendants to continue manufacturing and selling products containing Linagliptin.
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