IP Cases — 2023
1,360 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 7 of 46 · 1,360 total
Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. v.K. Sarinivas Reddy
The Madras High Court ruled in favor of Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. against K. Sarinivas Reddy for trademark infringement and passing off. The court found that the defendant's use of 'SRI AROGYA,' coupled with a deceptively similar color scheme, get-up, and packaging design, infringed upon the plaintiff's registered mark 'AROKYA.' Consequently, the court granted a permanent injunction to stop the unauthorized use and directed the defendant to pay costs.
Tri-Parulex Fire Protection System v.Ctr Manufacturing Industries Private Limited
This commercial appeal challenged an interim order that restrained Tri-Parulex (appellant) from infringing the Plaintiff's Patent No. 202302, which relates to a fire protection system for electrical transformers. The Bombay High Court allowed the appeal, finding no prima facie case of infringement and noting that the balance of convenience tilted in favor of the appellant.
Levi Strauss & Company v.Mr. Surender Talwar
Levi Strauss & Company filed a suit against Mr. Surender Talwar for infringement of its trademarks ('Levi's', 'Two Horse Logo') and copyrights, alleging that the defendant was selling counterfeit goods bearing deceptively similar marks. The court found the defendant guilty of passing off and trademark infringement.
Sabyasachi Couture v.Technicolour Dream Pants Private Limited
In a significant resolution for the fashion industry, the Delhi High Court decreed a suit involving Sabyasachi Couture against Technicolour Dream Pants Private Limited. The parties reached an amicable settlement during the pendency of the litigation. Under the terms, the defendant acknowledged the plaintiff's trademark rights and undertook not to use or deal in garments bearing the 'SABYASACHI' mark or designs without authorization. This judgment provides a clear example of how IP disputes can be resolved through negotiated settlements.
Fibrocell Technologies Inc. v.Controller Of Patents
Fibrocell Technologies Inc. appealed against an order by the Controller of Patents rejecting its Indian Patent Application No. 10246/DELNP/2012. The rejection was based on Section 10(4)(c) of the Patents Act, 1970. The court issued directions for filing replies and further pleadings.
P.Ponnuchamy v.M/s.UTV Motion Pictures
This appeal challenged an order that disallowed the plaintiff from amending his plaint to include claims for royalty and account of profits related to the movie 'Thandavam'. The court dismissed the appeal, finding merit in the respondent's argument regarding the significant delay (nine years) in seeking these amendments. The judgment emphasized that courts must consider all facts and circumstances when exercising discretion on amendment applications.
S. N. Biri Factory Private Limited v.Mukesh Chand Khandelwal & Anr.
The Delhi High Court addressed a dispute concerning artistic works used in matchstick branding, where the Petitioner alleged that Respondent No. 1's new copyright was deceptively similar to their existing registered designs and trademarks. Despite the Deputy Registrar of Copyrights initially rejecting the objection, the Court found prima facie evidence suggesting imitation of unique features and misappropriation of phrases like 'शहे नशाह मािचस NO. 99'. Consequently, the High Court granted a stay on the effect of the impugned copyright registration while the matter proceeds.
I Am The Ocean, LLC v.Registrar of Trade Marks
In this Bombay High Court ruling, the petitioner successfully challenged an Examiner's refusal to register their trademark. The court found that the original rejection was not a 'reasoned order' because it failed to consider detailed arguments regarding the mark's distinctiveness and its unique visual structure. Consequently, the high court set aside the refusal and remanded the matter back to the Registrar for reconsideration, ensuring all petitioner submissions are properly addressed.
H.S. Sahni, Sole Proprietor M/S M. K. Auto Sales Corporation v.Saic Motor Corporation Limited & Ors.
The Delhi High Court addressed an interlocutory application filed by the plaintiff, H.S. Sahni, seeking a stay under Section 124 of the Trademarks Act, 1999. The court issued notice to the defendants and set the matter for return on July 4, 2023. This order indicates that the dispute regarding trademark rights is actively progressing through litigation.
Mohan Breweries And Distilleries Limited v.M.P.Beer Products Private Limited
Mohan Breweries And Distilleries Limited filed a civil suit against M.P.Beer Products Private Limited, seeking permanent injunctions, damages, and accounts of profits for infringement of its registered trademarks, designs, and copyright related to beer bottles. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendant was passing off their products as those of Mohan Breweries. However, due to the plaintiff's failure to prosecute the case effectively before the court, the Madras High Court dismissed the suit.
S Bant Singh Sole Proprietor M S Vishavkarma Engineering Works v.The Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks Trade Marks Registry at New Delhi & Anr.
This Delhi High Court order addresses a petition seeking the cancellation of a registered trademark, 'PUNNI,' in Class 35. The plaintiff argued that another party had registered the identical mark on a later date, leading to a conflict. The court initiated the proceedings by issuing notice to the defendant and setting a timeline for filing pleadings.
Virendra Kumar Gupta v.Burger King Corporation
The Madras High Court dismissed a rectification petition filed by Virendra Kumar Gupta against Burger King Corporation. The petitioner sought to cancel or impose a disclaimer on the 'Burger' and 'King' marks registered under No. 927122. The court relied on prior judgments, including one from the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court ruling in Patel Field Marshal Agencies vs P.M. Diesels Ltd., concluding that the petition was not maintainable.
Kanishk Sinha v.Union Of India And Another
The petitioner filed a review application challenging an earlier order. The core issue was whether his implicit challenge to the constitutional validity (vires) of Section 53 of the Patents Act, 1970, had been overlooked during the original proceedings.
Mankind Pharma Limited v.Arvind Kumar Trading And Anr.
The Delhi High Court allowed Mankind Pharma Limited's petition seeking the removal of the trademark 'NIKIND'. The court found that 'NIKIND' was confusingly similar to the petitioner's established family of marks, including 'NIMEKIND', and that its registration should be cancelled under Section 57 of the Trademarks Act. Furthermore, the judgment noted a lack of bonafide use and continuous non-use of the impugned mark for five years, leading to its removal under Section 47.
Bayer Healthcare Llc v.Natco Pharma Limited
Bayer Healthcare LLC sought an interim injunction against Natco Pharma Limited regarding the patented anti-cancer drug, REGORAFENIB. The Delhi High Court examined the plaintiff's claim, noting that while the patent was validly granted, the plaintiff failed to establish a prima facie case for injunction. Crucially, the court considered the public interest, highlighting the significant price disparity between Bayer's imported product and Natco's domestically manufactured, affordable version.
Havells India Limited v.Polycab India Limited
Havells India Limited filed a suit alleging design piracy against Polycab India Limited concerning three registered designs for ceiling fans. The core dispute revolved around whether the defendant's ELANZA and ELEGANZ PLUS ranges infringed the plaintiff's 2016, 2021, and 2022 designs. The court examined the specific features of each design, particularly focusing on surface patterns and overall configuration. The judgment found that while the injunction against Polycab's ELANZA range regarding the 2016 design was maintained, the claims concerning the 2021 and 2022 designs were dismissed. The court concluded that the defendant failed to establish a prima facie case of piracy for these latter two designs due to marked differences in their surface patterns.
BSA Business Software Alliance, Inc. v.Tube Investments Of India Limited & Anr.
The Delhi High Court resolved a trademark dispute between BSA Business Software Alliance and Tube Investments of India Limited regarding the use of the mark 'BSA'. The court mandated that both parties agree on clear delineations of services to prevent conflict. Following this agreement, the appeals were disposed of, allowing BSA to register its mark in specific, restricted classes related to software promotion and education (Classes 16, 35, 41, 42). Crucially, the court also ensured that the Respondent's right to seek a declaration as a well-known mark for their goods in Class 12 remains unaffected.
M/s.Murugan Idli Shop v.M/s.Sri Murugan Idli Shop
M/s.Murugan Idli Shop filed a civil suit against M/s.Sri Murugan Idli Shop, seeking perpetual injunctions against the use of deceptively similar marks like 'SRI MURUGAN IDLI SHOP.' The plaintiff claimed infringement of their registered trademark and copyright related to their business name and branding. However, during the proceedings, the plaintiff's counsel informed the court that the defendant was not operating under the impugned name, leading the plaintiff to withdraw the suit.
Heineken Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. v.Mr. Vijay Keshav Wagh And Anr.
In a dispute over trademark rights, Heineken Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. sought to cancel registrations held by Mr. Vijay Keshav Wagh concerning the 'TIGER' device logo. The Delhi High Court acknowledged the near identity between the marks used by both parties and issued an interim order. The court directed that status quo be maintained regarding the registration, preventing any transfer or assignment of the disputed trademarks until further hearing.
Grunenthal Gmbh v.The Controller General Of Patents, Designs And Trademarks and Anr
This case involves Grunenthal Gmbh appealing before the Calcutta High Court following the transfer of its matter from the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) due to the enactment of the Tribunals Reform Act, 2021. The court directed the Commercial Appellate Division to issue necessary notices to both parties and file a report. Consequently, the case was scheduled for further hearing on March 6, 2023.
M/s. Medopharm / Medopharm Private Limited v.Leeford Healthcare Limited
The Madras High Court addressed a trademark infringement suit filed by Medopharm against Leeford Healthcare Limited regarding the use of 'EMICOF' versus the registered mark 'EMCOF'. The plaintiffs sought permanent injunctions and damages for alleged passing off and dilution. Ultimately, both parties reached an amicable resolution, which was formalized in a Memorandum of Compromise dated June 21, 2023. The court subsequently decreed the civil suit based on the terms of this compromise.
Bluechip Amusements (India) Pvt. Ltd. v.Crazy Concepts And Mazes Pvt.Ltd.
The Madras High Court dismissed the Original Petitions filed by Bluechip Amusements against Crazy Concepts and Mazes. The dismissal was due to non-prosecution, as the petitioner informed the court that they no longer operated their outlet under the name 'HORROR HOUSE.' This outcome highlights the importance of active litigation management in trademark disputes.
Corona Remedies Private Limited v.Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals Private Limited
The Bombay High Court quashed an interim injunction that prevented Corona Remedies from using its trademark 'STIMULET' in pharmaceutical products. Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals had alleged trade mark infringement and passing off based on their registered mark 'STIMULIV'. The court found that despite the similarity, Corona was a registered proprietor of its own mark, and crucially, the two marks were used for distinct product types (allopathic vs. ayurvedic) and different medical conditions, thus failing to establish likelihood of confusion or passing off.
Indarmal M Solanki v.Rakesh Gupta And Anr
The Delhi High Court granted a rectification petition filed by Indarmal M Solanki against Rakesh Gupta, leading to the cancellation of the contested trademark 'EL PASO'. The court found that the impugned mark was identical to the Petitioner's prior registered and used marks for readymade garments (Class 25). Furthermore, the Respondent failed to renew the registration since April 2017, making it liable for removal under Section 47 of the Trade Marks Act. Consequently, the court ordered the cancellation and deletion of the mark from the register.
Astellas Deutschland GmbH v.The Controller of Patents and Desingns
Astellas Deutschland GmbH filed a Transfer Civil Miscellaneous Appeal (Patents) challenging an earlier order issued by The Controller of Patents and Desingns. However, the appellant subsequently instructed their counsel to withdraw the appeal.
Helion Biotech ApS v.Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs, Government of India
Helion Biotech ApS appealed a rejection order by the Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs, which denied grant of a patent for antibodies to MASP-2. The appeal was filed seeking consideration of further amended claims. The High Court set aside the impugned order and remanded the matter back for examination of the amended claims.
Glen Appliances Pvt. Ltd. v.Rudra Marketing
Glen Appliances Pvt. Ltd. filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against Rudra Marketing and others for infringing its trademarks ('GLEN') and passing off its products. The plaintiff alleged that defendants were using the deceptively similar mark 'GLEE' on home appliances, confusing consumers.
Centaurus Pharma Pvt. Ltd v.Symed Labs Limited
Centaurus Pharma Pvt. Ltd filed an Original Petition seeking the records and proceedings related to Patent No. IN213063 held by Symed Labs Limited, with the intent to revoke and set aside the patent. However, the petitioner subsequently filed a memo requesting permission to withdraw the petition.
M/s. Adwaith Lakshmi Industries Limited v.Mylsamy Ranga Ramanujam
M/s. Adwaith Lakshmi Industries Limited filed an Original Petition seeking the rectification or revocation of Patent No. 262529, alleging it was invalid and obtained by misrepresentation. The petitioner subsequently withdrew the petition.
Asociacion De Productores De Pisco A.G. v.Union Of India & Ors
The Delhi High Court addressed several procedural applications and made key interim directions in the case concerning the Geographical Indication (GI) for Chilean Pisco. The court allowed various exemptions related to documentation due to pandemic conditions, while also agreeing to delete one respondent from the array of parties. Crucially, the court directed that the Registrar of Trademarks & GI would not pass final orders on the GI application no. 689 until further notice, providing a temporary stay on the registration process.
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