IP Cases — 2024
1,861 decisions across all jurisdictions
Page 2 of 63 · 1,861 total
Panasonic Holdings Corporation v.Xiaomi Inc.
In this procedural ruling, the Mannheim Local Division of the UPC decided to split the ongoing infringement case involving Panasonic Holdings Corporation and Xiaomi entities. The separation was necessitated by the complex international service of process required for defendants located in China and Hong Kong. This decision allows the court to maintain momentum on the main proceedings while awaiting successful service against the non-EU parties, streamlining the overall litigation process.
Network18 Media And Investments Limited v.Www.Brawlersfightclub.Com & Ors.
Network18 Media successfully secured interim relief in the Delhi High Court against various rogue websites operating under domains like brawlersfightclub.com. The court granted a permanent injunction restraining the infringement of Network18's intellectual property, including copyright in an interview video and associated trademarks. Furthermore, the judgment issued critical directions to telecom and internet service providers to block the identified infringing URLs, providing immediate relief against online piracy.
Ranjit Prasad Mathuri v.Gopal Choudhary & Anr.
The Delhi High Court granted an ex parte ad interim injunction in favor of the plaintiff, Ranjit Prasad Mathuri, against the defendants. The court found that the plaintiff had made out a prima facie case for trademark infringement concerning his 'GS GULAB BIDI 755' mark. This immediate relief restrains the defendants from manufacturing or dealing in bidis using marks identical or deceptively similar to the plaintiff's registered trade mark, pending further proceedings.
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited v.Jg Hosiery Pvt Ltd
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (Amul) filed a petition seeking the cancellation of the trademark 'AMUL BINDASS' registered in Class 25. The court accepted the arguments that Amul is the owner of the well-known mark 'AMUL' and has associated device marks, initiating formal proceedings. Notice was issued to Jg Hosiery Pvt Ltd, setting the stage for a detailed legal contest over trademark rights.
Hatsun Agro Product Limited v.V.Shanmugam And S.Murugesan (Trading as Arokiya Foods)
Hatsun Agro Product Limited sought the cancellation of a registered trademark ('AROKIYA') held by V.Shanmugam and S.Murugesan, alleging non-usage for over five years under Sections 47 and 57 of the Trade Marks Act. The Madras High Court dismissed the petition, holding that the respondent's minor alteration to the mark (removing a device mark) did not constitute a substantial change affecting its identity. Furthermore, the court found no merit in the petitioner's claim regarding non-usage.
Aethlon Medical, Inc v.Controller General Of Patents, Designs and Trademarks
The appellant filed an auxiliary request proposing amended claims for their patent application. These amendments were necessitated by limitations granted by the European Patent Office (EPO). The court addressed issues related to prior art and whether the subject application constitutes a method of treatment.
Suzuki Motor Corporation v.Controller General Of Patents, Designs and Trademarks And Anr
Suzuki Motor Corporation appealed regarding objections related to their patent claims. The Court noted that while there is no specific provision for re-consideration, amendments might be allowed if errors relate to translation/transliteration. The Court subsequently directed the Appellant to file an application under Section 57 of the Patents Act to amend their modified claims.
Divay Hygiene Private Limited v.Kamal Garg & Anr.
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Divay Hygiene Private Limited against Kamal Garg & Anr. for trademark infringement concerning feminine hygiene products. The court found that the Defendants' use of the deceptively similar mark 'ANNY MAXI' constituted infringement and passing off of the Plaintiff's established brand, 'AMMY'. Based on evidence gathered by a Local Commissioner, including seized infringing goods, the Court decreed the suit, awarding nominal damages and significant legal costs to the Plaintiff.
M/S Imberatek Llc v.Apple Inc & Anr.
M/S Imberatek Llc filed a commercial suit alleging patent infringement against Apple Inc. Initially, the plaintiff sought to withdraw the suit to explore mediation, and the court allowed it with a refund of court fees. However, subsequent consideration found that since no urgent interim relief was sought, the plaintiff could not circumvent the mandatory requirement of pre-litigation mediation under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, leading to the final dismissal of the suit.
Abbott Products Operations Ag v.Mr. Muheen Khan & Anr.
The Delhi High Court allowed the petition filed by Abbott Products Operations Ag to cancel the trademark registration 'DUFAKWIK' (No. 4459400) in Class 05. The cancellation was achieved through a mutual agreement, as both parties agreed that the mark should be removed from the Register without any claim for damages. This order provides a clear example of how IP disputes can be resolved efficiently through negotiated settlements before the court.
Leayan Global Private Limited v.Comfort X India & Anr.
The Delhi High Court issued an order in the trademark dispute between Leayan Global Private Limited and Comfort X India & Anr., granting a request for adjournment. While arguments were pending regarding the distinctiveness of competing trademarks like 'COMFORT WALK,' the court allowed the petitioner to present additional documents despite their recent filing. The hearing was re-notified for December 17, 2024, contingent upon Leayan Global depositing costs.
F- Hoffmann -La Roche Ag v.Zydus Lifesciences Limited
The Plaintiffs (F- Hoffmann -La Roche Ag) filed an application seeking the constitution of a Confidentiality Club. The Defendant (Zydus Lifesciences Limited) argued that access should be contingent upon preliminary findings regarding the identity of the biosimilar to the innovator drug. The Court directed both parties to submit their proposed members for the confidentiality club.
Mankind Pharma Ltd. v.Gurinder Singh
The Delhi High Court allowed Mankind Pharma Ltd.'s petition seeking the cancellation of a competing trademark registered by Gurinder Singh. The court held that due to Mankind's long-standing use and established goodwill, its marks (including 'MANKIND' and the 'KIND' family) had acquired well-known status. Consequently, the registration of the impugned mark was deemed violative of Sections 11(1) and 11(2) of the Trademarks Act, leading to its removal from the register.
M/S Nowfloats Technologies Limited v.The Registrar Of Trade Marks
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of M/S Nowfloats Technologies Limited, allowing them to renew their trademark registration despite missing the statutory renewal deadline. The court found that the notice sent by the Registrar's office was never properly received by the petitioner due to incorrect addressing and procedural errors. This decision underscores the importance of proving proper service of official communications in IP matters.
air up group GmbH v.Guangzhou Aiyun Yanwu Technology Co., Ltd.
In this UPC case concerning an application for preliminary measures, the Court addressed a critical procedural hurdle: service of documents on a defendant domiciled in China. Despite extensive efforts—including formal and informal attempts under the Hague Service Convention—the court found that traditional service methods had failed to yield a certificate of delivery. The judge ruled that these unsuccessful steps constituted 'good service' under Rule 275.2 RoP, effectively allowing the proceedings to move forward despite the lack of confirmed receipt by the defendant.
Volkswagen AG and Audi AG v.Network System Technologies LLC
In this preliminary objection case, Volkswagen and Audi (Claimants) sought to dismiss an infringement action against Network System Technologies LLC (Respondent). The Court of First Instance partially rejected these objections. While some initial procedural hurdles were noted, the court emphasized efficiency, ruling that complex issues like damages and validity must be addressed within the main proceedings rather than dismissing the case outright.
Visakha Chemicals v.Bindal Food Products
The Delhi High Court ruled in favor of Visakha Chemicals against Bindal Food Products for trademark infringement and passing off related to Ayurvedic products. The Plaintiff successfully demonstrated prior usage and established significant goodwill for their trademarks 'ROCHAK' and 'AM PACHAN,' as well as the associated trade dress/packaging, which were deceptively copied by the Defendant. Consequently, the court granted a permanent injunction restraining the Defendant from using these marks and awarded nominal damages.
Kinexon Sports & Media GmbH, Kinexon GmbH, Union des Associations Européennes de Football (UEFA) v.Ballinno B.V.
This UPC Court of Appeal decision addresses a request for security for costs in an appeal proceeding concerning EP 1 944 067. The Kinexon companies and UEFA successfully argued that the respondent, Ballinno B.V., lacked sufficient financial means to guarantee the reimbursement of legal expenses. Consequently, the court mandated Ballinno to provide € 25,000 in security for costs. This ruling reinforces the UPC's ability to manage litigation risk by ensuring that parties with questionable financial standing can be required to secure their potential cost obligations.
GS1 India v.Deepak Traders & Ors.
The Delhi High Court granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in favor of GS1 India against Deepak Traders & Ors. The dispute centers on the exclusive licensing and allocation of specific 13-digit GTIN barcodes (starting with '890') within India. The court found a prima facie case, noting that defendants were allegedly contravening the Terms of Use by allocating these unique identifiers to unauthorized entities, thereby disrupting the global GS1 identification system.
Puneet Chhabra Proprietor Of Rama Wire Industries v.Kewal Krishan Bansal Proprietor Of M/S Vee Pee Bansal And Company
The Delhi High Court dismissed an appeal filed by Rama Wire Industries (the appellant) seeking interim protection against a suit brought by Vee Pee Bansal and Company (the respondent). The core dispute involved allegations of trademark infringement, passing off, and copyright infringement. The court found that the appellant's claim to hold a copyright in its mark was dishonest, noting the striking similarity between the marks. Consequently, the court declined to grant any interim order in favor of the appellant.
Netgear Inc. v.Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd
This UPC appellate decision addresses procedural law concerning the review of a Rapporteur's decisions, specifically regarding an 'R.20.2-Unterrichtung' (notification that an opposition should be heard in the main proceedings). The court found that the Rapporteur improperly rejected an application for judicial review (R.333.1 VerfO) on their own authority. This ruling clarifies the strict procedural requirements for challenging a Rapporteur's actions, emphasizing that certain discretionary decisions must be subject to review by the full judicial body.
Nera Innovations Ltd. v.Xiaomi Technology Germany GmbH
In this UPC case, the Rapporteur addressed a motion by Xiaomi entities seeking to summarily dismiss the claimant's request for amending the patent claims. The court emphasized the principle of procedural economy, holding that complex substantive issues concerning the validity and scope of patent amendments should not be decided prematurely. Instead, these matters are reserved for the main proceedings, ensuring a comprehensive review by the full judicial panel.
Winzo Games Private Limited v.Hike Global Pte. Ltd.
WinZO Games Private Limited filed a petition seeking interim reliefs against Hike Global Pte. Ltd. alleging that the Respondents launched a competing app ('Rush') which imitated WinZO's features, misused confidential information, and utilized WinZO's proprietary match-making algorithm. The court issued an interim order directing both parties to place relevant source codes and algorithms on record for the Sole Arbitrator.
Saint Gobain Placo & Anr. v.M/S Steel India & Ors.
The Delhi High Court allowed the plaintiffs to be exempted from pre-litigation mediation and advance service. The court also granted permission to file additional documents and, crucially, ordered the appointment of Local Commissioners to conduct a search and seizure operation at the defendants' premises to gather evidence regarding patent infringement.
Nokia Technology GmbH v.Mala Technologies Ltd.
This UPC decision addressed a preliminary objection raised by Mala Technologies Ltd. in a revocation action against Nokia Technology GmbH concerning EP 2 044 709 B1. The Court rejected the objection, thereby confirming its jurisdiction and allowing the main proceedings to continue. Crucially, the ruling also denied requests for procedural delays, such as staying the case pending decisions from the German Federal Court of Justice or extending deadlines. This reinforces the UPC's commitment to timely and efficient dispute resolution.
Gemini Edibles And Fats India Limited v.Lv Bhavani Sankar
The Delhi High Court granted an ex-parte ad interim injunction in favor of Gemini Edibles And Fats India Limited against Lv Bhavani Sankar. The dispute centered on the alleged infringement of the Plaintiff's registered trademark 'FREEDOM' by the Defendant's use of 'FREEDAY' for refined sunflower oil. Crucially, the Court noted that the Defendant's mark had previously been cancelled by the IPAB due to deceptive similarity. Given the near-identical packaging and the concern over food safety standards, the court found a prima facie case existed, restraining the defendant from using the infringing mark until further proceedings.
Volkswagen AG and Audi AG v.Network System Technologies LLC
In this preliminary ruling, the UPC Court of First Instance addressed multiple objections raised by both parties regarding an infringement action concerning EP 1 552 399 B1. The court largely rejected attempts to dismiss the case outright, instead opting for a pragmatic approach based on efficiency. It ruled that while some initial objections were dismissed, the core issues—including validity and damages claims against TI—must be addressed in the main proceedings.
Gala Precision Engineering Limited v.Nord Lock Ab
Gala Precision Engineering Limited filed suits seeking a declaration that its manufacturing and sale of washers does not infringe Nord Lock Ab's patent. The court noted that the issues raised by the plaintiff are also subject matter in another suit filed by Nord Lock Ab (CS(COMM) 895/2023).
Interdigital Technology Corporation & Ors. v.Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp. Ltd. & Ors.
The application sought clarification on the extent to which Interdigital's Patent Licensing Agreements (PLAs) should be disclosed to the in-house employees of Guangdong Oppo Mobile, who are part of a Confidentiality Club. The court ruled that both parties must follow a reciprocal disclosure model, requiring full access to PLAs for all members of the Confidentiality Club.
Sequoia Capital Operations Llc & Ors v.John Doe And Others
In this trademark infringement suit, the Delhi High Court addressed an application seeking to involve WhatsApp LLC in the proceedings. The court allowed WhatsApp's impleadment and issued specific directions requiring the platform to remove or block identified infringing groups and accounts associated with Sequoia Capital's trademarks. Crucially, while ordering the removal of known infringers, the court also mandated that Plaintiffs must first notify account holders before any further blocking action is taken, balancing enforcement needs with due process concerns.
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