Summary
The Delhi High Court issued an ex-parte interim injunction against Shakti Mattresses & Gears Pvt. Ltd. restraining them from using the registered trademark SPINE GUARD, owned by Peps Industries Pvt. Ltd. Peps Industries, a leading manufacturer of sleep comfort products, holds the well-known trademark for SPINE GUARD in India and neighbouring SAARC countries. The defendant, operating in the same business, allegedly used the identical mark despite cease and desist notices. The Court found sufficient grounds based on the plaintiff's submissions and documentation to restrain the defendant from further infringement until the next hearing. This case underscores the legal protections available for registered and well-known trademarks in India.
Background
The Delhi High Court passed an ex-parte interim injunction against Shakti Mattresses & Gears Pvt. Ltd., restraining the company from dealing in goods and services under the mark SPINE GUARD, a registered trademark of the plaintiff, Peps Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Parties and Facts
Peps Industries Pvt. Ltd. is engaged in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of sleep comfort products including mattresses, pillows, cushions, sofas, and beds. The company operates in India as well as SAARC countries including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It holds SPINE GUARD as a registered trademark in Class 20 for mattresses, pillows, cushions, and allied products. The mark is claimed to have acquired the status of a well-known trademark in India through extensive commercial promotion.
Shakti Mattresses & Gears Pvt. Ltd. is engaged in the same trade and was found to be using the mark SPINE GUARD in relation to mattresses. Peps Industries issued cease and desist notices to the defendant, which received no response. The plaintiff thereafter filed a suit before the Delhi High Court seeking a permanent injunction restraining trademark infringement, passing off, damages, and rendition of accounts.
Order of the Court
Upon perusing the averments and documents filed by the plaintiff, the Court granted an ex-parte ad interim injunction. The defendant was restrained, until the next date of hearing, from manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, advertising, or directly or indirectly dealing in goods and services under the impugned trademark SPINE GUARD or any mark similar thereto.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified attorney before acting on any matter discussed here.