Indian Trademark Cases | Intellepedia

A tipsy decision by the Trademark office? Court clarifies on geographical association of TAJPURIYA

A simple black and white illustration of two silhouetted figures standing together. One speech bubble says “SO?” while another larger bubble says “TAJPURIYA? That’s a tribe!” The image appears to represent a discussion or disagreement about whether the word TAJPURIYA refers to a tribal name.

In the case of M/S Ads Agro Industries Pvt Ltd vs The Registrar of Trade Marks, a liquor company applied to register the mark TAJPURIYA for alcoholic beverages. The Trade Marks Office first objected that the mark was geographical. However, in the final refusal order, it stated that TAJPURIYA was the name of an indigenous tribe associated with alcohol rituals. The High Court examined whether such a change in grounds was legally valid.

From Fine Dining to Trademark Fighting: The Dakshin Breakup Story

In the case of ITC Limited & Anr. vs Adyar Gate Hotels Limited, the court declined to restrain a former collaborator from using the restaurant brand ‘DAKSHIN’. Despite ITC’s registrations, the court held that past agreements, shared use, and acquiescence over decades created factual disputes that must be resolved at trial.

Dispute Over a Flower: Goodwill in Relevant Trade

An abstract colourful background with the silhouette of two hands reaching out to a tulip flower in the middle.

The Delhi High Court clarified that prior trademark use is insufficient without proven goodwill in relevant trade or market. The decision in Suparshva Swabs v AGN International highlights the importance of market-specific reputation for passing off claims and sets clear boundaries for allied goods in trademark disputes.

DISPOWAY Trademark Disposal Set Aside: Hearing Notice Not Received

The Delhi High Court set aside the refusal of the DISPOWAY trademark application due to non-receipt of the hearing notice. The case has been remanded for a fresh hearing and correction of the application’s status.

Non-use of trademark is not a valid defense against injunction

The Delhi High Court ruled that non-use of a trademark does not automatically bar injunctive relief if deceptive similarity and consumer confusion are present. The Court emphasized that trademark protection persists despite periods of non-use, provided legal criteria for an injunction are satisfied.

Important Indian Trademark Cases – 2021

This post summarises important trademark cases decided by Indian courts in 2021, highlighting judicial approaches to infringement, well-known marks, and jurisdiction. The analysis offers clear insights into evolving trademark law and its practical impact for stakeholders.

Is There a Trademark in a Name?

This post explores whether a name can serve as a trademark in India, focusing on legal battles involving educational institutions. Analysing the VIT case, it discusses trademark infringement, passing off, and the significance of well known marks in Indian law.