India
Trademark turbulence: Interglobe Aviation Vs Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd
In a recent dispute between India’s largest airline, IndiGo, and automobile manufacturer Mahindra Electric, (Interglobe Aviation Vs Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd, DHC - CS(COMM) 1073 / 2024) the issue surrounded the alpha numeral “6E”. For IndiGo, the 6E callsign has been an integral element of…
The Jiohotstar Domain saga
The recent domain dispute involving jiohotstar.com has sparked a broader online discussion, highlighting a familiar narrative of “big corporation versus individual.” While some recognized the legal underpinnings of the issue, much of the debate centred on the perception that Reliance Jio should…
Coexistence of Similar Pharmaceutical Names: An Analysis of Judicial Interpretation
Trademarks provide an advantage to businesses by distinguishing one’s product from others. However, it is common for infringers to use a similar mark in the industry and try to reap the goodwill that the initial user had secured over years. The pharma industry too faces the issue of similar marks…
Court orders revival of opposition abandoned for not filing evidence in support on time when Counter Statement was not served
The petitioner, Coaster Shoes Company Pvt. Ltd., filed a writ petition seeking the quashing of an order passed by the Registrar of Trade Marks in October 2022, which abandoned their trademark opposition. The petitioner had opposed the trademark applications of Respondent No. 2 for the mark “Travel…
Swift action on trademark name changes: Court directs Trademark Office to expedite applications
The petitioner, M/s. Tiger Food Ingredients (P) Ltd. (formerly M/s. Manju Chemicals Private Ltd.), filed a writ petition seeking a mandamus to direct the Registrar of Trade Marks to consider their name change application (Form TM-P) dated June 5, 2024. The company's name was changed following a…
Analysis of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 – An IPR Perspective
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 which came into effect recently on August 1, 2024 has garnered significant attention across the country. The Act, having brought amendments to various Acts of our legislation, including those related to Intellectual Property (IP) and media laws…
Deemed Protection under Indian Trademark law and the Madrid Protocol
In today’s age, brand protection is of utmost importance. Now more than ever, people recognize the value of protecting their brands even beyond the jurisdiction of their home country. While the process of securing trademark protection across multiple countries can appear onerous, the Madrid…
The Force Awakens - CGPDTM's Recent actions on contractual staffs in Trade mark office
The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) is now grappling with a significant challenge following a judgment passed by the Calcutta High Court in the case of Visa International Ltd vs. Visa International Service. The judgment has cast doubt on the legality…
Standard of Proof of Use: A Practical Guide To Win Over Hearing Officers
In India, a trademark application can be filed either on a "proposed to be used" basis or by claiming prior usage of the mark in India. In view of opting to file an application based on prior use, an Applicant is required to include a User Affidavit along with their Form TM-A at the time of filing…
The Need for a Code of Conduct for Patent and Trademark Agents: Saurav Chaudhary vs. Union of India & Anr.
In a recent decision, the Delhi High Court addressed a petition challenging the abandonment of a patent application for a "Blind-Stitch Sewing Machine and Method of Blind Stitching." The petitioner sought to restore the patent application on the account of misconduct and negligence by their Patent…