Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited Vs. Bali Ram

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited Vs. Bali Ram Trading : May 28, 2025: C.O.(COMM.IPD-TM) 243/2021 : 2025:DHC:4527: High Court of Delhi:Hon'ble Mr. Justice Saurabh Bannjee

Brief Facts: Crompton Greaves has been using the ‘CROMPTON GREAVES’ trademark since 1943, which is well-known. The respondent registered the mark ‘CROMPTON’ in 1986 in Class 21 while the petitioner’s mark was already registered. The petitioner alleged that the respondent's mark is identical, similar, and likely to cause confusion, encroaching upon the petitioner’s goodwill.

Decision: The court held that the petitioner is the prior adopter and registered proprietor of the ‘CROMPTON GREAVES’ mark and that the respondent's registration of ‘CROMPTON’ was contrary to the law. The court ordered the removal of the respondent’s ‘CROMPTON’ mark from the Trademark Register.

Law Settled: The court relied on Sections 11(1) and 11(2) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and concluded that the registration was improperly granted, supporting the petitioner’s case under Sections 57(2) and 47(1) of the Act, based on prior user, registration, and reputation of the mark.