Two steel companies that once shared management under the same family groups ended up in a bitter trademark battle over similar brand names for TMT steel bars. Ashiana Ispat claimed it had full rights to sell products under the name “AL KAMDHENU GOLD” because of a 2002 agreement that split the brands between the two firms, allowing each to own separate marks while they jointly built the “KAMDHENU” reputation. Kamdhenu Limited argued that later 2021 licensing deals replaced the old arrangement, that it owned the registered “KAMDHENU”, “KAMDHENU GOLD” and “KAMDHENU GOLD TMT” marks, and that Ashiana’s use of the similar name was causing confusion and passing off its products as Kamdhenu’s.
The Delhi High Court examined the agreements, sales records, advertisements and evidence of use. It found that the 2021 deal had novated the earlier 2002 split, that Ashiana had not built independent goodwill in “AL KAMDHENU GOLD” on its own, and that any earlier use was only as a licensed user. Kamdhenu proved its prior rights, substantial reputation and the strong likelihood that ordinary buyers would be confused by the similar names on identical steel products.
The court granted an interim injunction stopping Ashiana and its associates from manufacturing, selling or promoting goods under “AL KAMDHENU GOLD” or any deceptively similar mark, while dismissing Ashiana’s request for a similar order against Kamdhenu. The main suits will now proceed to full trial.
Ashiana Ispat Limited Vs Kamdhenu Limited : 10.04.2026:CS(COMM) 130/2025:2025:DHC:3002, Hon'ble Justice Shri Justice Tejas Karia.
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