Castrol Limited Vs Sanjay Sonavane: August 19, 2025:CS(COMM) 855/2025:High Court of Delhi:Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia
Castrol Limited, a global leader in engine oils and lubricants, filed a suit against Sanjay Sonavane and another defendant in the Delhi High Court, alleging groundless threats of legal proceedings over the use of its "3X" marks.
The plaintiff, with a significant market presence in India using the Castrol brand, faced a seizure of its goods by Nashik police on August 9, 2025, following a complaint by the defendants claiming infringement of their "3P" marks and copyright.
The defendants had also issued a public notice threatening action against the use of "3X" marks. Procedurally, the court granted exemptions from filing additional documents and pre-institution mediation, registered the suit, issued summons, and scheduled a hearing for pleadings completion.
The core dispute involves the plaintiff seeking an injunction and declaration that its "3X" marks do not infringe the defendants' "3P" marks, arguing the marks are dissimilar and the threats unjustifiable. The court restrained the defendants from issuing further groundless threats until the next hearing on December 9, 2025, finding a prima facie case in the plaintiff's favor and balance of convenience with it.
Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi
Disclaimer: This information report is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
