Ex Parte Injunctions in Passing Off Cases:
Introduction:
In a recent legal development, the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi addressed the pivotal question of granting an ex parte injunction in an action for passing off, specifically focusing on the common law rights associated with the trademark EMERALD. The case involved both the Plaintiff and the Defendant being registered proprietors of the trademark EMERALD, leading the Hon'ble Single Judge to assess the relief of passing off against the Defendant.
Facts of the Case:
The Plaintiff, a prominent manufacturer of various products, claimed extensive use of the EMERALD trademark since 1990, particularly in the manufacturing of valves, hot water generators, expansion tanks, humidifiers, vacuum degassers, and cooling tower filtration systems. On the other hand, the Defendant, incorporated on June 24, 2022, specialized in manufacturing and selling valves such as butterfly valves, globe valves, and check valves. The Defendant applied for the mark 'EMERALD' on July 7, 2022 as proposed to be used basis, for which with registration was granted.
Legal Analysis:
Despite both parties being registered proprietors of the EMERALD trademark, the Court emphasized the settled legal position that the prior user of the mark is entitled to protection, irrespective of recent registrations held by competitors. The recent registration of the Defendant did not diminish the likelihood of an injunction being granted. The Hon'ble Single Judge established a prima facie case in favor of the Plaintiff based on the following grounds:
i. Identity of Trademark and Trade Name:
The Court noted that the impugned trademark and trade name of the Defendant were identical to those of the Plaintiff.
ii.Identity of Goods and Customers:
The goods offered by both parties were identical, and the customer class served was the same.
iii.Long Prior Use:
The Plaintiff's extensive prior use of the EMERALD mark for valves, dating back to 1990, weighed significantly in their favor.
iv.Arbitrary Nature of the Mark:
The Court highlighted that the EMERALD mark was entirely arbitrary, and the Defendant's recent adoption was not bona fide.
Precedent from Supreme Court:
The decision drew upon the dictum laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Laxmikant V. Patel v. Chetanbhai Shah (MANU/SC/0763/2001). The Supreme Court emphasized that in cases where passing off is established, an immediate ex-parte injunction should be granted. Additionally, the Supreme Court recommended the appointment of Local Commissioners to ensure that infringing products are not permitted to be sold.
The Concluding Note:
This decision by the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi sets a noteworthy precedent, affirming that even in passing off actions, the Court should grant an ex parte injunction when a prima facie case exists in favor of the Plaintiff. This underscores the importance of protecting the rights of the prior user and ensuring that potential action of passing off action is promptly addressed, aligning with the principles laid down by the Supreme Court.
The Case Law Discussed:
Date of Judgement/Order:21/11/2023
Case No. CS(COMM)817/2023
Neutral Citation No:NA
Name of Hon'ble Court: Delhi High Court
Name of Hon'ble Judge: Prathiba M Singh, HJ
Case Title: Emerald Enterprises Vs Emerald Valves Private Limited
Disclaimer:
Information and discussion contained herein is being shared in the public Interest. The same should not be treated as substitute for expert advice as it is subject to my subjectivity and may contain human errors in perception, interpretation and presentation of the fact and issue involved herein.
Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman,
IP Adjutor - Patent and Trademark Attorney
Mob No: 9990389539
