Case Title: Multani Pharmaceuticals Limited Vs Mayuri Bhupal Bhamare:28.04.2026:CS(COMM) 934/2024:2026:DHC:3575:Hon'ble Judge Jyoti Singh
The Delhi High Court decreed a trademark infringement and passing off suit in favour of the Plaintiff, Multani Pharmaceuticals Limited, while also declaring its mark “MULTANI” as a well-known trademark under Section 2(1)(zg) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
The Plaintiff, a longstanding Ayurvedic pharmaceutical company with origins dating back to 1905, established extensive use, goodwill, and reputation in the mark MULTANI, supported by decades of commercial use, multiple trademark registrations across classes and jurisdictions, substantial sales turnover, and wide promotional activities.
The dispute arose from the Defendant’s use and application for a deceptively similar mark in relation to identical products such as skin care, hair care, and cosmetic goods. The Court had earlier granted an ex parte ad interim injunction restraining such use. Subsequently, the parties entered into a settlement agreement, which was accepted by the Court and formed part of the decree.
Despite settlement of infringement claims, the Court proceeded to adjudicate the Plaintiff’s prayer for declaration of MULTANI as a well-known trademark. Applying the statutory factors under Sections 11(6) and 11(7) of the Act, the Court considered the mark’s long duration of use (over 80 years), extensive geographical presence, significant promotional efforts, widespread recognition across consumer segments, and consistent enforcement against infringers.
The Court noted that the mark enjoys substantial recognition in India and internationally, is widely available across pharmacies and e-commerce platforms, and has been endorsed through extensive advertising, including celebrity endorsements. It further observed that the Plaintiff’s WHO-GMP certification and large-scale operations reinforced the credibility and distinctiveness of the mark.
Accordingly, the Court held that MULTANI satisfies the criteria for a well-known trademark in relation to Ayurvedic pharmaceutical products and granted a decree declaring it as such, thereby affording it enhanced protection under trademark law.
Disclaimer:Do not treat this as a substitute for legal advice as it may contain subjective errors.
Written By:Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi
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