Information on this blog is being shared only for the purpose of creating legal awareness in public at large, especially in the field of Intellectual Property Right. As there may be possibility of error, omission or mistake in legal interpretation on the contents of this blog, it should not be treated as substitute for legal advise.
Monday, June 10, 2024
Chotiwala Food And Hotels Pvt.Ltd. Vs. Nitin Jain
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Ambuja Cements Limited Vs Sudheer Sharma
Citizen Watch Company Limited Vs Dineshkumar Laxmanbhai Virda
Introduction:
The doctrine of passing off is a fundamental aspect of intellectual property law, primarily concerned with protecting the goodwill and reputation of a trademark from misrepresentation. A pivotal issue in passing off cases is whether the goods or services involved must be similar for a claim to be successful. This article examines a recent legal case that underscores the principle that similarity of goods is not a sine qua non (an essential condition) in an action of passing off.
Case Background:
The plaintiff in this case is an internationally reputed company organized under the laws of Japan, known for its CITIZEN brand. The CITIZEN Group has been engaged in watchmaking since 1918 and expanded into the industrial precision machine tools market by 1936. The plaintiff commenced operations in India in 1960 through a collaboration with the Indian Government, managed by HMT.
The defendant, aware of the plaintiff's goodwill and reputation, dishonestly applied for the registration of the trademark "CITIZEN" in Class 07 (related to lathe machines) in 1994 and again in 2010 for the mark "C-TIZEN." The defendant argued that since the plaintiff was known primarily for watches, there could be no confusion or deception regarding lathe machines. The defendant also contended that the term "CITIZEN" is a common, laudatory word, not an invented or coined term, and hence not distinctive enough for exclusive trademark rights.
Legal Issues:
The primary legal issues revolved around:
Whether the similarity of goods is necessary for a passing off action.
Whether the term "CITIZEN" can be protected as a trademark given its common use and dictionary meaning.
Court’s Analysis and Findings:
Trademark Registration Validity:
The court first addressed the validity of the plaintiff's trademark registration. The plaintiff substantiated its claim by providing a Legal Proceeding Certificate (LPC), confirming its registration. This evidence was crucial in establishing the plaintiff's proprietary rights over the "CITIZEN" trademark.
Common Field of Activity Not Necessary:
The court firmly rejected the defendant's argument that the similarity of goods is essential for passing off. The court clarified that the fundamental issue is whether the defendant's use of the mark in relation to lathe Machine results in a likelihood of confusion or deception, causing damage to the plaintiff's goodwill and reputation. In this case, the plaintiff's trademark "CITIZEN" was found to have substantial goodwill and reputation, not just in watches but broadly due to its extensive market presence and brand recognition. This is the reason why the Court rejected this argument of the defendant that Plaintiff's activities is in relation to watches, while activities of defendant is lathe machine, which plaintiff never manufactured.
Misrepresentation and Likelihood of Confusion:
The court observed that the defendant’s marks "CITIZEN" and "C-TIZEN" were deceptively similar to the plaintiff’s mark, both visually and phonetically. This similarity was likely to cause confusion among consumers, leading them to associate the defendant's lathe machines with the plaintiff’s reputable brand. The court emphasized that the essence of passing off lies in the misrepresentation that leads to public confusion and consequent damage to the plaintiff’s goodwill, irrespective of the nature of the goods.
Plaintiff’s Goodwill and Defendant’s Intent:
The court also noted that the defendant had failed to provide any plausible reason for adopting the "CITIZEN" mark for lathe machines. Given the plaintiff's longstanding and widespread use of the trademark, the court inferred that the defendant's adoption of the mark was dishonest, aimed at capitalizing on the plaintiff’s established reputation.
Delay and Laches:
Addressing the defendant's argument regarding delay and laches, the court found that the plaintiff's delay in initiating legal action did not bar the suit. The delay did not diminish the plaintiff's rights or the potential for public confusion and deception caused by the defendant’s use of the mark.
Conclusion:
This case reaffirms that the similarity of goods is not a prerequisite for a passing off action. The primary consideration is the likelihood of confusion and misrepresentation that damages the plaintiff's goodwill. The court’s decision underscores the importance of protecting well-established trademarks from dishonest adoption, regardless of the specific goods or services involved.
Case Title: Citizen Watch Company Limited Vs Dineshkumar Laxmanbhai Virda
Judgment/Order Date: 16.05.2024
Case No. CS(COMM) 56/2015
Neutral Citation: 2024:DHC:3974
Name of Court: High Court of Delhi
Name of Hon'ble Judge: Jyoti Singh, H.J.
Disclaimer:
Ideas, thoughts, views, information, discussions and interpretation expressed herein are being shared in the public Interest. Readers' discretion is advised as these are 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]
United & United
Email: amitabh@unitedandunited.com
Ph No: 9990389539
Casablaca Apparel Vs Polo Ralph Lauren Company
The Intersection of Trademark Rectification and Pending Litigation
Introduction:
In a recent case , the Petitioner namely Casablanca Apparels Pvt. Ltd. filed a rectification petition seeking to alter the trademark ‘POLO’, which is registered under number 1277784 in class 25, belonging to Polo/Lauren Company L.P. This trademark application was originally filed on 8th April 2004 and granted on 18th January 2023. However, the maintainability of this rectification petition has come under scrutiny due to a related suit, CS (COMM) 523/2022, filed by Polo/Lauren Company L.P. against Casablanca Apparels Pvt. Ltd. This article delves into the legal reasoning behind the High Court's decision to dismiss the rectification petition, examining the interplay between the rectification proceedings and the pending litigation under Section 124 of the Trade Marks Act.
Background:
The case at hand involves two primary legal actions: the rectification petition filed by Casablanca Apparels Pvt. Ltd. and the infringement suit initiated by Polo/Lauren Company L.P. The rectification petition seeks to correct or cancel the registration of the trademark ‘POLO’ on grounds that may include non-use, misrepresentation, or prior use by the petitioner. Meanwhile, Polo/Lauren Company L.P.’s infringement suit aims to prevent Casablanca from using the ‘POLO’ mark, alleging that such use constitutes a violation of their trademark rights.
Legal Framework:
The legal crux of this case lies within the provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, particularly Section 124. This section deals with the stay of proceedings in cases where the validity of a trademark is questioned. Specifically, Section 124(1)(b)(ii) stipulates that if the issue of trademark validity arises during an infringement suit, the court must stay the proceedings and await the decision of the Registrar or the Appellate Board regarding the validity of the trademark.
The High Court's Decision:
In this instance, the High Court dismissed the rectification petition on the grounds that an application under Section 124 was already pending before the Trial Court. The court reasoned that allowing the rectification petition to proceed concurrently with the ongoing infringement suit would be procedurally improper and could potentially result in conflicting decisions.
The court's decision hinges on the doctrine of judicial propriety and efficiency. By staying the rectification proceedings, the court ensures that the matter of the trademark’s validity is settled in a consistent and orderly manner. This approach prevents the possibility of contradictory rulings from different judicial bodies, which could undermine the legal process and lead to confusion.
Analysis:
The High Court's ruling underscores the importance of the principle of comity among courts, which dictates that courts should avoid interference with each other’s processes to maintain orderly and efficient adjudication. This principle is particularly pertinent in the realm of intellectual property law, where overlapping jurisdictions and concurrent proceedings are common.
Moreover, the decision aligns with the legislative intent behind Section 124 of the Trade Marks Act, which seeks to streamline the adjudication of trademark disputes. By mandating that questions of trademark validity be resolved before the specialized bodies of the Registrar or the Appellate Board, the Act aims to leverage the expertise of these bodies and ensure that the decisions are grounded in a thorough understanding of trademark law.
Implications:
The implications of this ruling are significant for parties involved in trademark disputes. It signals to litigants that attempts to pursue rectification or cancellation of trademarks during the pendency of related infringement suits are likely to be stayed. This decision also emphasizes the necessity for parties to strategically consider the timing and forum of their legal actions to avoid procedural setbacks.
Conclusion:
The case of Casablanca Apparels Pvt. Ltd. v. Polo/Lauren Company L.P. provides a critical insight into the procedural intricacies of trademark rectification and infringement litigation in India. The High Court’s dismissal of the rectification petition, based on the pending application under Section 124, reinforces the principle of judicial efficiency and the orderly resolution of trademark disputes.
Case Title: Casablaca Apparel Vs Polo Ralph Lauren Company
Order Date: 21.05.2024
Case No. C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 68/2024
Neutral Citation:NA
Name of Court: Delhi High Court
Name of Hon'ble Judge: Anish Dayal. H.J.
Disclaimer:
Ideas, thoughts, views, information, discussions and interpretation expressed herein are being shared in the public Interest. Readers' discretion is advised as these are 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]
United & United
Email: amitabh@unitedandunited.com
Ph No: 9990389539
Saturday, June 8, 2024
The Indian Hotel Co Ltd. Vs Sagar Wadhwani
Friday, June 7, 2024
Mahesh Gupta Vs Assistant Controller of Patent and Designs
The rejection of an Indian patent application for the ‘Portable Vehicle Management System’ has sparked legal contention, with the decision rendered on December 27, 2021. This article scrutinizes the rejection grounds and the subsequent appeal process, shedding light on the complexities of patent law.
Background of the Patent Application:
The appellant filed the patent application on December 6, 2016, seeking protection for a portable vehicle tracker designed for real-time monitoring of vehicle operation and conditions. The invention encompasses various functionalities, including continuous monitoring, anomaly detection, alert generation, and emergency response.
Grounds for Rejection:
The rejection primarily pivots on the argument that the invention lacks a significant technical advancement over prior art documents, particularly D4 (US2002019703A1) and D5 (US2015019266A1). These documents purportedly cover the core functionalities claimed in the present invention.
Analysis of Prior Art:
Upon scrutiny, it is contended that the invention fails to deviate from the disclosures in D4 and D5. The court underscores that a combined analysis of teachings from these prior art documents leads to the conclusion that the present invention does not signify a significant advancement.
Motivation to Combine:
The court further contends that a person skilled in the art (PSITA), equipped with knowledge of D4 and D5, would be inclined to amalgamate elements from these prior arts. Such motivation may arise from industry needs or problems, explicitly suggested within the prior art or commonly known in the field.
Inventive Step Analysis:
Based on a comprehensive comparison of the prior art and the claimed invention, the court determines that the patent application lacks an inventive step. The features claimed either exist in the prior art or can be inferred from it. Consequently, the rejection under Section 2(1)(ja) of the Patents Act, 1970, is upheld.
Outcome of the Appeal:
The court dismisses the appeal, affirming the patent office's decision to reject the application. It concludes that the claimed invention falls short of meeting the requisite standards for patentability, thus warranting the rejection.
Implications:
This case underscores the significance of demonstrating a clear inventive step and technical advancement over prior art in patent applications. It accentuates the importance of meticulous analysis and documentation of prior art references to bolster patentability claims. Moving forward, innovators must conduct thorough assessments to ensure their inventions meet the stringent criteria for patent protection.
Case Title: Mahesh Gupta Vs Assistant Controller of Patent and Designs
Judgment/Order Date: 29.05.2021
Case No. C.A.(COMM.IPD-PAT) 328/2022
Neutral Citation: 2024:DHC:4457
Name of Court: High Court of Delhi
Name of Hon'ble Judge: Sanjeev Narula H.J.
Disclaimer:
Ideas, thoughts, views, information, discussions and interpretation expressed herein are being shared in the public Interest. Readers' discretion is advised as these are subject to my subjectivity and may contain human errors in perception, interpretation and presentation of the fact and issue involved herein.
Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman
IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney]
United & United
Email: amitabh@unitedandunited.com
Ph No: 9990389539
Sumil Chemical Industries P Ltd Vs Uk Crop Sciences
In a recent legal development dated May 24, 2021, Sumil Chemical Industries P Ltd, a key player in the agrochemical industry, initiated legal proceedings against Uk Crop Sciences for alleged trademark infringement and passing off.
The crux of the dispute lies in Sumil Chemical Industries P Ltd's trademarks, namely “COSAMIL,” “COSAMIL-DF,” and “COSAMIL GOLD,” which are specifically associated with their fungicide product range. The conflict arose when Sumil Chemical Industries P Ltd discovered Uk Crop Sciences' application for the mark "COSAMIN" in January 2024, prompting immediate legal action.
Presiding over the case (Case No. CS Comm 432 of 2024) at the High Court of Delhi, Hon'ble Judge Sanjeev Narula granted an ex parte injunction in favor of Sumil Chemical Industries P Ltd. The court's decision was grounded in the apparent phonetic, visual, and structural similarities between Sumil Chemical Industries P Ltd's "COSAMIL" trademarks and Uk Crop Sciences' "COSAMIN" mark. Given that both parties operate within the fungicide production sector, the court recognized the potential for consumer confusion.
The injunction, issued under Section 29(1) and (2)(b) of the Trademarks Act, acknowledges the likelihood of consumers mistakenly purchasing Uk Crop Sciences' fungicides under the assumption that they are associated with Sumil Chemical Industries P Ltd. Consequently, this finding lays the groundwork for both trademark infringement and passing off claims against Uk Crop Sciences.
Case Title: Sumil Chemical Industries P Ltd Vs Uk Crop Sciences
Judgement/Order Date: 24.05.2021
Case No. CS Comm 432 of 2024
Neutral Citation: NA
Name of Court: High Court of Delhi
Name of Hon'ble Judge: Sanjeev Narula H.J.
Disclaimer:
Ideas, thoughts, views, information, discussions and interpretation expressed herein are being shared in the public Interest. Readers' discretion is advised as these are subject to my subjectivity and may contain human errors in perception, interpretation and presentation of the fact and issue involved herein.
Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman
IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney]
United & United
Email: amitabh@unitedandunited.com
Ph No: 9990389539
Singh and Singh Law Firm Vs Singh and Singh Attorneys
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