Michael Meiresonne Vs. Google, Inc

Michael Meiresonne, sole inventor and owner of U.S. Patent No. 8,156,096 titled "Supplier Identification and Locator System and Method" directed to a directory website displaying supplier links with nearby descriptive text portions and a rollover window showing additional supplier information, appealed the PTAB's final written decision in IPR2014-01188 instituted on Google's petition holding claims 16, 17, 19, and 20 obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103 over prior art references Hill (teaching links with text descriptions) and Finseth (teaching links with rollover viewing areas). Meiresonne argued the references taught away from combining descriptive text with rollover viewing area by disparaging and criticizing text descriptions as cursory unreliable or gibberish advocating graphical previews instead. The Federal Circuit reasoned that teaching away requires prior art to criticize discredit discourage or imply the combination would not work or be inoperable but Hill and Finseth did not disparage text to the extent of mutual exclusivity nor advocate wholesale abandonment of text descriptions with words like replace or unreliable absent from Finseth and the Board correctly found no teaching away supported by substantial evidence. The court affirmed the Board's decision of unpatentability.

- Prior art teaches away from a claimed invention only if it criticizes discredits discourages the combination or indicates it would be inoperable or not work: Meiresonne v. Google, Inc., 849 F.3d 1379, 1382-1383 (Fed. Cir. 2017).

- Mere preference for an alternative solution such as graphical previews over text descriptions without implying mutual exclusivity or abandonment does not constitute teaching away: Meiresonne v. Google, Inc., 849 F.3d 1379, 1383 (Fed. Cir. 2017).

- Substantial evidence review applies to PTAB's factual finding on whether prior art teaches away in obviousness determinations: Meiresonne v. Google, Inc., 849 F.3d 1379, 1382 (Fed. Cir. 2017).

Michael Meiresonne Vs. Google, Inc., Order date: March 7, 2017, Case Number: 2016-1755, Neutral Citation: 849 F.3d 1379 (Fed. Cir. 2017), Name of court: United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Name of Judge: Circuit Judge Kimberly A. Moore (opinion), with Chief Judge Sharon Prost and Circuit Judge Alan D. Lourie.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Vs. Synvina

E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and Archer Daniels Midland Company (collectively DuPont) petitioned for inter partes review of Synvina C.V.'s U.S. Patent 8,865,921 directed to oxidizing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural or derivatives under specific temperature pressure catalyst and solvent conditions to produce 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid FDCA a green chemical precursor with DuPont challenging claims 1-5 and 7-9 as obvious over prior art disclosing overlapping reaction ranges. The PTAB in IPR2015-01838 held on 3 March 2017 that DuPont failed to prove obviousness by preponderant evidence reasoning no reference expressly taught the exact claimed combination and refusing burden-shifting for overlapping ranges. DuPont appealed arguing the Board applied incorrect legal standards. The Federal Circuit reasoned that prior art disclosed overlapping ranges for result-effective variables like temperature and oxygen partial pressure creating a prima facie case of obviousness shifting production burden to Synvina to rebut with evidence of teaching away unexpected results criticality or lack of routine optimization but Synvina failed to do so with weak evidence of nonobviousness. The court reversed the Board's decision holding claims 1-5 and 7-9 obvious and affirmed DuPont's standing due to competitive injury from operating a demonstration plant capable of infringing.

- When prior art discloses ranges overlapping with claimed ranges for result-effective variables a prima facie case of obviousness arises shifting production burden to patentee to rebut with evidence of teaching away unexpected results criticality or that broad ranges do not invite routine optimization: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. v. Synvina C.V., 904 F.3d 996, 1006-1008 (Fed. Cir. 2018).

- This burden-shifting framework for overlapping ranges applies in inter partes review proceedings as in examination and district court litigation: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. v. Synvina C.V., 904 F.3d 996, 1007-1008 (Fed. Cir. 2018).

- Standing to appeal PTAB decision exists where petitioner demonstrates concrete injury-in-fact from operating a plant capable of practicing claimed method and competitor refuses covenant not to sue: E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. v. Synvina C.V., 904 F.3d 996, 1004-1005 (Fed. Cir. 2018).

E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Vs. Synvina C.V., Order date: 17 September 2018, Case Number: 2017-1977, Neutral Citation: 904 F.3d 996 (Fed. Cir. 2018), Name of court: United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Name of Judge: Circuit Judge Alan D. Lourie (opinion), with Circuit Judges Kathleen M. O'Malley and Raymond C. Chen.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Vs Meghmani Lifesciences Limited

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited filed a suit for trademark infringement and passing off against Meghmani Lifesciences Limited and its manufacturer alleging that the defendant's mark EsiRaft for an oral suspension treating heartburn and indigestion containing identical active ingredients infringed its registered trademark RACIRAFT adopted in January 2022 with substantial sales turnover. 

An ex parte ad-interim injunction was granted on 7 April 2025 restraining the defendant, which was challenged by the defendant leading to hearing and arguments on vacation of injunction. 

The court reasoned that marks must be compared holistically as a whole without dissection, the common suffix RAFT is generic/descriptive denoting raft-like foam from sodium alginate common in such formulations and widely used in pharma trade, prefixes RACI and ESI are visually phonetically structurally distinct creating no likelihood of confusion among average consumers of medicinal preparations who exercise caution, 

No prima facie case of infringement under Section 29 or passing off established, and balance of convenience against injunction given defendant's ongoing use since July 2024. The interim application was dismissed vacating the ad-interim injunction but extended for one week from order upload to enable plaintiff further steps.

Law Point:

Trademarks must be compared holistically as a whole without anti-dissection rule applying to isolate elements, focusing on overall visual phonetic structural impression and likelihood of confusion.

Generic or descriptive suffixes like RAFT common to pharmaceutical trade for raft-forming formulations cannot confer monopoly or exclusivity preventing use by others.

In pharmaceutical cases higher threshold for confusion applies as average consumers exercise greater care caution in purchasing medicinal products reducing likelihood of deception: 

Case Detail:Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Vs Meghmani Lifesciences Limited:23.12.2025: Commercial IP (L) No.353 of 2025, 2025:BHC-OS:26097: Sharmila U. Deshmukh,H.J.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH Vs Assistant Controller of Patents

Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH filed patent application for a pharmaceutical invention which was refused by the Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs on 25 July 2017 on grounds of lack of novelty and inventive step under Section 2(1)(j) of the Patents Act 1970. 

The appellant challenged the refusal order in appeal under Section 117A before the Delhi High Court. 

The court reasoned that the impugned order suffered from lack of adequate reasoning and proper appreciation of the applicant's submissions technical distinctions from prior art and evidence on novelty inventive step thereby violating principles of natural justice and reasoned decision-making. 

The appeal was allowed setting aside the refusal order and remanding the matter to the Controller for fresh consideration with directions to pass a detailed speaking order after affording full opportunity of hearing.

Law Point:

Refusal orders in patent applications must be detailed speaking orders demonstrating proper application of mind to submissions prior art distinctions technical advantages and evidence on novelty inventive step under Section 2(1)(j): 

Cryptic or unreasoned orders violating natural justice warrant setting aside and remand for reconsideration: Para [corresponding]; 

Case Detail:Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH Vs Assistant Controller of Patents:09.01.2026:C.A.(COMM.IPD-PAT) 423/2022:2026:DHC:147: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Steer Engineering Private Limited Vs Joint Controller of Patents

Steer Engineering Private Limited filed a divisional patent application No.202142059972 from parent No.201741044221 for a fiber reinforced thermoplastic composition and process using uPVC, ABS, and wetted continuous fibers in a twin-screw extruder with wave elements. 

The Controller issued FER on 07.03.2022, appellant responded with amended claims on 05.09.2022, hearing held post notice on 10.10.2023 and submissions on 18.12.2023, then refused patent on 31.07.2024 under Sections 2(1)(ja), 59(1), and 16(2) citing lack of inventive step over D1-D7, overlap with parent, and obviousness of wetting fibers and uPVC-ABS blend. 

Appellant appealed under Section 117A to Madras High Court, arguing permissible narrowing amendments, no hindsight, and technical advances shown in superior pipe properties. Court noted Rhodia principles on inventive step analysis but upheld Controller's detailed prior art comparison finding amended claims lack novelty/inventiveness, overlap parent features, and no evidence of unexpected effects, dismissing appeal on 05.01.2026.

Law Point:

Amended claims narrowing scope by incorporating specification features (e.g., "wetted" fibers) permissible under Section 59(1) if within original disclosure (Para 5).

Inventive step under Section 2(1)(ja) assessed via 5-step inquiry: identify skilled person (good skill > average), common knowledge, inventive concept, prior art differences, obviousness without hindsight (Para 7, citing Rhodia paras 21).

Divisional claims (Section 16) invalid if scope covered by ungranted parent without distinct invention (Para 11).

Case Details:Steer Engineering Private Limited Vs Joint Controller of Patents:05.01.2026: CMA(PT) No. 54 of 2024: Madras HC: Hon'ble Mr. Justice N. Senthilkumar.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Sana Herbals Private Limited Vs Mohsin Dehlvi

Sana Herbals Private Limited filed CS(Comm) 1776/2020 against Mohsin Dehlvi and Dehlvi Remedies Pvt Ltd alleging infringement of its registered trademark NOKUFSYRUP (registered 15 May 2015) and passing off by defendants' use of NOKUF for cough syrups, claiming rights via assignment deed dated 19 September 1999 and prior use, seeking interim injunction under Order XXXIX Rules 1&2 CPC which was dismissed by Commercial Court on 21 December 2024 finding no prima facie case due to defendants' prior use since 1994 and registration of NOKUF in 1996. 

Appellant appealed in FAO(COMM) 77/2025 arguing defendants' use discontinuous post-1999 fire and no evidence of continuous use till 2024 while appellant built goodwill. 

The Division Bench reasoned that under Section 28(3) Trade Marks Act 1999 concurrent registrations grant equal rights to use without infringement action against each other per S. Syed Mohideen v. P. Sulochana Bai, prior continuous user from 1994 defeats passing off claim as appellant failed to challenge use during 1994-1999 gap implying acquiescence or abandonment of goodwill, equity favoring appellant but law prevailing. Appeal dismissed upholding refusal of interim injunction.

Law Point:

Concurrent registration under Section 28(3) Trade Marks Act 1999 confers equal rights to use the mark on registered proprietors against each other, barring infringement action:

 Prior continuous user of trademark defeats claim of passing off even against later registered proprietor if no challenge raised during initial period implying acquiescence or abandonment of goodwill: 

Mere registration without continuous use does not entitle proprietor to injunction against prior user, but prior user must prove continuity:

Case Detail:Sana Herbals Private Limited Vs Mohsin Dehlvi : 05.01.2026: FAO (COMM) 77/2025:2026:DHC:17:DB:Hon'ble Mr. Justice C. Hari Shankar and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Om Prakash Shukla.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Radhakrishna Productions Pvt. Ltd. Vs Ikkon Films Pvt. Ltd

Radhakrishna Productions Pvt. Ltd. entered into a term sheet on 1 April 2010 with Ikkon Films Pvt. Ltd. for assigning worldwide rights in film Will You Marry Me for Rs 5.5 crore executing copyright assignment on 17 May 2010 and film finance agreement on 9 September 2010 with defendant no.2 advancing Rs 3.85 crore .

Defendants breached by not completing film by stipulated date failing to refund and creating third party rights via MOU dated 9 February 2012 and sixteen agreements with defendants 3 and 5-21 prompting suit in 2012 seeking declarations of validity infringement invalidity injunctions refund damages and costs with plaintiff leading unchallenged evidence via PW-1. 

The court reasoned that unchallenged evidence and lack of cross-examination or defense establishes agreements' validity breaches infringement and invalidity of subsequent deals drawing adverse inference under Section 114 Evidence Act rejecting emotional damages as plaintiff is company but awarding compensatory costs for defendants' negligent conduct. Suit decreed declaring assignments valid breaches infringement subsequent deals invalid granting permanent injunctions ordering refund Rs 3.85 crore with 12% interest till suit and 8% thereafter plus Rs 10 lakh costs.

Law Point:

Unchallenged facts in pleadings or cross-examination deemed admitted: Maroti Bansi Teli v. Radhabai w/o Tukaram Kuni & Ors., (2011) 15 SCC 330,.

Adverse inference drawable under Section 114 Evidence Act for failure to lead evidence or cross-examine: Iswar Bhai C. Patel v. Harihar Behera, (1999) 3 SCC 457,.

Uncontroverted deposition on oath accepted as true: Anita Sharma & Ors. v. New India Assurance Company Ltd. & Anr., (2021) 8 SCC 783,.

 Compensatory costs awardable considering parties' conduct under amended Section 35 CPC in commercial suits: .

Case Detail:Radhakrishna Productions Pvt. Ltd. Vs Ikkon Films Pvt. Ltd.:05.01.2026: Commercial IP Suit No. 98 of 2026:BHC-OS:373: Arif S. Doctor, H.J.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Phonographic Performance Limited Vs Pass Code Hospitalit

Phonographic Performance Limited a copyright owner in sound recordings filed CS(COMM) 267/2024 against Pass Code Hospitality Private Limited operating pubs alleging infringement by unauthorized public performance of repertoire without license seeking injunction damages with interim application I.A. 7255/2024 for restraint and ad hoc fees arrangement directed 10.04.2024 extended quarterly till 04.05.2025 amid defendant filing I.A. 20757/2025 for refund post Azure Hospitality judgment holding PPL disentitled to license without registration under Section 33 Copyright Act 1957 and subsequent AL Hamd following it prompting I.A. 8596/2024 for clarification. The court reasoned that Azure Hospitality ratio on PPL's inability to issue licenses absent registration or RMPL membership remains binding as Supreme Court SLP stay limited to specific direction in para 27 for inter se parties not entire judgment thus change in circumstances under Order XXXIX Rule 4 CPC warrants review but since core issue sub judice continue ad hoc to protect both till disposal without prejudice. Applications disposed directing further ₹15 lakhs deposit allowing ₹8 lakhs withdrawal balance in FD listing suit 15.01.2026.

- Limited stay in SLP does not suspend entire precedent's ratio unless expressly covering observations; applicable inter se parties absent third-party extension: Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. v. Phonographic Performance Ltd., 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4040, Para 31; Para 33.

- Subsequent judgments constitute change in circumstances justifying variation of interim orders under Order XXXIX Rule 4 CPC if pertinent to injunction: Gurmeet Singh v. Hardev Singh, 2011 SCC OnLine Del 2962, Para 14.7; Bepin Krishna Sur v. Gautam Kumar Sur, 1981 (85) CWN 393, Para 14.7.

- Ad hoc license fee arrangements may continue pending final adjudication if core licensing entitlement sub judice before apex court: Para 34.

Phonographic Performance Limited Vs Pass Code Hospitality Private Limited & Ors., Order date: 09.01.2026, Case Number: CS(COMM) 267/2024 & I.A. 20757/2024, Neutral Citation: N/A, Name of court: High Court of Delhi at New Delhi, Name of Judge: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Nadeem Majid Oomerbhoy Vs Sh. Gautam Tank

Nadeem Majid Oomerbhoy as court receiver for partnership firm M/s Ahmed Oomerbhoy established in 1930s using registered trademark POSTMAN since 1950s for edible groundnut oil with extensive goodwill filed CS(COMM) 361/2018 against Gautam Tank and Jagdamba Vegetable Products alleging infringement by using SUPER POSTMAN since 2004 with similar blue-yellow packaging color scheme and bottle shape causing confusion ex parte injunction granted 30.05.2005 confirmed 20.12.2007.

Suit dismissed 24.12.2010 for lack of evidence restored 27.07.2012 on appeal with costs evidence recorded arguments heard in 2023. 

Court suo moto examined defendants' 2023 registration validity under Section 57 Trade Marks Act 1999 amid IAs for stay rectification clarification injunction revival. 

The court reasoned plaintiff retained proprietorship despite non-use since 2000 due to internal partner disputes not abandonment as pursued protection no acquiescence or delay 

Defendants' mark deceptively similar adopted dishonestly registration invalid contrary to Sections 9 11 Act interim injunction revived upon suit restoration suit maintainable under Section 124 not applicable rendition of accounts necessary for damages quantification. 

Suit preliminarily decreed granting permanent injunction cancelling defendants' registration ordering accounts rendition passing off and damages quantification pending further hearing IAs disposed with clarifications.

Law Point:

Registered trademark not abandoned if non-use due to special circumstances like internal disputes, intention to resume inferred from protective actions: 

Deceptive similarity assessed holistically, adding prefix like 'SUPER' insufficient to distinguish if essential feature copied: 

Stray third-party use no defense for deliberate infringer: 

Interim injunction revives upon suit restoration unless expressly excluded: 

Case Detail:Nadeem Majid Oomerbhoy Vs Sh. Gautam Tank & Ors., Order date: 09 January 2026, Case Number: CS(COMM) 361/2018:2026:DHC: 154:Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Mr. Sumit Vijay Vs Major League Baseball Properties

Mr. Sumit Vijay and Anr, proprietors using BLUE-JAY trademark since August 1998 for readymade garments in Class 25 with registration from 2004, faced cancellation petition CO (Comm IPD-TM) 279/2025 under Section 57 Trade Marks Act 1999 by Major League Baseball Properties Inc claiming BLUE JAYS mark for Toronto Blue Jays team merchandise since 1977 with trans-border reputation in India prior user bad faith adoption by appellants and deceptive similarity, leading to Single Judge allowing petition on 1 July 2025 finding trans-border goodwill bad faith and prior adoption despite no Indian registration or proven use. 

Appellants filed LPA 475/2025 arguing no evidence of respondent's Indian use or reputation before 1998 abandonment of applications no bad faith as mark unknown in India. Division Bench reasoned no material showed respondent's BLUE JAYS mark use or spillover reputation in India pre-1998 mere international fame websites magazines insufficient under Toyota Prius principles abandonment negated earlier mark status inconsistent adoption explanations inadequate for bad faith absent motive to copy obscure mark Single Judge conflated use with reputation and erred in findings. Appeal allowed quashing Single Judge judgment restoring appellants' registration.

Law Point:

 Trans-border reputation for passing off requires concrete evidence of goodwill spillover into India prior to defendant's adoption, not mere global fame or accessible websites/magazines: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha v. Prius Auto Industries Ltd., (2018) 2 SCC 1, Para 12.8.9; Milmet Oftho Industries v. Allergan Inc., (2004) 12 SCC 624, Para 12.8.8.4.

Bad faith under Section 11(10)(ii) Trade Marks Act 1999 necessitates intent to unfairly capitalize on or damage another's reputation, not inferred from minor explanatory inconsistencies without proven awareness or motive: Harrison v. Teton Valley Trading Co. Ltd., [2004] EWCA Civ 1028, Para 59; BPI Sports LLC v. Vinayak Aggarwal, 2023 SCC OnLine Del 5802, Para 13.

Abandoned trademark applications do not confer "earlier trade mark" status or exclusivity, precluding monopoly claims over relinquished marks: Para 11.1 to 11.6.

Cancellation under Section 57 requires entry contrary to Act provisions like Section 11(3)(a), but absent Indian use/goodwill, international priority insufficient: Para 12.26.

Case Detail: Mr. Sumit Vijay Vs Major League Baseball Properties :05.02.2026:, Case Number: LPA 475/2025: 2026:DHC:6-DB: Hon'ble Mr. Justice C. Hari Shankar and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Om Prakash Shukla.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Mr. Abhimanyu Prakash. Vs Ferrero S.P.A

Ferrero S.P.A filed CS(Comm) 65/2023 against Abhimanyu Prakash and others alleging infringement of registered NUTELLA trademarks including distinctive glass jar shape by manufacturing and selling identical empty jars without authorization leading to ex parte injunction on 06 February 2023 modified 08 February 2023 with local commissioners seizing 305916 jars which appellants consented to make absolute on 12 August 2025.

While single judge on 19 November 2025 summarily decreed suit under Order XIII-A CPC finding appellants knowing first-time infringers awarding costs and directing handover of seized jars to plaintiffs for own use or CSR donation to NGOs feeding poor valuing Rs 62.84 lakhs as deterrent with destruction of other material, prompting IA 30639/2025 for modification dismissed on 08 December 2025. 

Division bench reasoned jars held infringing under findings attained finality entitling registered proprietor to delivery up for destruction under Sections 28(1) and 135(1) Trade Marks Act 1999 without other commercial use though appellants argued ordinary jars usable for honey pickles etc but respondents undertook destruction. Appeal disposed modifying orders to handover jars solely for destruction on 17 January 2026 with appellants' representative present.

Registered proprietor entitled to exclusive use and relief including delivery up of infringing goods for destruction or erasure under Sections 28(1) and 135(1) of Trade Marks Act 1999: Para 18-20.

Infringement findings in summarily decreed suit under Order XIII-A CPC attain finality absent contest beyond limited modification: Para 16-17.

Case Detail:Mr. Abhimanyu Prakash. Vs Ferrero S.P.A:06.01.2026:, Case Number: RFA(OS)(COMM) 1/2026:2026:DHC:92-DB:Hon'ble Mr. Justice C. Hari Shankar and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Om Prakash Shukla.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Minco India Vs Minco India Flow

Minco India Private Limited incorporated in 1982 using trademark MINCO INDIA since October 1982 for pressure temperature gauges switches and related goods applied for registration on 5 June 2023 claiming goodwill reputation with certified sales from 1989.

 Discovered in February 2024 that Minco India Flow Elements Private Limited incorporated as Tivim Instruments in 1982 changed name in September 2012 using MINCO for identical goods prompting suit for infringement under Section 29(5) Trade Marks Act 1999 and passing off with interim application for injunction. 

Defendant contended both part of family group GICON founded by Manohar Kulkarni with name change via 2012 resolutions consented by common directors brothers Amarendra and Raghvendra who separated in 2015 per Will with use since 2012 sales over Rs 111 crore raising suppression delay laches acquiescence.

Plaintiff rebutted no consent fraudulent NOC by Raghvendra knowledge only 2024 no acquiescence. 

The court reasoned companies distinct entities statutory scheme recognizes registered proprietor assignment or permitted user not family succession prima facie honest adoption with consent via resolutions not fraudulent suppression of association common directors name change business similarity false knowledge date disentitling equitable relief acquiescence by inactivity despite awareness since 2012/2015 no confusion in niche industrial market no passing off misrepresentation or damage. Interim injunction refused application dismissed.

Legal Point:

Company is distinct artificial person from shareholders/directors immaterial family disputes succession in trademark infringement absent assignment or permitted user under Sections 28 29(5) 38-45 48-49 Trade Marks Act 1999: Para 14, Para 17.

Suppression of material facts false statements on oath about knowledge disentitles discretionary equitable relief in infringement/passing off: Ramjas Foundation v. Union of India, (2010) 14 SCC 38, Para 28; Pernod Ricard India Pvt Ltd v. Karanveer Singh Chhabra, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1701, Para 28.

Acquiescence requires positive acts not mere silence sitting by allowing expenditure building trade implying consent complete defense: Power Control Appliances v. Sumeet Machines Pvt Ltd, (1994) 2 SCC 448 Para 26, Para 30.

Balance of convenience against injunction where honest concurrent user delay laches in niche market no confusion: Chemco Plastic Industries Pvt Ltd v. Chemco Plastic, 2023 SCC OnLine Bom 285, Para 29; Midas Hygiene Industries (P) Ltd v. Sudhir Bhatia, (2004) 3 SCC 90, Para 32.

Case Detail:Minco India Private Limited Vs Minco India Flow Elements Private Limited: 06.01.2026: Commercial IP (L) No.12477 of 2024, 2026:BHC-OS:138: Bombay H C: Sharmila U. Deshmukh,H.J.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Mayank Jain Vs Atulya Discs Pvt. Ltd

Mayank Jain proprietor of Mahaveer Udyog established in 1997 manufacturing agricultural implements like harrows adopted TIGER GOLD BRAND device mark in May 2010 registering it on 02 February 2023 claiming continuous use goodwill reputation with annual revenue around ₹40 crores and mark-specific ₹2 crores.

 Discovering in October 2024 defendants Atulya Discs Pvt Ltd incorporated 2020 using TIGER PREMIUM BRAND for identical goods via online platforms prompting suit CS(COMM) 412/2025 with IA 11309/2025 under Order XXXIX Rules 1&2 CPC seeking interim injunction for trademark infringement copyright violation passing off after failed mediation notice on 28 August 2025 arguments on 12 November 2025.

The court reasoned that TIGER and BRAND are generic common to trade publici juris non-distinctive under Section 9(1)(a) Trade Marks Act 1999 incapable of monopoly with registration under Section 17 conferring rights only to composite mark as whole not words and rival marks not deceptively similar holistically per anti-dissection rule considering visual phonetic structural differences like PREMIUM vs GOLD hexagonal vs circular frame distinct tiger devices color schemes no likelihood of confusion among farmers thus no infringement passing off or prima facie case. The application was dismissed.

Law Point:

Generic words like 'TIGER' and 'BRAND' are common to trade, publici juris, and non-distinctive under Section 9(1)(a) of Trade Marks Act 1999, precluding monopoly or exclusive rights: Para 8.

Registration of composite device mark grants exclusive rights only to the mark as a whole, not individual non-distinctive components like words, under Section 17 of Trade Marks Act 1999: Pernod Ricard India Pvt Ltd v. Union of India, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1701, Para 10.

 Deceptive similarity for infringement assessed by comparing marks holistically without dissection, focusing on overall visual, phonetic, and structural impression to determine likelihood of confusion: Pernod Ricard India Pvt Ltd v. Union of India, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 1701, Para 9; Kaviraj Pandit Durga Dutt Sharma v. Navaratna Pharmaceutical Laboratories, AIR 1965 SC 980, Para 13.

Case Detail:Mayank Jain Vs Atulya Discs:09.01.2026: CS(COMM) 412/2025:2026:DHC:143: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Mankind Pharma Limited Vs The Registrar of Trade Marks

Mankind Pharma Limited a leading pharmaceutical company with extensive KIND family of marks including 65 registrations in Class 31 and well-known MANKIND mark applied for PETKIND trademark in Class 31 on 01 October 2021 for animal foodstuffs and related goods on proposed use basis.

Receiving examination report on 27 October 2021 objecting under Section 11(1) of Trade Marks Act 1999 due to identical prior pending application PETKIND No 4648505 leading to hearing on 06 November 2024 and refusal on same date under Sections 9(1)(a) 9(1)(b) and 11(1) prompting appeal under Section 91. 

The court reasoned that appellant demonstrated prior extensive use of KIND suffix since 1986 acquiring distinctiveness and association exclusively with appellant negating likelihood of confusion under Section 11(1) especially as cited mark was proposed use without evidence of actual adoption while appellant's family marks entitled higher protection and examination report overlooked appellant's prior registrations in same class rendering refusal arbitrary. The appeal was allowed setting aside the impugned order directing advertisement within two months with oppositions to be decided on merits.

Legal Point:

Family of marks with common suffix like 'KIND' acquires distinctiveness through extensive use entitling prior adopter to higher protection against similar marks: Mankind Pharma Ltd. v. Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 2015 SCC OnLine Del 6914, Para 14.

Likelihood of confusion under Section 11(1) of Trade Marks Act 1999 is fact-specific requiring evidence and not presumption considering nature of goods purchaser class and prior user's reputation: Manu Garg & Ratan Behari Agrawal v. Registrar of Trade Marks, 2023 SCC OnLine Del 581, Para 12; Lite Bite Travel Foods (P) Ltd. v. Registrar of Trademarks, 2023 SCC OnLine Del 296, Para 13.

Case Title:Mankind Pharma Limited Vs The Registrar of Trade Marks:09.01.2026: C.A.(COMM.IPD-TM) 13/2025 :2026:DHC:145:Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Maj (Retd.) Sukesh Behl Vs Koninklijke Philips

Koninklijke Philips NV filed CS(Comm) 423/2016, 499/2018 and 519/2018 against Maj (Retd) Sukesh Behl of Pearl Engineering, Surinder Kumar Wadhwa and G S Kohli alleging infringement of SEP IN 218255 on EFM+ coding method for converting information words to modulated signal essential for DVD replication seeking injunction damages and costs but patent expired rendering injunction infructuous.

So single judge on 20 February 2025 found infringement validity FRAND royalty US$0.03 per DVD estimated stampers from Moser Baer and DVDs replicated awarding damages ₹6.225 crore plus ₹1 crore additional to Pearl ₹1.6185 crore plus ₹1 crore to Wadhwa ₹12.4325 crore plus ₹1 crore to Kohli with 12% interest.

Prompting appeals RFA(OS)(Comm) 8/12/13/14/2025 with stay applications. 

The division bench reasoned under Lifestyle Equities that money decrees stayed unconditionally only if perverse illegal or untenable finding no issue with infringement validity FRAND rate or stampers but estimation of 10000 DVDs per stamper and total DVDs presumptive without basis facially untenable meriting stay on bank guarantee not deposit. 

The applications were allowed directing unconditional irrevocable auto-renewal bank guarantee for principal damages within eight weeks staying execution till further orders listing appeals for 15 January 2026.

Legal Point:

Stay of execution of money decree under Order XLI Rule 5 CPC may be granted unconditionally if impugned judgment egregiously perverse, riddled with patent illegalities or facially untenable, departing from normal rule against staying money decrees: Lifestyle Equities C.V. v. Amazon Technologies Inc, 2025 SCC OnLine SC 2153; Para 20.3.

Damages in patent infringement cannot be computed based on mere presumption or hypothetical estimates without evidential foundation: Para 19.3.2.9, Para 20.6.

Case Title:Maj (Retd.) Sukesh Behl  Vs Koninklijke Philips NV:05.01.2026:: RFA(OS)(COMM) 8/2025:2026:DHC:5- DB:Hon'ble Mr. Justice C. Hari Shankar and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Om Prakash Shukla.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Living Media India Limited Vs Zee Media Corporation Limited

Living Media India Limited part of India Today Group launched Hindi news segment Duniyadari under device mark with globe sky clouds and landmarks on The Lallantop platform on 05 March 2020 registering the label mark in classes 16 35 and 41 on 16 February 2023 claiming extensive viewership and goodwill.

While Zee Media Corporation Limited launched similar Punjabi segment Duniyadari in October 2024 on Zee Punjab Haryana Himachal channel with similar logo.

Prompting plaintiff to file CS(COMM) 826/2025 with IA 19596/2025 under Order XXXIX Rules 1 and 2 CPC seeking ex parte ad interim injunction against infringement passing off and copyright violation. 

The court reasoned that Duniyadari word is suggestive not descriptive of news services but lacks acquired distinctiveness for independent protection under anti-dissection rule requiring holistic view of composite mark yet defendant's impugned mark is deceptively similar overall due to common elements like globe flags color scheme creating confusion for same services channels and consumers though defendant can use word without similar visuals. The application was disposed restraining defendant from using deceptively similar mark but clarifying no exclusivity on word alone.

Legal Point:

Suggestive marks not descriptive require evidence of acquired distinctiveness or secondary meaning for protection as independent word mark when part of composite device: Yatra Online Ltd. v. Google LLC, 2023 SCC OnLine Del 2947, Para 22; Para 21.

Registered composite labels protected holistically under anti-dissection rule without monopoly on individual elements like words absent distinctiveness: United Biotech Pvt. Ltd. v. Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 2012 SCC OnLine Del 2802, Para 18; South India Beverages Pvt. Ltd. v. General Mills Marketing Inc., 2014 SCC OnLine Del 1953, Para 19.

Deceptive similarity for infringement and passing off assessed by overall impression including visual phonetic structural aspects for identical services and consumers: Cadila Health Care Ltd. v. Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., (2001) 5 SCC 73, Para 29; Para 30

Plaintiff cannot approbate and reprobate by distinguishing mark for registration then claiming exclusivity on element: Raman Kwatra v. KEI Industries Ltd., 2023 SCC OnLine SC 38, Para 26; Para 27.

Case Detail:Living Media India Limited Vs Zee Media Corporation Limited:09.01.2026: CS(COMM) 826/2025:2026:DHC:141: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Kapil Goyal Vs The Registrar of Trade Marks

Kapil Goyal engaged in trading rice flour and cereal preparations filed trademark application No 5987240 for DOUBLE-CHOICE in Class 30 on proposed-to-be-used basis on 20 June 2023 which faced objections under Sections 9(1)(a) and 9(1)(b) of Trade Marks Act 1999 in examination report dated 6 November 2023 for lacking distinctive character and being descriptive, replied on 12 November 2023, heard on 12 November 2024 and refused by impugned order dated 24 January 2025 on grounds of non-distinctiveness descriptiveness and lack of secondary meaning, leading to appeal under Section 91. The court reasoned that the impugned order violated natural justice by lacking detailed reasoning on why the mark as a whole is non-distinctive or directly descriptive rather than suggestive requiring imagination, erroneously demanded acquired distinctiveness for proposed use rendering Section 18(1) meaningless, and based descriptiveness on conjectural variety/choice without evidence while marks must be assessed holistically not dissected with direct not remote reference to goods characteristics. The appeal was allowed setting aside the impugned order directing advertisement and further proceedings.

- Orders refusing trademark registration must contain reasoned findings explaining why the mark lacks distinctiveness or is descriptive: Abu Dhabi Global Market v. Registrar of Trademarks, 2023 SCC OnLine Del 2947, Para 7.

- Applications on proposed-to-be-used basis under Section 18(1) of Trade Marks Act 1999 cannot require evidence of acquired distinctiveness or secondary meaning: Abu Dhabi Global Market v. Registrar of Trademarks, 2023 SCC OnLine Del 2947, Para 8.

- A mark is descriptive under Section 9(1)(b) only if it directly and immediately references characteristics of goods, not remotely or requiring multiple mental steps: Mohd. Rafiq v. Modi Sugar Mills Ltd., 1971 SCC OnLine Del 190, Para 11.

- Trademarks must be examined as a whole without dissecting into components for distinctiveness under Section 9(1)(a): Para 22.

Kapil Goyal Vs The Registrar of Trade Marks, Order date: 09 January 2026, Case Number: C.A.(COMM.IPD-TM) 15/2025, Neutral Citation: N/A, Name of court: High Court of Delhi at New Delhi, Name of Judge: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Holy Cow Foundation Vs Patanjali Gramodyog Nyas

Holy Cow Foundation, an NGO promoting cow welfare, developed GAUNYLE cow urine-based floor cleaner in 2013 and registered the trademark in Class 05 in 2015 claiming user since 2013.

Discovering Patanjali Gramodyog Nyas using similar PATANJALI GONYLE FLOOR CLEANER registered in 2016 claiming user from 2015.

Prompting a 2017 cease and desist notice met with reply asserting use since 2011 and phonetic differences, leading to rectification petition under Section 57 of Trade Marks Act 1999 seeking cancellation on grounds of deceptive similarity under Sections 9(2)(a) and 11(1)(a) and prior use. 

The court reasoned that petitioner failed to prove prior use due to fabricated invoices with chronological inconsistencies while respondents' 2008 user claim stood unrefuted, marks not confusingly similar holistically given prominent well-known PATANJALI house mark distinguishing them despite phonetic resemblance and slightly differing goods descriptions reducing confusion risk, with no mala fide shown and prior registration favoring respondents. The petition was dismissed upholding the registration.

Legal Point:

Prior adoption and user must be substantiated with consistent, reliable documentary evidence; inconsistencies render evidence inadmissible and undermine the claim: Para 18.

Presence of a well-known house mark serves as a distinguishing factor reducing likelihood of confusion even in phonetically similar marks: Cadila Health Care Ltd. v. Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., (2001) 5 SCC 73, Para 24; Para 22.

Trade mark similarity assessed holistically considering visual, phonetic, conceptual aspects and overall impression, not isolated elements: Cadila Health Care Ltd. v. Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., (2001) 5 SCC 73, Para 25.

Rectification under Section 57 read with Sections 9(2)(a) and 11(1)(a) requires proof of deceptive similarity causing public confusion, absent which registration subsists: Para 26, Para 29.

Case Detail:Holy Cow Foundation Vs Patanjali Gramodyog Nyas:09.01.2026:, Case Number: C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 85/2021:2026:DHC:146: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

Gaurav Garg Vs Aly Morani

Gaurav Garg collaborated with Aly Morani and Mohomed Morani in 2008 for Cineyug Films Pvt. Ltd. events creating Cineyug Signature division where he served as Vice President from March 2008 to October 2009 conceptualizing IPL Awards in June 2008 preparing presentations and pitching to IPL officials leading to deferral and his relocation to Delhi in June 2009 with MOU on 05.08.2009 acknowledging contribution and promising credit and remuneration.

But in April 2010 defendants announced event without credit prompting cease and desist and denial claiming plaintiff was employee with no rights.

So plaintiff filed CS(COMM) 200/2018 seeking injunction under Section 57 Copyright Act 1957 punitive damages and accounts with issues framed on 26.04.2012 and plaintiff's evidence closed on 02.05.2019 after delays upheld on appeals. 

The court reasoned plaintiff failed to prove authorship as employee under Section 17(c) vesting copyright in employer absent contrary agreement without producing original work or completing cross-examination rendering documents unproved thus not entitled to special rights under Section 57 or revenue sharing under unproved MOU pertaining to another event with no infringement established. The suit was dismissed without costs.

Legal Point:

Copyright in work created during employment vests in employer under Section 17(c) of Copyright Act 1957 absent contrary agreement, precluding employee's claim to authorship or special rights: Para 31, Para 39.

Non-completion of cross-examination renders evidence inadmissible and unproved: Vidhyadhar v. Manikrao, (1999) 3 SCC 573, Para 27; G. Balaji v. Saravanasamy, 2020 SCC OnLine Mad 9030, Para 27.

Directors not personally liable without specific allegations or privity of contract: Para 14.

Case Title:Gaurav Garg Vs Aly Morani:09.01.2026: CS(COMM) 200/2018:2026:DHC:139:Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]

E.R.Squibb & Sons LLC Vs. Union of India

E.R.Squibb & Sons LLC and Ono Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., holders of Indian Patent IN340060 granted on 31.01.2023 for human monoclonal antibodies to Programmed Death 1 (PD-1) for cancer treatment originating from PCT application filed 02.05.2006, faced post-grant opposition under Section 25(2) of Patents Act 1970 by Zydus Healthcare Limited alleging lack of novelty, inventive step, sufficiency and clarity, leading to Opposition Board's recommendation dated 31.01.2023 favoring revocation without considering patentees' evidence like affidavits from experts Dr. Fife, Sarah Roques, Dr. Feltquate and Dr. Mark or deciding maintainability of opponent's rejoinder under Rules 57-60 of Patents Rules 2003. 

Patentees filed writ petition under Article 226 seeking certiorarified mandamus to quash the recommendation and direct reissuance after proper consideration. 

The court reasoned that the Board's recommendation is merely advisory and not final as per Cipla v. Union of India, patentees can raise all objections including non-consideration of evidence during hearing before Controller under Rule 62 where Controller may accept, reject or reconstitute Board, no prejudice is caused since appeal lies under Section 117A against final order, and thus premature interference is unwarranted rendering the petition not maintainable. The writ petition was dismissed without costs.

Law Point:

Recommendation of Opposition Board under Section 25(3) of Patents Act 1970 is advisory in nature and not a final decision amenable to direct writ challenge, as parties can raise objections during hearing before Controller under Rule 62 of Patents Rules 2003: Cipla Ltd. v. Union of India, (2012) 13 SCC 641, Para 6; Para 30.

Controller must consider all evidence and documents under Rules 57-60 before final decision, but non-consideration by Board does not vitiate process if addressed in hearing, with appeal available under Section 117A: Para 28, Para 30.

Writ petition challenging Opposition Board's recommendation prematurely is not maintainable when statutory remedies like hearing and appeal exist: Para 31.

Case Title:E.R.Squibb & Sons LLC Vs. Union of India:05.01.2026:W.P. No.8451 of 2023: High Court of Judicature at Madras, Name of Judge: Hon'ble Mr. Justice N. Senthilkumar.

[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]  

[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]