Sharad Vadehra, Rachana Bishnoi, Daksh Oberoi

July 18, 2025
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MS Dhoni’s Quest to Trademark “Captain Cool”

In June 2023, legendary former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni took a significant step by filing a trademark application for his well-known nickname, “Captain Cool.” The application was submitted by Rithi Sports Management Pvt Ltd, a company associated with Dhoni, to the Trade Marks Registry. The mark was filed under Class 41, which covers […]

July 18, 2025
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Delhi High Court Stays Multimillion Dollar Decree against Amazon

Introduction On July 1, 2025, the Delhi High Court passed a significant order 1staying the execution of a ₹336 crore (approx. USD 38.8 million) decree awarded against Amazon Technologies Inc. in a trademark infringement suit initiated by Lifestyle Equities CV and Lifestyle Licensing BV—entities associated with the Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC) brand. This stay […]

June 20, 2025
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Policy over Popularity: A New Lens on Well-Known Trade Marks in India

Introduction On June 10, 2025, in TikTok Limited v. Registrar of Trade Marks , the Bombay High Court made a significant ruling, backing the Registrar of Trade Marks’ decision to deny the registered mark “TikTok” the status of a “well-known mark” under Indian Trademark Act. The court’s decision to uphold this refusal is particularly noteworthy […]

May 20, 2025
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Supreme Court Clarifies Copyright Vs Design Law

A recent decision by the Supreme Court of India in Cryogas Equipment Pvt. Ltd. v. Inox India Ltd. sheds light on a long standing ambiguity in intellectual property (IP) law: can technical engineering drawings used in manufacturing can be protected under copyright law, or whether they fall under design law instead? Background In 2018, Inox […]

May 12, 2025
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Trademark Lanscape 2023-24: Progress, Challenges and the Road Ahead

Trademarks in India are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and administered through the Trade Marks Registry under the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). Each year, the CGPDTM publishes a comprehensive Annual Report, offering key insights into the operational health of the trademark system. The 2023–24 Annual […]

May 6, 2025
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Bombay High Court Upholds Karan Johar’s Personality Rights

Bombay High Court Upholds Karan Johar’s Personality Rights Introduction The Bombay High Court recently reinforced personality and publicity rights in India by granting relief to filmmaker Karan Johar against the producers of a film titled “Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar”. The Court held that the unauthorized use of Johar’s name and persona constituted a […]

April 15, 2025
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Delhi High Court Declares “TAJ” a Well-Known Trademark

In The Indian Hotels Company Limited v. Gaurav Roy Bhatt & Anr,1 the Delhi High Court formally acknowledged “TAJ” as a well-known trademark in the hospitality sector under Section 2(1)(zg) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Here is a clear look at the case, its background, and what it means for the Taj brand and […]

March 19, 2025
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Concept of Intermediary Liability in Trademark Infringement

Introduction The case of Lifestyle Equities CV & Anr. v. Amazon Technologies, Inc. & Ors1.represents a significant milestone in Indian trademark law, particularly concerningintermediary liability in the digital age. The dispute arose when Lifestyle Equities CV,owner of the “Beverly Hills Polo Club” (BHPC) mark, alleged that Amazon facilitated thesale of products bearing a deceptively similar […]

January 28, 2025
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Well Known Trademarks in India

In today’s globalized economy, trademarks are essential for distinguishing products and services, while also serving as valuable assets for businesses. Among the different categories of trademarks, well-known trademarks hold a unique position. These marks are widely recognized and have gained significant reputation, often crossing national borders. Indian trademark law offers exceptional protection to well-known trademarks, […]

December 2, 2024
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Trans-Border Reputation of Trademarks

Introduction In today’s globalized economy, a trademark can transcend borders, influencing consumer choices worldwide. Yet, when it comes to legal protection, does a trademark’s global reputation hold weight in a specific jurisdiction? Indian courts have grappled with this question in landmark cases over the years. A trademark is any word, name, symbol, or design that […]