The Delhi High Court upholds the Haldiram trademark’s “well-known” status | Details Inside

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the brand name “Haldiram” and its red oval emblem are “well-known” trademarks, which is a significant win for the behemoth of Indian snacks. This is true for Haldiram’s restaurants and diners, in addition to their culinary goods.

The dispute started when Haldiram sued the owners of “Haldiram Restro Private Ltd,” a company with its headquarters in Haryana. Allegedly, the accused were taking use of the ‘Haldiram Bhujiawala’ trademark to promote goods such as bottled water, ghee, salt, wheat flour, and basmati rice. Haldiram attempted to stop the defendants from using any confusingly similar marks while marketing their goods.

Haldiram requested trademark name protection from the court. The corporation also requested a statement that the Trade Marks Act would accept the “Haldiram” mark and its variants, such as “Haldiram Bhujiawala.”

A ‘well-known’ brand is dynamic by nature, according to Justice Prathiba Singh of the Delhi High Court. “This court believes that the concept of a ‘well-known’ mark is ‘dynamic,'” the speaker said. A recognisable trademark may give goods a unique identity and a guarantee of quality that goes beyond simple location. The plaintiff sells its goods to a wide range of nations, in addition to Asia.

According to this High Court ruling, the owner has the right to stop anybody from registering a trademark or using one that is identical to them, even if they are being used for unrelated products and services. “This kind of dynamism seeks to protect the goodwill and trust that a brand commands among consumers, regardless of geographic boundaries,” the bench said.

Haldiram was granted Rs 50 lakh in damages and Rs 2 lakh in expenses by the High Court. The challenged marks have a misleading similarity to Haldiram’s, and the defendant corporation was permanently prohibited from using them.

The Delhi High Court observed that the ‘Haldiram’ brand, with its roots firmly planted in India’s rich culinary heritage, has become a worldwide force as well as a presence in the country. Judge Singh said that the case offered a “unique scenario” in which Haldiram’s reputation requires a flexible and developing interpretation of territorial rights in the context of changing market dynamics and global connectivity.

The decision made by the Delhi High Court establishes a standard for other businesses looking to defend their trademarks. Additionally, it makes it very evident how crucial it is to maintain a brand’s integrity and reputation in the face of possible infringement.