Skip to main content

Tata Sons Limited, the registered proprietor of the TATA mark, had initiated proceedings against the defendants who were manufacturing and selling bags and suitcases under the mark TATA-L.

Based on the evidence and upon seizure of a substantial amount of infringing products by the Local Commissioner, the court granted an injunction against the defendants.

In a claim set up by Defendant No.1 regarding his non-involvement in the manufacturing business of Defendant Nos 2 to 4, the court took note of the fact that the Commissioners had found infringing goods at the premises of Defendant No.2, where Defendant No.1 was also present.

Convinced of efforts to evade liability, the court observed, “From the seizure of the goods by the Commissioner appointed by this court including from the premises of Defendant No.1, it is quite clear that the Defendant No.1 has indeed been engaged in selling and marketing the [infringing] goods”.

Furthermore, “…the person who had applied for trademark registration is admitted to be the brother of the Defendant No. 1, it is clear that the Defendant No. 1 is in collusion with his brother…the manufacturing indeed has been done by the brother of the Defendant No. 1”.

On the basis of such conduct, the court assessed Tata to be entitled to damages. It passed a decree of permanent injunction and awarded costs totalling about Rs.8 lakhs, towards damages and legal costs.

Tata Sons Limited v. Mohammad Zafir & Ors; before the Delhi High Court; order dated 17.01.2018

Most Recent

News & Insights

VIEW ALL
News & Updates, Thought Leadership
May 06, 2026

First published by Lexology. Authors: Safir Anand and Rashi Chandhoke In recent years, the intellectual property (IP) ecosystem has undergone a significant

India Waives IP Filing Fees for Sports Sector
News & Updates, Thought Leadership
Apr 30, 2026

‘First published on India Business Law Journal’ By: Pravin Anand and Prachi Agarwal The concept of a family of marks in the context of the Trademark

‘Family of marks’ doctrine in India
News & Updates, Thought Leadership
Mar 18, 2026

First published by Lexology. Authors: Safir Anand and Sehr Anand Intellectual property Design protection Which IP rights are applicable to fashion designs?

Snapshot: intellectual property for fashion goods in India
News & Updates, Thought Leadership
Mar 16, 2026

‘First published on Asia IP’ By: Ritika Ahuja Patents in India are governed by the Patents Act, 1970. A patent is a statutory right granted to the

When does public display become prior art: Anticipation under the Patents Act, 1970