Supreme Court Limits NCLT’s Jurisdiction Over Trademark Ownership
The Supreme Court held that the NCLT cannot adjudicate disputes concerning trademark ownership merely because they arise during CIRP. It clarified that Section 60(5) of the IBC is not a catch-all provision and jurisdiction extends only to issues directly connected with insolvency resolution, leaving standalone IP disputes to competent civil or IP fora.
Madras High Court Upholds ‘NANDINI’ Mark Against Agarbatti Registration
The Madras High Court upheld Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers Federation’s opposition to registration of the ‘NANDINI’ trademark for agarbattis. The Court found deceptive similarity with KMF’s well-known dairy brand and held that use on non-food goods could still cause consumer confusion, reinforcing protection against dilution of established marks.
Delhi High Court Holds English Alphabets Not Capable of Trademark Monopoly
The Delhi High Court rejected a pharmaceutical company’s plea seeking protection over the mark ‘A TO Z’. The Court held that English alphabets are generic and incapable of exclusive ownership under trademark law, observing that allowing monopolisation would unfairly restrict trade and go beyond the statutory framework of the Trade Marks Act.
Delhi High Court Rejects Patent for Worm-Based Cancer Detection Method
The Delhi High Court upheld the Patent Office’s refusal to grant a patent for a cancer detection method using nematodes. The Court ruled that the claimed invention fell within the exclusion under Section 3(i) of the Patents Act, which bars patenting of diagnostic methods practiced on the human body.
Delhi High Court Protects ‘Aaj Tak’ Logo From Infringement
The Delhi High Court granted interim protection to the ‘Aaj Tak’ logo, restraining use of a deceptively similar mark by another entity. The Court recognised the logo’s strong reputation and likelihood of consumer confusion, reaffirming that well-established news media marks merit robust trademark protection against misappropriation.
DPIIT Seeks Stakeholder Inputs on Proposed Amendments to Designs Act, 2000
The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, under DPIIT, has released a concept note outlining proposed amendments to the Designs Act, 2000. Inputs and comments from IP stakeholders have been invited by 22 February 2026, with a stakeholders’ consultation meeting proposed thereafter to deliberate on the reforms.
EUIPO Mandates Multi-Factor Authentication From 16 February 2026
The European Union Intellectual Property Office announced that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will become compulsory for all users accessing the EUIPO User Area starting February 16, 2026, bolstering login security and helping protect accounts and filings against unauthorized access as part of broader credential misuse safeguards.
South Korea Enacts Landmark AI Law, Startups Warn of Compliance Burdens
South Korea’s AI Basic Act took effect, establishing comprehensive requirements for human oversight, clear generative AI labeling and other safeguards as part of the government’s drive to become a global AI leader. Startups cautioned that compliance costs and vague provisions could stifle innovation despite support measures and grace periods.
Estée Lauder Sued by Beauty Tech Startup Over Alleged Theft
Beauty tech start-up Nomi Beauty sued Estée Lauder in Manhattan federal court, alleging the cosmetics giant misappropriated proprietary consumer-preference technology after ending partnership deals. Nomi claims Estée Lauder used the confidential tools to build competing programs that generated “billions” in revenue and effectively undermined its business. The complaint seeks compensatory, punitive and treble damages.
Legal Tech Firm Clio Hit With Countersuit in Trade Secrets Battle
Alexi Technologies filed counterclaims against Clio and Fastcase in Washington, D.C., federal court, accusing them of abusing a trade secrets suit to eliminate competition. Alexi alleges contract breaches, anticompetitive conduct and interference with business relationships, and seeks damages and equitable relief. Clio denies the allegations as baseless.
Novavax and Pfizer Strike Licensing Deal on Vaccine Tech
Novavax signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Pfizer giving the drugmaker access to its Matrix-M adjuvant technology for use in vaccines targeting up to two infectious diseases. Under the deal, Novavax receives a $30 million upfront payment plus up to $500 million in potential milestones and tiered royalties, and Pfizer leads development and commercialization.
Maxim Sues Playboy Over Alleged Copycat Contest
Maxim filed suit in Manhattan federal court against Playboy, alleging the rival magazine copied its “Cover Girl” competition to create a “Great Playmate Search,” using proprietary mechanics and materials learned through alleged deceptive practices. Maxim seeks to stop use of the copied elements and unspecified monetary damages in a dispute highlighting competitive tension in digital modeling contests.
Patagonia Sues Drag Queen Pattie Gonia for Trademark Infringement
Patagonia filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in California federal court against drag performer and activist Pattie Gonia, asserting that use of the name and related logos on apparel risks consumer confusion and dilutes its brand. Patagonia seeks nominal damages and to block further trademark applications and merchandise sales.
