Delhi HC Sends ‘Pind Balluchi’ Trademark Fight to Arbitration
The Delhi High Court has referred the longrunning “Pind Balluchi” restaurant trademark row to arbitration, in a suit by JS Hospitality Services against former franchisee Triom Hospitality. Rejecting attempts to stall proceedings on forgery allegations, the court held that questions over the MoU’s authenticity and related disputes must be decided by the arbitral tribunal.
Birkin Bag Shape, Hermès Marks Declared Well-Known in India
In Hermès v. Macky Lifestyle, the Delhi High Court recognised the Birkin bag’s 3D shape and three associated Hermès word and device marks as well-known. Relying on extensive global sales, advertising and consumer recognition, the court strengthened Hermès’ hand against copycat sellers and signalled robust protection for luxury trade dress and brand get-up in India.
Delhi HC Grants Tesla Interim Win Against ‘Tesla Power’
The Delhi High Court has granted Tesla Inc. interim relief against Tesla Power India in a trademark and passing-off suit. Finding a prima facie case of identical marks, overlapping goods and shared consumer base, the court restrained the defendant from using TESLA or variants, and from issuing EV-related statements or branding that could mislead the public.
India Clears First ‘Smell Mark’ for Rose-Scented Tyres
In a landmark decision, the Trade Marks Registry has approved India’s first olfactory trademark for Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ rose-scented tyres. The applicant relied on a seven-dimensional scientific representation to show distinctiveness. The ruling opens the door for non-traditional marks beyond logos, shapes and sounds, encouraging brands to protect signature scents linked to their products.
Madras HC Backs Ilaiyaraaja’s Personality Rights Against Platforms
The Madras High Court has restrained various digital platforms from unauthorised commercial use of composer Ilaiyaraaja’s name, image, voice and AI-generated likeness. Finding prima facie misuse through memes, videos and synthetic content, the court directed that his persona not be exploited without consent, pending final adjudication of the veteran musician’s personality-rights claims.
Delhi HC Orders Obscene Ajay Devgn Deepfakes Pulled Down
Acting on a plea by actor Ajay Devgn, the Delhi High Court has ordered immediate removal of obscene AI-generated videos and posts featuring his likeness. Social-media platforms and unknown creators have been restrained from using his name, image or persona for misleading or commercial purposes, while genuine fan edits and incidental, non-commercial uses remain unaffected.
Delhi HC Keeps Sun Pharma Trademark Suit in Capital
In Sun Pharmaceutical Industries v. Artura Pharmaceuticals, the Delhi High Court rejected Artura’s jurisdiction challenge. The court held that Artura’s online listings, brochures and marketing material accessible in Delhi created a part of the cause of action. The infringement suit will continue in Delhi, with detailed territorial issues to be examined at trial.
Bombay HC Hears Shilpa Shetty Deepfake and Merch Claims
The Bombay High Court is hearing actor Shilpa Shetty’s personality-rights suit against several known and unknown defendants over alleged misuse of her persona in AI-edited images, deepfakes, posters and merchandise. The court is examining potential commercial exploitation and reputational harm, and how far personality rights can be enforced against platforms and anonymous online actors.
Madras HC grants interim injunction, bars makers of Dude from using Ilaiyaraaja’s songs
In Dr. Ilaiyaraaja v. Mythri Movie Makers & Ors., the Madras High Court granted an interim injunction preventing the producers of Dude from using the composer’s songs “Nooru Varsham” and “Karutha Machan” in the film holding there is a prima facie case of unauthorised use and alteration violating his rights. The court restrained any further exhibition or distribution of the infringing content.
Delhi HC Orders Fresh Look at Medilabo Neuro Patent
In Medilabo RFP Inc. v. Controller of Patents, the Delhi High Court set aside refusal of a drug-composition patent for treating neurodegenerative disorders. The court held that the Patent Office ignored amended claims and misapplied the bar on methods of treatment. It ordered a fresh examination and a reasoned decision within six months.
Delhi HC Shields ‘Gaay Chhap’ Detergent From Lookalikes
The Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction in favour of the Gaay Chhap detergent brand against traders using “Gopal Gai Chhap” and similar cow-label marks. Holding the rival marks deceptively similar for soaps and detergents, the court found a strong likelihood of consumer confusion and restrained further use pending final disposal of the suit.
CGPDTM Flags Online IP Solicitation, Calls Public Hearing
The CGPDTM has issued a public notice warning against misleading online IP-service platforms allegedly soliciting work and misrepresenting their status. Citing P.N. Vignesh v. BCI, where the Madras High Court held online solicitation violates the Advocates Act and BCI Rules, the Office has convened a 04 December 2025 public hearing to seek stakeholder views.
Trade Marks Rules Amended, New Code of Conduct for Practitioners
Recent amendments to the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 introduce a statutory Code of Conduct for agents and attorneys, and establish a Disciplinary Committee. The framework details duties to clients, the Registry and peers, and sets procedures for complaints, inquiries, penalties and confidentiality, aiming to promote ethical, diligent and transparent practice before the Trade Marks Office.
Draft Patents Rules Propose Full Discipline Regime for Agents
Draft amendments to the Patents Rules, 2003 propose a comprehensive disciplinary framework for patent agents. A new Sixth Schedule sets out a Code of Conduct, while a Disciplinary Committee of senior officials and experienced agents will handle complaints. Misconduct could attract warnings, censure or removal from the Register, with Form 34 enabling electronic complaint filing.
Beyond Meat Hit With US$38.9 Million Trademark Verdict
A Massachusetts federal jury has ordered Beyond Meat to pay US$38.9 million in damages and disgorged profits to Vegadelphia Foods. The jury found Beyond Meat’s slogans “Great Taste, Plant-Based” and “Plant-Based, Great Taste” infringed Vegadelphia’s registered mark “Where Great Taste Is Plant-Based”, holding that the slogans were misleading and likely to cause consumer confusion.
USPTO Clarifies Rules for AI-Assisted Inventions
The USPTO has issued new guidance on AI-assisted inventions, confirming that only natural persons who conceive the claimed invention can be named as inventors. AI systems are treated as tools, not co-inventors, and no special inventorship test applies to AI-aided work. The Office emphasised that traditional human-inventorship standards remain the governing rule.
Intel Pushes Back on TSMC Trade-Secret Allegations
TSMC has sued former executive Wei-Jen Lo in Taiwan’s Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, accusing him of leaking advanced process-node trade secrets to Intel after rejoining the US chipmaker. Intel has publicly denied the claims, saying it has “no reason to believe” the allegations and stressing strict internal safeguards against third-party confidential information.
Johnny Cash Estate Sues Coca-Cola Over Sound-Alike Voice
The John R. Cash Revocable Trust has sued The Coca-Cola Company in Tennessee, alleging a tribute singer’s voice in a nationwide ad unlawfully imitates Johnny Cash. Relying on Tennessee’s new right-of-publicity statute, the ELVIS Act, the estate claims consumers could think Cash endorsed Coke and seeks damages plus an injunction pulling the commercial.
