India Gate vs Bharat Gate: Delhi High Court Reinforces Protection for Well-Known Trademarks
Introduction In a significant ruling that reaffirms the strength of trademark protection in India, the Delhi High Court has recently ruled in favor of KRBL Limited , the owner of the iconic India Gate rice brand, against Praveen Kumar Buyyani , the proprietor of a competing brand titled Bharat Gate . The case explores fundamental issues of trademark infringement, passing off, and the critical importance of consumer perception in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Background KRBL Limited has been selling premium-quality basmati rice under the registered trademark India Gate since 1993, enjoying widespread recognition in both domestic and international markets. In 2020, Praveen Kumar Buyyani introduced a new brand called Bharat Gate in the economy segment, priced significantly lower than India Gate . The product was sold online and in physical retail outlets, raising concerns about potential confusion among consumers. KRBL alleged that the use of the mark Bharat...