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What was the PayPal vs. Paytm trademark case?
Since the dawn of globalisation, the Indian economy had witnessed numerous tailbacks in attaining conformity to the demands of the tremendously growing digitalized world economy. By and large, the economy is now speedily adapting to the digitalisation era, thanks to a number of e-wallets thriving on the web.
2 years from now, the whole nation was bewildered by the demonetization move of the government. It was high time that Indian small businesses would now overcome the problem of cash crunch with smarter online transaction modes. The need of cashless economy was now felt nationwide. One Entity that helped millions of Indians to beat the demonetization blues was Paytm. In the recent years, Paytm has emerged as the most sought-after alternative modes for cashless transactions, as it is the easiest known online cash wallets. Besides, a Paytm app is an essential feature of every smartphone these days.
However, aggrandizing role of Paytm during the demonetization days was accompanied by a grave controversy over the infringement of Trademark Registration rules brewed up by its archrival PayPal.
#1. What was the Paytm v/s. PayPal controversy?
Almost a week after the demonetization move, the international e-commerce giant PayPal had filed an objection against Paytm regarding the unlawful usage of logo identical to PayPal’s logo.
#2. How did the Paytm v/s. PayPal controversy began?
The brawl over the trademark violation had begun on 18th November 2016 when PayPal Inc. had filed a petition against Paytm stating that the owners of Paytm have used the logo that is strikingly similar to theirs. PayPal is a US-based e-payment portal that was founded way back in 1998, much before Paytm entered the scene. Ever since it has been providing online transactions services across the globe.
Interestingly, both Paytm and PayPal have been the fellow market players for more than a decade. It is only after the popularity of Paytm during the demonetization era that PayPal filed an objection against Paytm for initiating its name & logo.
#3. What is the reason behind PayPal’s take against Paytm?
On a cursory glance at both the logos, one can notice different aspects that denote the utmost resemblance between them. Here are some of those salient features:-
- Both the brand names begin with the same word ‘Pay’.
- The logos of both companies use the same colour combination. In fact, it's very easy to get mystified by the 2 logos.
- Moreover, both the entities deal with the same type of business activity i.e. online payments and transactions, which further widens the conflict between the 2 parties in question.
#4. What do we learn from the case of trademark violation by Paytm?
Whatsoever be the scenario, the case of violation of Trademark Registration rules by Paytm give a lesson for all the startup entrants who wish to outshine their competitors with a novel idea.
Here are a few directives that one must not overlook while Trademark Registration process:
- While undergoing the process of company formation, always go for a Trademark search.
- The process of Trademark search should begin before the company name approval process.
- As the competition is increasing with the emergence of numerous brand names, it is important to get your brand name registered through the Trademark application process.
#5. How to do the Trademark search?
The process of the Trademark search is done by checking for likeness or resemblance of the name of your company or brand with those of the existing trademarks that have been already applied or registered.
If you need any other guidance regarding online Trademark Registration, feel free to contact us at 8881-069-069.
