On 21st December 2024, a public auction was conducted under the High Court’s supervision, as directed by the Supreme Court. Although RHC Holding Pvt Ltd (a firm linked to the Singh brothers) challenged the auction’s outcome, the High Court dismissed the objections. As a result, Fortis Healthcare secures Fortis trademark, strengthening its legal ownership and brand identity.
This marks the end of a long-standing battle that dates back over 10 years. Now, Fortis Healthcare holds ownership and protection of its brand name in the market.
This dispute of the healthcare brand reflects the tough journey to attain trademark ownership. Moreover, it also highlights the importance of trademark registration for any brand that wants its name recognized by customers to gain long-term success.
The Auction and Fortis Trademark Acquisition
On 21st December 2024, a public auction was conducted under the High Court’s supervision, as asked by the Supreme Court. Although RHC Holding Pvt Ltd (a firm linked to the Singh brothers) challenged the auction’s outcome, the High Court dismissed the objections.
Fortis Healthcare, with a bid deal worth ₹200 crore, received the High Court’s green light in March 2025. It can now proceed with registering the trademark. Also, it can take action against unauthorised usage or any future misuse. The official signing of the sale deed is expected by 16th April.
On a similar note, just as we discussed the Peter England ( you can add a hyperlink here ) case earlier on this platform, other Indian brands like Amul and Bata have fought trademark disputes. This shows that protecting brand names is becoming more important than ever.
Impact of the Fortis Trademark Acquisition on Healthcare’s Growth
With the High Court’s decision in favour of Fortis Healthcare now, the brand has achieved several milestones:
- Fortis Healthcare has secured complete ownership of the ‘Fortis’ trademark. As a result, this empowers the company to safeguard it against unauthorized use or prevent infringement by any third party.
- Moreover, this initiative enables Fortis Healthcare to diversify its services. It can even roll out new products without facing rebranding issues.
- Additionally, the court clarified that Fortis Healthcare will not be liable for any past dues or obligations associated with the previous trademark owners.
Why Every Business Should Prioritize Trademark Registration?
Trademark registration: It plays an important role in preserving a brand’s identity. Also, it eliminates the risk of legal complications down the line. So, the benefits include:
Market trust: Trademark registration builds trust with customers and investors. Especially in the healthcare sector, customers are more likely to trust and buy services from a reputed and registered brand. Isn’t it?
Legal protection: Secure exclusive rights to your brand’s name and logo. Others can’t copy or misuse your brand.
Peace of Mind: Most importantly, through trademark registration, a company ensures that no other business, irrespective of the sector, can legally utilize the same name or logo. Therefore, it prevents future complex and costly disputes.
What is the Risk Associated with Failing to Register Your Brand’s Trademark?
A brand that fails to register its trademark is more open to identity theft. Any company could use your logo or harm your name. Without legal protection, you would have limited options to prevent the third party from damaging your reputation. By registering a trademark, you may protect the identity of your company and increase its market dominance.
Take Away
The Fortis trademark acquisition case highlights the importance of trademark ownership in protecting a company’s identity. Also, are you someone whose brand is facing legal challenges related to identity, or do you want to safeguard your brand’s identity? If so, you can secure it and build a strong reputation among your customers by getting trademark registration with E-startup India.
E-Startup India seeks to help companies register their trademarks and safeguard their brand identities. We also help with company formation, licenses, GST registration, and more. If you want to safeguard your business’s identity from counterfeiting or wrong practices, let E-startup assist you in hassle-free trademark registration.
Moreover, if you need any other guidance relating to trademark infringement, Trademark Registration, Trademark Opposition, Trademark Objections, or Trademark Hearings please feel free to contact our business advisors at 8881-069-069.
Download E-Startup Mobile App and Never miss the latest updates narrating to your business.