The High Court of Delhi has pronounced a verdict to uphold the Ratan Tata trademark and restrain any third party from unauthorized usage of the industrialist’s name. The court held judicially that Ratan Tata was a celebrity and that his name, as a mark, warranted the suitable scope of law.
The suit was filed by Tata Group and Sir Ratan Tata Trust against the journalist Rajat Srivastava, who happens to be the founder of Delhi Today Group. Srivastava mentioned the “Ratan Tata National Icon Award” for one of his events, where the trademarks “Tata” and “Tata Trusts” also featured in unimpeachable terms. The state found this to be a totally clear case of misrepresentation and infringement.
History of the Case
The case arose because Rajat Srivastava, founder of the Delhi Today Group, advertised an event titled the “Ratan Tata National Icon Award.” Associated with the name of the award was the name used for promoting the event, along with the registered trademarks of Tata and Tata Trusts. Hence, Tata Group and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust moved against Srivastava for unlawful use of their trademarks and the name of Ratan Tata himself.
The plaintiffs, Tata Group and the Trust based their petition on the idea that Ratan Tata’s name has become a trademark in itself, especially intimately associated with the legacy of the Tata Group and its long-lived reputation for trust, integrity, and excellence. The plaintiffs maintained that Ratan Tata’s name may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes without their consent, as doing so would amount to an infringement on their statutory and legal rights.
Court Observations and Findings
Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that Tata is a well-known brand, and the name Ratan Tata is protected under the law as a trademark. The court found that Srivastava had acted in bad faith and has illegally and falsely associated himself with the Tata Group and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust in infringement of their trademarks.
Srivastava’s liability was also appraised on the use of the name made without authorization and was characterized as an attempt to cultivate goodwill for publicity. After the infringement, he disregarded the rights of Tata Group by continuing to hurtfully promote the event. The court stated that Srivastava’s actions misled the public and exploited the reputation of one of India’s most respected business leaders.
Court’s Decisions
Delhi High Court passed an order restraining Rajat Srivastava against the use of the Ratan Tata trademark or any marks associated with it, including “Tata” and “Tata Trusts,” for his event. Moreover, Srivastava was directed to give a formal written undertaking to the court that he would not continue with the event under the unauthorized use of Ratan Tata’s name.
Additionally, the court underlined that Srivastava’s acts have infringed upon the legal rights of the plaintiffs. This was part of the ruling; Tata Group and the Trust wanted more than ₹2 crore under citation because of the damage caused to their public image and the unauthorized exploitation of their trademarks.
Importance of Trademark Protection
This case has given importance to trademark registration and protection, especially for known personalities and trademarks. The verdict also reiterated the fact that trademarks, including personal names with immense goodwill, must be safeguarded against misuse and warned individuals or entities against attempting to capitalize on established names for personal or financial gain.
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.