New Delhi, May 16 (IANS): In a significant legal victory, PhonePe has successfully defended its trademark against M/s Aniket Foods. The dispute, which was brought before the Calcutta High Court, revolved around the unauthorised use of PhonePe’s trademark by Aniket Foods.
On April 10, 2024, the High Court issued an ex-parte injunction in favour of PhonePe, prohibiting Aniket Foods and its associates from manufacturing and selling products bearing the infringed trademark. The court also appointed a Special Officer to inspect Aniket Foods’ premises and inventory the illegal products.
The inspection, conducted on April 19, 2024, uncovered a substantial quantity of products illegally branded with the PhonePe trademark. Following this, Aniket Foods sought an out-of-court settlement, acknowledging PhonePe’s exclusive rights to the trademark.
As part of the settlement, Aniket Foods admitted that PhonePe is the lawful owner of the trademarks under the Trademarks Act, 1999, the Copyright Act, 1957, and common law. They also recognised the trademarks as highly reputed and distinctive, belonging solely and permanently to PhonePe.
‘PhonePe is the prior user of the mark, a unique combination of ‘Phone’ and ‘Pe’,’ stated the court documents. Aniket Foods agreed never to claim any proprietary rights over the PhonePe trademark or any similar marks.
The High Court approved the settlement on May 10, 2024, officially decreeing the suit in favour of PhonePe, reinforcing the company’s exclusive rights and setting a precedent for trademark protection.
