1983 (9) TMI 327 - HC - Indian Laws

Court grants injunction against defendant for trademark infringement and passing off. Jurisdiction established, delay reasonable.

The court had territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction to entertain the suit. It granted the plaintiffs' application for a temporary injunction, restraining ... - Issues Involved:1. Territorial Jurisdiction2. Pecuniary Jurisdiction3. Interim Injunction for Trademark and Copyright Infringement4. Passing Off5. Delay in Filing the Suit6. Defendant's Defense of Registered Artistic WorkDetailed Analysis:1. Territorial Jurisdiction:The court examined Section 62(2) of the Copyright Act, which states that the territorial jurisdiction for any suit regarding copyright infringement lies where the plaintiff resides, conducts business, or works for gain. The plaintiffs asserted that Plaintiff No. 2 has a registered office in Bombay and a local office in New Delhi. The defendant did not deny the existence of the local office in Delhi. Hence, the court held that it has jurisdiction over the case as the plaintiff is conducting business in Delhi.2. Pecuniary Jurisdiction:The defendant contended that the suit should be filed in the District Court since the value was fixed at Rs. 50,000. However, the court clarified that the total valuation for different reliefs amounted to Rs. 1,00,800, thus falling within the pecuniary jurisdiction of the High Court. Consequently, the court rejected the defendant's application regarding pecuniary jurisdiction.3. Interim Injunction for Trademark and Copyright Infringement:The plaintiffs sought a temporary injunction to restrain the defendant from using deceptively similar cartons and trademarks. The court compared the cartons of both parties and found significant similarities in layout, color, and design, likely to deceive customers. The plaintiffs provided certificates of registration for their trademarks and copyrights, demonstrating infringement by the defendant. The court found that the defendant's cartons were deceptively similar to those of the plaintiffs, indicating infringement of both trademarks and copyrights.4. Passing Off:The court addressed the issue of passing off, where the defendant was accused of selling goods in a manner that could deceive customers into believing they were purchasing the plaintiff's products. The court noted that the plaintiffs had established distinctive features, substantial use, and wide reputation. Although the defendant argued that the plaintiff's sales statement lacked an affidavit, the court found the statements credible and indicative of the plaintiff's established reputation. The court concluded that the defendant was indeed passing off his goods as those of the plaintiff.5. Delay in Filing the Suit:The defendant argued that the plaintiffs delayed filing the suit despite knowing about the alleged infringement since 1980. The court referred to the legal principle that a suit should be brought to trial with reasonable dispatch. It found that the plaintiffs had sent notices to the defendant and filed the suit in November 1982, which was within a reasonable timeframe. The court did not find the delay inordinate or prejudicial to the defendant.6. Defendant's Defense of Registered Artistic Work:The defendant claimed that its carton design was also registered under the Copyright Act. The court clarified that registration of copyright does not confer rights but serves as evidence of the claim. Copyrights vest in the original creator of the work. The court found that the plaintiffs had registered their designs earlier than the defendant, establishing their prior rights. The balance of convenience favored the plaintiffs, as they would suffer irreparable injury if the defendant continued using the deceptively similar cartons.Conclusion:The court held that it had both territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction to entertain the suit. It granted the plaintiffs' application for a temporary injunction, restraining the defendant from manufacturing, selling, or dealing in products with deceptively similar cartons and trademarks. The court found that the defendant was guilty of both infringement and passing off. The delay in filing the suit was not deemed inordinate, and the defendant's defense based on registered artistic work was rejected. The balance of convenience favored the plaintiffs, justifying the injunction to prevent irreparable injury to their business and reputation.