Beverage Company Loses "AMUL" Trademark Battle in Court.
In a major win for India's dairy cooperative giant, a court has ruled in favor of their claim to the iconic "AMUL" trademark. The case involved a challenge to a separate company's registration of "AMUL" for use in beverages like mineral water and fruit drinks.
The court's decision centered on two key arguments from the petitioner, the Amul cooperative society. Firstly, they argued that their "AMUL" trademark held immense reputation and goodwill, extending far beyond just milk products. Secondly, they contested the respondent's claim of using "AMUL" for their beverages since 1957, arguing a lack of evidence.
The court acknowledged the petitioner's strong case. The extensive use of "AMUL" across various product categories and its status as a well-known trademark were recognized. Furthermore, the respondent's failure to provide any proof of using their mark since the claimed date raised a red flag. Additionally, the court pointed out that the Trademark Registrar should have identified the potential conflict with the petitioner's established brand during the application process.
As a result, the court ruled in favor of the petitioner. The respondent's trademark for "AMUL" in the beverage category was ordered to be removed from the register, effectively preventing them from using the name for their products. This decision safeguards the "AMUL" brand and its association with the petitioner, ensuring consumer trust and protection for the legacy of the cooperative society.