In the changing landscape of business and branding, trademarks are essential tools in protecting the identity and reputation of a business. Trademarks are more than just logos or names—they are trust, quality, and differentiating value in the marketplace. Trademark disputes can arise, especially between two businesses operating in the same space or industry. One question often raised, however, is: Can a trademark registrant commence a lawsuit against a second registrant, on the basis of trademark infringement, even after a trademark office has already granted a second mark? Through this, we explore a complicated area of law, including identifying relevant parts of Indian law and providing business insights in the process.
Understanding Trademark Infringement
Before discussing the intricacies of this question, it is important to first understand the mechanics of trademark infringement. Under the Indian context (specifically), trademark infringement occurs when a party use an identical or deceptively similar mark to a registered trademark, owned or procured by another entity, and in relation to goods or services to which the trademark is registered or noted, without the consent of the trademark owner. The nature of the law governing trademark infringement in India is primarily found under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. In that Act, infringement and passing off are addressed in sections 29 and 30, respectively.
The Elements of Trademark Infringement in India
1. Registered Trademark: The plaintiff must have a valid trademark that is duly registered.
2. Identical or Similar Mark: The impugned or alleged infringing mark must be identical or deceptively similar to the registered mark.
3. Likelihood of Confusion: There must be a reasonable likelihood of confusion on the part of the consumer, as to the two marks.
4. Unauthorized Use: The infringer must use the impugned mark without consent of the infringer (in relation to trade or business).
These elements together are an important benchmark to action a legal claim for trademark infringement in India.
What Happens When the Trademark Office Approves a Second Trademark?
An often-held belief by businesses is that once the trademark office approves or registers a second mark that is similar to one in use, the original trademark holder can no longer challenge it. This is a misconception.
Trademark Office Approval vs. Legal Rights
Issuing a trademark registration is simply a government formalization that the mark may co-exist in the marketplace with other registered marks based on classification, use, and many other legal factors. Ownership of a trademark does not automatically eliminate the right of one party to dispute or challenge the ownership of another. Owning a trademark registration does not eliminate even the original trademark holder’s ability to enforce their trademark rights.
The warrant of a second mark may arise in scenarios such as:
• The products or services are in different class, which lessen the likelihood of confusion.
• The application for the second trademark did not sufficiently overlap with other reports in the method of trade or geographic use.
• Clear mistake or failure to examine.
Therefore, just because a mark is registered does not immunize the individual from the likelihood to be involved in litigation of an alleged trademark infringement.
What Does Section 29 of the Trade Marks Act Say About Infringement?
Section 29 of the trademark infringement section clearly states that the owner of a registered trademark has an exclusive right to use that mark and prohibit others from using:
1. an identical mark on the identical goods/services; and
2. a deceptively similar mark to the registered trademark on related or identical goods/services.
It should be noted that the registered trademark owner may still have rights to make a legal claim even if a second trademark is registered if the second mark causes confusion among consumers or diminishes the good will of the original brand.
Registration of a Trademark Does Not Automatically Grant Absolute Rights
Some businesses errantly believe that a trademark registration offers blanket protection from any legal claim. Trademark registration does not conclude the inquiry in all cases. The trademark office assesses applications based first and foremost on distinctiveness and similarity compared to other trademarks, as well as a likelihood of confusion and other practical considerations. In some situations, for various procedural or administrative reasons, the trademark office may approve a trademark that is almost identical to a previously registered trademark. In such a circumstance, the registration of the second mark does not protect the owner from any claims of infringement.
Can the Holder Sue for Infringement?
The response is in the affirmative. In India, the holder of the first trademark can sue for trademark infringement, regardless of subsequent registration by the trademark office. Any such infringement may only be an issue if the new mark is identical or deceptively similar to the first mark.
Relevant Legal Provisions:
1.Trade Marks Act, 1999, Section 29:
Unauthorized use of a mark being identical or deceptively similar in relation to goods or services to a registered mark in India is prohibited under the law. Section 29 serves as the legal basis for an infringement suit.
2. Trade Marks Act, 1999, Section 30:
With regards to defense against infringement, concurrent use is recognized but will be interpreted narrowly. The mere fact that a registration of a second mark has occurred does not mean that a user is not liable to infringement.
Judicial Precedent
Indian courts have stressed on multiple occasions that even trademark registration does not give an unqualified right to use a mark that conflicts with an existing trademark. Some obvious examples are:
• In the case of Cadila Healthcare Ltd. vs. Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., the Supreme Court stated that if two trademarks are sufficiently similar, it is very possible that consumers may be confused and the older owner of the trademark has every right to assert infringement.
• Courts have been very forthright in providing that the determining issue is not registration, but the likelihood of confusion in the minds of the public.
This means that businesses should be careful even when they 'think' they have the legal registration of a mark.
Key Legal Provisions: Trademark Infringement Section in India
The relevant parts of trademark infringement we will discuss here are:
Section 29 - Infringement of the Registered Trademark
Section 29 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, deals with the unauthorized use of a registered trademark. A registered trademark is infringed when a person:
• Uses an identical mark on identical goods and services.
• Uses a mark which is deceptively similar to a registered mark.
• Uses a mark in a way that would confuse, deceive, or mislead consumers.
Section 29 is an important section because it is unrelated to the registration status of a second mark. The focus in Section 29 is determined by the potential for confusion and infringement of the rights of the owner of the original trademark.
Section 30 - Rights of the Registered Owner
Section 30 protects the rights of a registered trademark owner by giving the owner the exclusive right to use it. The owner can hold an infringement a third-party account for using a similar or identical mark, regardless of being able to establish prior registration.
Section 104 - Civil Remedies for Trademark Infringement
Under section 104 trademarks owners can seek civil remedies, including:
• An injunction to restrain the infringer from further use of the mark;
• Damages or an account of profits earned by the infringer; and
• Delivery or destruction of goods that are the subject of the infringement.
This indicates it is still within the original trademark owner's rights to bring an action claiming infringement, and seek remedies under the law, even though the Trademark Office has allowed a second registration of a mark.
When a Second Trademark Is Registered
It is essential to note that just because the Trademark Office has registered a second mark, it does not mean there is a complete free-pass for the second mark holder to use that mark without considering possible infringement of another existing mark. The registry considers applications as to their formalities and issues some limited preliminary examination to determine if marks are similar enough for the application to be rejected. However, if a dispute arises between a holder of a new mark and an existing similar mark, the Trademark Office has no capability to determine the likelihood of confusion between the two parties.
The registration of a second trademark can sometimes occur because of:
• Differences in the goods or services covered under the mark
• At the time of examination, the mark was not found to be confusingly similar
• The examiner did not conduct a comprehensive search for similar marks or did not completely understand the marketspace with similarity mark research
A mark does not come with a complete free pass to the IPR of a holder of similar existing trademark rights, regardless of whether another mark has been registered.
Case Laws Illustrating Trademark Infringement in India
Multiple judgments across India reaffirm the position that even a registered trademark owner can bring a claim for infringement, even if the subsequent mark is also registered.
1.Cadila Health Care Ltd vs. Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd (2001).
The Supreme Court of India determined that the treatment of a registered trademark or an unregistered trademark fueled by registration subsequently will most likely be deceptively similar and thus be capable of infringing one another pending facts or circumstances. The court stated that where the existing trademark generates consumer confusion, the registration will not be a material fact.
2. ITC Ltd vs. Punchgini Inc. (2008).
The Delhi High Court determined that a registered trademark by the Trademark Office did not take away any rights from the prior owner of the mark. A court of law can provide relief to safeguard against consumer confusion or unfair competition.
These cases establish that registration alone does not shield against infringement claims, reinforcing the rights of the original trademark holder.
Practical Implications for Businesses
It’s important that business owners, brand managers and entrepreneurs understand this principle, and here’s why:
1.Trademark Registration Doesn't Equal Absolute Safety.
There is an assumption that once a trademark is registered, the owner can use that trademark freely. Trademark registration is a conditional protection and just because it is registered does not mean there are no prior rights who may claim infringement.
2. Risk of Litigation.
Ignoring the rights of previously registered trademarks can create unnecessary financial burdens to the business owner. The business owner may be forced to litigation against them and pursue damages or injunctions. The business owner may even have to file a trademark infringement lawsuit on their own behalf to protect their brand.
3. Trademark Clearance Searches Matter.
Business owner can complete a comprehensive clearance search before they register or use a new trade mark. However, working with legal professionals providing trademark infringement services can help mask potential infringing risks and provide resolution advice for coexistence or redesign.
4. Engage Legal Services.
Engaging a professional trademark infringement service, a business owner can feel assured they know and understand their rights and obligations under the Trade Marks Act, and be less exposed to the risk of infringement.
Steps to Take If Your Trademark Is Infringed
If you suspect infringement, the following steps are typically recommended:
Prompt action is critical, as delayed enforcement may weaken the legal position.
Common Myths About Trademark Registration and Infringement
1.Myth: Registration permits endless use of the trademark, once registered.
Fact: Registration provides protection, but does not cover another user, who used the mark before registration, from claiming infringement.
2. Myth: Similar marks in separate classes will always be safe.
Fact: The courts will consider whether there is an overlapping market, consumer confusion, and trade channels.
3. Myth: The trademark office will sort everything out.
Fact: The trademark office may grant registration, but whenever there is infringement, it will typically require court involvement.
Legal Remedies for Trademark Infringement
If a trademark owner believes that their mark is being infringed upon, the following remedies are available under the trademark infringement section:
1. Injunctions – A court can issue a temporary or permanent injunction to prevent the alleged infringer from using the trademark.
2. Damages or Account of Profits – You can seek damages for losses that were caused by the infringement.
3. Destruction of goods with the infringing trademark – The court can provide an order for a removal of goods from commerce and/or order the destruction of goods bearing the infringing mark.
4. Criminal Remedies – For cases related to counterfeit goods, the burden of damages can also be accomplished by criminal action.
These remedies are important for every business to be able to protect its intellectual property and brand reputation.
Conclusion
In summary, the possession of a registered trademark does not prevent a legal claim for infringement of that trademark, even if the trademark office issues a second mark. The Indian statutory law, especially section 29 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, provides the original trademark holder with rights to prevent unauthorized use that would be likely to confuse ordinary consumers. It is imperative that businesses understand that registration is a necessary but incomplete measure of protection. Conducting formal clearance searches, using professional trademark infringement services, and taking an active role in enforcement are all critical components of securing long-term and effective brand protection. Disputes over trademarks are not simply legal disputes, they are disputes about the identity, goodwill and trust that the brand has built in the marketplace
FAQs
Q1. Can I sue for trademark infringement if the other party’s mark is registered? Yes. Registration of a mark does not provide absolute immunity. If the mark is identical or deceptively similar to your prior registered mark, you can file a claim under Section 29 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Q2. What constitutes trademark infringement in India? Trademark infringement occurs when a mark identical or deceptively similar to a registered trademark is used without consent, causing confusion among consumers.
Q3. Does the trademark office resolve all conflicts? No. While the office examines and registers trademarks, infringement disputes often require court intervention.
Q4. What remedies are available in trademark infringement cases? Remedies may include injunctions to stop use, monetary damages, and accounts of profits earned from the infringing mark.
Q5. How can professional services help in trademark infringement cases? Professional trademark infringement services assist in evaluating risks, drafting notices, filing lawsuits, and ensuring compliance with Indian trademark law, thereby protecting your brand effectively.
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