In a significant and unusual case unfolding in India’s intellectual property landscape, McPatel Foods Pvt Ltd, a Gujarat-based business, has brought legal action against the multinational fast-food conglomerate McDonald’s Corporation, challenging the latter’s claim of exclusive rights over the prefix “Mc” in India. The dispute not only raises critical questions regarding the scope of trademark...
In a highly competitive marketplace, protecting a trademark goes beyond mere registration. Trademark owners—especially multinational companies—often seek to safeguard their marks even when they are not actively using them in a jurisdiction. Indian trademark law allows registration without immediate use, but it also imposes certain conditions to retain that protection. This article examines how Indian...
In today’s fast-paced and digitally interconnected world, brand reputation and consumer trust can be undermined instantly through unauthorized use or infringement of trademarks. In India, where brand piracy and counterfeiting are significant challenges, building a cost-effective trademark watch and enforcement strategy is essential for any business seeking long-term protection of its intellectual property (IP). This...
Introduction The Delhi High Court’s decision in Haldiram India Pvt. Ltd. v. Berachah Sales Corp. & Ors. stands as a defining moment in Indian trademark protection jurisprudence. The Court not only protected a leading Indian brand from infringement but also formally recognized HALDIRAM as a “well-known trademark” under Section 2(1)(zg) of the Trademarks Act, 1999....
In a landmark judgment that has sent ripples across the Indian e-commerce and intellectual property (IP) landscape, the Delhi High Court has imposed a hefty fine of ₹340 crore on Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd. for trademark infringement. The case, filed by BHPC Associates LLC, owner of the globally recognized fashion brand Beverly Hills Polo...
Trademark protection plays a vital role in safeguarding brand identity, promoting fair competition, and preventing consumer confusion. While the GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council)—including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar—share common goals for intellectual property (IP) development and have even adopted the GCC Trademark Law framework, each jurisdiction maintains distinct local procedures and nuances. This...
When registering a trademark in Saudi Arabia, one of the most crucial decisions a business owner or brand representative must make is selecting the correct trademark class. This decision directly affects the scope of protection your trademark will receive and can have long-term legal and commercial consequences if done incorrectly. In this article, we will...
Saudi Arabia, as the largest economy in the Middle East, offers an attractive and fast-growing market for businesses aiming to expand their brands through trademark licensing and franchising. However, businesses must navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape governed by the Saudi Trademark Law, Franchise Law, and various Ministry of Commerce (MoC) regulations to...
In an era where counterfeit goods increasingly threaten global supply chains, Customs IP Recordal emerges as a critical tool in the intellectual property enforcement toolkit. For businesses operating in or exporting to Saudi Arabia, understanding the recordal process with the Saudi Customs Authority is essential to effectively protect trademarks and combat infringement at the border. ...
In the past decade, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a dramatic transformation that transcends infrastructure, energy, and finance. One of the most remarkable shifts has been in the realm of intellectual property (IP), especially copyright protection. As part of the broader Vision 2030 framework, the Kingdom has actively strengthened its legal and regulatory...
