Full Text
CS(COMM) 229/2018 & I.A. 25273/2023
BURGER KING COMPANY LLC ..... Plaintiff
Through: Mr. Raunaq Kamath, Mr. Aditya Gupta, Mr. Mukul Kochhar, Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Advs.
Through: Mr Raghav Bhalla, Advs.
JUDGMENT
1. This hearing has been done through hybrid mode. I.A. 25273/2023 (to clarify judgment dt 29/11/2023) in CS(COMM)- 229/2018
2. This is an application filed by the Plaintiff seeking correction of the Annexure A attached to the judgment dated 29th November, 2023. Ld. Counsel for the Plaintiff submits that some errors have crept in owing to the non-explanation by the Plaintiff in the chart properly.
3. Accordingly, Document 2 attached to the application shall now be read as the Annexure A to the judgment dated 29th November, 2023.
4. The judgment with the new Annexure shall now be uploaded as corrigendum to the order dated 29th November, 2023.
5. Ld. Counsel for the Defendants have no objection to the same.
6. Application is disposed of.
PRATHIBA M. SINGH, J. DECEMBER 15, 2023 dj/ks C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected $~1 to 4 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI [corrigendum as per order dated 15th December, 2023] Date of Decision:-29th November, 2023. + C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & I.A. 10228/2022 BURGER KING COMPANY LLC..... Petitioner Through: Mr. Raunaq Kamath, Mr. Aditya Gupta, Mr. Mukul Kochhar, Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Advs. (M.
9873941450)
VERSUS
VIRENDRA KUMAR GUPTA & ANR...... Respondents Through: Mr. Shailen Bhatia & Mr Raghav Bhalla, Advs. Mr. Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, CGSC, with Mr. Srish Kumar Mishra, Mr. Alexander Mathai Paikaday, Mr. Krishnan V. Advs. (M. 9810788606) 2 WITH + CS(COMM) 229/2018, I.As. 16492/2019 & 10536/2022 BURGER KING COMPANY LLC..... Plaintiff Through: Mr. Raunaq Kamath, Mr. Aditya Gupta, Mr. Mukul Kochhar, Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Advs.
VERSUS
RANJANA GUPTA & ORS..... Defendants Through: Mr. Shailen Bhatia & Mr Raghav Bhalla, Advs. 3 WITH + C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 709/2022 & I.A. 11582/2022 BURGER KING COMPANY LLC..... Petitioner Through: Mr. Raunaq Kamath, Mr. Aditya Gupta, Mr. Mukul Kochhar, Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Advs.
VERSUS
VIRENDRA KUMAR GUPTA & ANR...... Respondents C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected Through: Mr. Shailen Bhatia & Mr Raghav Bhalla, Advs. Mr. Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, CGSC, with Mr. Srish Kumar Mishra, Mr. Alexander Mathai Paikaday, Mr. Krishnan V. Advs. (M. 9810788606) 4 AND + C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 710/2022 & I.A. 11586/2022 BURGER KING COMPANY LLC..... Petitioner Through: Mr. Raunaq Kamath, Mr. Aditya Gupta, Mr. Mukul Kochhar, Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Advs.
VERSUS
VIRENDRA KUMAR GUPTA & ANR...... Respondents Through: Mr. Shailen Bhatia & Mr Raghav Bhalla, Advs. Mr. Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, CGSC, with Mr. Srish Kumar Mishra, Mr. Alexander Mathai Paikaday, Mr. Krishnan V. Advs. (M. 9810788606) CORAM: JUSTICE PRATHIBA M. SINGH Prathiba M. Singh, J. (Oral)
1. This hearing has been done through hybrid mode.
2. These are three cancellation petitions under Section 57 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and a suit under Section 134 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 filed by Burger King Company LLC against Defendant No.1- Ms. Ranjana Gupta, Defendant No.2- Mr. Virendra Kumar Gupta and Defendant No. 3- M/s Burger King (hereinafter, ‘the Defendants’). The Defendants were operating under the name and trading style of “Burger King Family Restaurant”. The litigation between the parties has a long and checkered C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected history.
3. In addition to the relief of permanent injunction against the Defendants, in CS(COMM) 229/2018, Burger King Company LLC also prays for declaration of the mark ‘BURGER KING’ as a well-known mark under Section 2(1)(zg) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, as per paragraph 38 (e) of the prayer clause in the plaint. Declaration as a ‘Well-Known’ Mark
4. The Plaintiff- Burger King Company LLC is the proprietor of the mark ‘BURGER KING’, which it had adopted in the year 1954, and has expanded over the years to more than 100 countries. The Plaintiff avers that it owns over 4000 trade mark and service mark applications across the world. The Plaintiff first became the registered proprietor of the mark ‘BURGER KING’ in India in the year 1989. The sales of the Plaintiff for the mark ‘BURGER KING’ worldwide is stated to be more than 23,000 million dollars and a substantial amount of 960 million dollars has also been invested for promotional and advertising purposes.
5. The Plaintiff claims to operate more than 400 ‘BURGER KING’ outlets in India. It is stated that the Plaintiff has a chain of 13,000 fast foods restraunts in around 92 countries. It operates its business through the domain name www.bk.com and www.burgerking.com, holding registrations since the year 1994. It claims to have 350 domain name registrations in its name for different regions. The registered trade marks of the Plaintiff for the mark ‘BURGER KING’ in India are set out below: C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected
6. It is further averred that the Plaintiff’s rights in the ‘BURGER KING’ mark have been recognized through various suits i.e., CS (COMM) 303/2022 titled ‘Burger King Corporation v. Swapnil’, CS (COMM) 1662/2016 titled Burger King Corporation v. Michel David & Ors., CS (COMM) 1654/2016 titled Burger King Corporation v. Ali Akbar & Ors., etc. C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected
7. Reliance is placed upon Hermes International v. Crimzon Fashion Accessories Pvt. Ltd. [2023 SCC OnLine 883], wherein the factors outlined by the Co-ordinate Bench under Section 11(6) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, would be relevant for declaring the mark as well-known, are as follows: “(i) The knowledge or recognition of that trademark in the relevant section of the public, including knowledge in India obtained as a result of promotion of the trademark.
(ii) The duration, extent, and geographical area of any use of that trademark.
(iii) The duration, extent, and geographical area of any promotion of the trademark, including advertising or publicity and presentation, at fairs or exhibition of the goods or services to which the trademark applies.
(iv) The duration and geographical area of any registration of, or any application for registration of that trademark under the Trademarks Act to the extent that they reflect the use or recognition of the trademark.
(v) The record of successful enforcement of the rights in that trade mark, in particular the extent to which the trade mark has been recognised as a well-known trade mark by any court or Registrar under that record.”
8. Further, this Court in Disruptive Health Solutions v. Registrar of Trade Marks [C.A. (COMM.IPD-TM)] 133/2022, decision dated 8th July 2022] discussed test of distinctiveness of trade marks. The relevant extract of the said decision is as follows:
9. On the strength of averments in the plaint, and the documents placed on record, and the reputation of the ‘BURGER KING’ mark, it is clear that it should acquire a ‘well-known’ status. The mark has acquired a secondary meaning in respect of burgers, keeping in mind the extent of usage of the said device mark for the said purposes. Therefore, the ‘BURGER KING’ mark and its variations deserve to be protected.
10. In the year 2011, the Plaintiff came to know about the Defendants mark bearing registration numbers 2052257, 2052256, 2052255 in class 43, 30 and 29 respectively. It is averred that the Defendants in the present case had started using the mark ‘BURGER KING’ both as a part of the trading style and as a mark which led to the filing of CS(COMM) 229/2018. It is claimed that the Defendants also operates its business through the website with the domain name www.burgerkingfamilyrestaurant.com.
11. A cease and desist notice was sent to the Defendants by the Plaintiff’s in November, 2011. The Plaintiff’s again sent a letter dated 2nd April, 2013, C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected as per which an additional 6 months’ time was given to phase out any residual usage of the products bearing the trade mark/name ‘BURGER KING’, but the same was never replied to.
12. Thereafter a suit CS (OS) No. 2200 of 2014 was filed by the Plaintiff against the Defendants, which was later renumbered as CS(COMM) 229 of
2018. Initially, an ex parte order of injunction was granted against the Defendants on 25th July, 2014, in the following terms: “I have heard counsel for the plaintiff and perused the plaint, application and the supporting documents. I am satisfied that this is a fit case for grant of ex parte ad interim injunction. Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, defendants, their servants, agents, distributors, stockists and representatives are restrained from using the trademark 'BURGER KING' or any other deceptively similar trade mark.”
13. Thereafter the matter was referred to mediation, however the mediation was unsuccessful. The Defendants filed their written statement and claimed prior use of the mark ‘Burger King’ since 1970. It was also stated that the Defendant No.2 was using the firm name ‘BURGER EMPEROR’ and ‘Burger King Family Restaurant’. The Defendants also attempted to give an explanation for use of the mark ‘BURGER EMPEROR’ claiming derivation of the word ‘BURGER’ from the names of the family members.
14. After hearing detailed submissions, the injunction application was decided by a detailed judgment on 24th September, 2018. The Court noticed that the Defendants had adopted an almost identical logo and an identical mark as that of the Plaintiff. It was also observed that the Defendants website with the domain name www.burgerkingfamilyrestaurant.com shows C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected the manner of use of the mark is absolutely identical and a complete imitation of the Plaintiff’s mark and logo. The reputation and the goodwill of the Plaintiff was also recorded. The competing logos which were being used are set out below: Plaintiff’s Trade Mark and Logo Defendants' Trade Mark and Logo BURGER KING BURGER KING
15. In the said decision, the Defendants had also placed on record various invoices which they claim dated back to the year 1970 to show use of the mark ‘BURGER KING’. However, the Court had come to a conclusion that though the Defendants had obtained various trademark registrations, copyright registrations and user invoices etc. the claim of user since the year 1970 was to be established at trial.
16. The Court observed that there was an uncanny resemblance between the two logos of the parties and had accordingly, directed that the Defendants shall stand restrained from using the mark ‘BURGER KING’ as also the infringing logo. However, in the operative portion it was observation that the Defendants had adopted the mark ‘BURGER C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected EMPEROR’ and had applied for the registration of the same. The Court had then permitted the Defendants to use the name/mark ‘BURGER EMPEROR’. The relevant portion of the said judgment is set out below:
17. The above judgment has been challenged by the Defendants in FA(OS)(COMM) 276/2018. The said appeal is stated to be pending. It is to be noted that the Plaintiff had not challenged the said judgment and as on date, therefore, as per ld. Counsel for the defendants, they are using the mark ‘BURGER EMPEROR’. C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected
18. The Defendant’s filed an application under Section 124 of Trade Marks Act,1999, raising an issue as to the validity of the Plaintiff’s marks ‘BURGER KING’.
19. It was the case of the Defendants that the Plaintiff has not used the said mark and neither had the intention to do so at the time of filing of the present suit, and had, thus, claimed that the marks of the Plaintiff were prima facie liable to be cancelled/rectified. The Plaintiffs submitted that the Court has to be satisfied that the plea regarding the invalidity of registration of the trademark is prima facie tenable, in view of sub clause (b) (ii) of Section 124(1) of the Act.
20. The Court observed that pre-launch and preparatory activities before the launch of the product would amount to ‘use’ under the Act and as the Plaintiff’s had entered into an agreement for supply of glass bottles in respect of its trade mark the same will fall under the category of ‘use’. In addition, it was argued by the Defendants that the mark ‘BURGER KING’ is a generic mark and common to the trade, therefore the same cannot be registered.
21. This stand of the Defendants was considered by the ld. Single Judge in a decision dated 6th March, 2023 where the ld. Single Judge arrived at the finding that the Defendants themselves had sought registrations of the said marks and are therefore estopped from taking the plea that the trademark ‘BURGER KING’ is generic.
22. The plea of the Defendants that the mark ‘BURGER KING’ is prima facie liable to be cancelled was, thus, rejected by the ld. Single Judge. The observations in the said order are as under: “30. A perusal of the trademark applications of the C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected defendants shows that the defendants have themselves sought for registration of the said marks and therefore, in light of the dicta of the aforesaid judgments, the defendants are estopped from taking a plea that the trademark BURGER KING is generic and common to trade. Therefore, reliance placed on behalf of the defendants on National Bell (supra) is misplaced.
31. In my view, the defendants have failed to place any material in support of their submission that the trademark ‘BURGER KING’ is either generic or common to trade. It cannot be denied that the plaintiff has used the trademark ‘BURGER KING’ since 1954 and holds registrations for the said mark in over 122 countries including India. The Division Bench of this Court in M.A.C Personal Care Pvt. Ltd. & Anr. v. Laverana GMBH and Co. K.G. & Anr., 2016 SCC OnLine Del 530, observed that the registrations of the plaintiff in multiple jurisdictions create an even stronger presumption that the plaintiff’s trademark has reputation in the market. It was further observed that if a trademark is registered in favour of the plaintiff in a jurisdiction abroad, the said fact suggests that the mark of the plaintiff is distinctive and hence, the same is capable of distinguishing the plaintiff’s trademark from those of other businesses.
32. In view of the discussion above, I am of the considered view that the plea raised by the defendant with regard to the invalidity of registrations granted in favour of the plaintiff in respect of the trademark BURGER KING and other formative marks, is prima facie not tenable. There is no reasonable prospect of the defendants succeeding in the cancellation petitions filed by them. Therefore, no issue with regard to validity of the registrations of trademarks of the plaintiff is liable to be framed in the facts and circumstances of the present case.”
23. This decision dated 6th March, 2023 was carried in appeal by the C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected Defendants by way of LPA No. 301/2023 which was withdrawn vide order dated 18th April, 2023 with liberty to file an SLP. The Defendants then filed SLP Civil No. 17831/2023 which was dismissed on 14th August, 2023.
24. Thus, the decision of the ld. Single Judge dated 6th March, 2023 has now attained finality and all the cancellation petitions filed by the Defendants against the Plaintiff’s mark ‘BURGER KING’ are no longer entertainable.
25. On 20th November, 2023, when the matters were listed for hearing, certain proposals were made by the ld. Counsel for the Plaintiff. ld. Counsel for the Defendants sought some time to consider the proposals made by the Plaintiff.
26. Today, the ld. Counsel for the Defendants have reverted and the parties have agreed to settle their disputes in respect of the marks ‘BURGER KING’ and ‘BURGER EMPEROR’ on the following terms: i. The Defendants shall not in any manner use the trademark ‘Burger King’ and other Burger King formative marks of the Plaintiff or any other marks deceptively similar thereto, including / Burger King Family Restaurant or the following logos:. C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected The Defendants shall not challenge the registrations or applications of the above stated marks in favour of the Plaintiff. ii. The Defendants shall henceforth be free to use the trademark “BURGER EMPEROR” / and other “BURGER EMPEROR/” formative marks as also the following logo/device mark: (hereinafter `Burger Emperor’ marks) iii. The Defendants shall be entitled to use the ‘BURGER EMPEROR’ marks without any hindrance or objection from the Plaintiff. The Defendants shall be entitled to use the ‘BURGER EMPEROR’ marks for all food items, non-alcoholic drinks, aerated water, snacks, sauces, namkeen and other cognate/allied products. iv. The Defendants are the proprietors of the Trademark/device Burger Emperor bearing registration number 2052259 and 2052258 in Class 30 for the following device/logo mark: The Plaintiff shall withdraw the rectifications filed against the said marks. C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected v. The Defendants shall also be entitled to use the following device/logo mark bearing registration number 2467850 in Class 30 registered in favour of the Defendant. The Plaintiff shall not file any proceedings challenging the use or registration of the said mark. vi. The Defendants are also the owner of the following artistic work bearing number A-114976/2016: The Defendants shall be entitled to use the same without any objection or hindrance. The Plaintiff shall not file any proceedings challenging the use or registration of the said artistic work. vii. The Defendants shall be entitled to use the trademark ‘Taste King’ without any objection or hindrance and will be entitled to seek registration. The Plaintiff shall withdraw all oppositions thereto. C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected viii. The Plaintiff agrees to not press for the relief of damages or accounts of profits as prayed in the commercial Suit bearing number CS(COMM) 229 of 2018 or in CO(COMM-IPD-TM) 709 of 2022 and CO(COMM-IPD-TM) 710 of 2022. ix. All oppositions/rectifications as mentioned in Annexure- A would stand withdrawn in accordance to this agreement. x. The Defendants shall withdraw its appeal being FAO (OS) (COMM) 276 of 2018.
27. The cancellation petitions are dismissed as withdrawn in the above terms. All the parties and anyone acting for or on their behalf shall be bound by the terms of settlement. Mr. Virender Kumar Gupta who is the Defendant No.2 in the present case is also present in the Court today.
28. The present order be communicated to the Registrar of Trademarks for the purposes of ensuring that the directions given in the above terms of withdrawal of trademark registrations are duly reflected on the website.
29. The complete list of various proceedings pending between the parties and the action to be taken pursuant to the above settlement is annexed as
ANNEXURE A to the present order. Both parties shall take the necessary steps within two weeks, in respect of the said proceedings, except the suit and the cancellation petitions which are disposed of by the present order. The suit is accordingly decreed in the above terms.
30. However, for the declaration of the mark ‘BURGER KING’ as a wellknown mark, considering the long period, during which the ‘BURGER KING’ mark and its variations have been used for fast foods specially for Burgers, and the factors outlined above, the said mark has achieved the status of a ‘well-known mark’. Accordingly, a decree of declaration, is C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected liable to be passed declaring the ‘BURGER KING’ mark as a ‘well-known’ mark in terms of paragraph 38 (e) of the prayer in the Plaint.
31. Decree sheet be drawn accordingly.
32. All pending applications between the parties are disposed of.
PRATHIBA M. SINGH JUDGE NOVEMBER 29, 2023 SDS/KS (corrected & released on 7th December, 2023) C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected
ANNEXURE A CS(COMM) 229 of 2018 LIST OF MATTERS BETWEEN THE PARTIES
1.
2.
3. Hon’ble Delhi High Court Burger King Corporation vs Ranjana Gupta & Ors.; CS (Comm) 229 of 2018 before the Delhi High Court Suit against use of BURGER KING and BURGER EMPEROR by Defendant Status: Application under Order 6 Rule 17 to be considered Decreed in terms of order dated 29th November
2023. Ranjan Gupta & Ors. Vs Burger King Corporation; FAO (OS) (COMM) 276 of 2018 before the Delhi High Court Defendant’s appeal against order dated September 24, 2018 passed in CS(Comm) NO. 229 of 2018 Status: The stay application has been withdrawn and appeal has been placed in the ‘Finals’ category for final arguments Defendants to withdraw this appeal in terms of the order dated 29th November 2023. Burger King Corporation vs Virendra Kumar Gupta & Anr.; C.O. (COMM.IPD- TM) 686/2022 Plaintiff’s rectification petition against the Defendant’s trademark BURGER KING FAMILY RESTAURANT Status: The stay application in the rectification petition has been allowed. Allowed as per order dated 29th November 2023 and application No. 2052257 directed to be rectified and removed from the Register.
4. Hon’ble Delhi High Court Burger King Corporation vs Virendra Kumar Gupta & Anr.; C.O. (COMM.IPD- TM) 709/2022 Plaintiff’s rectification petition against the Defendant’s trademark BURGER Status: The stay application in the rectification petition is to Dismissed as withdrawn as per order dated 29th November C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected EMPEROR be considered.
5. Burger King Corporation vs Virendra Kumar Gupta & Anr.; C.O. (COMM.IPD- TM) 710/2022 Plaintiff’s rectification petition against the Defendant’s trademark BURGER EMPEROR Status: The stay application in the rectification petition is to be considered Dismissed as withdrawn as per order dated 29th November
6. Virendra Kumar Gupta trading as M/S Burger King V/s Union of India through the Secretary & Ors.; W.P.(C)-IPD33/2022 Writ petition filed by Defendant seeking to file an opposition against the Plaintiff’s trademark registration no. IRDI – 4771744 for the mark BURGER KING Status: The pleadings have not yet been completed. Matter is listed before Joint completion of pleadings. To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
7. Varanasi District Court Taste King vs Burger King Corporation; Suit No. 26 of 2016 before the District Court, Varanasi Suit for groundless threats filed by the Defendant against the Plaintiffs and suit for injunction of copyright Status: Application for summary judgment & interim injunction is pending adjudication To be withdrawn by the Defendant as per order dated 29th November 2023
8. Calcutta High Court Virendra Kumar Gupta vs Burger King Corporation; (ORA/16/2015/TM/CH) Rectification petition filed by the Defendant against Plaintiff’s trademark registration no. Status: Transferred from the IPAB to Calcutta High Court. Matter is currently in the monthly cause list. Not maintainable in terms of the order passed in Section 124 application in the suit and upheld by the Supreme Court
9. Virendra Kumar Gupta vs Burger King Corporation; (ORA/17/2015/TM/CH) Rectification petition filed by the Defendant against Plaintiff’s trademark Status: Transferred from the IPAB to Calcutta High Court. Not maintainable in terms of the order passed in Section 124 C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected Bombay High Court registration no. Matter is currently in the monthly cause list. application in the suit and upheld by the Supreme Court
10. Virendra Kumar Gupta vs Burger King Corporation; (ORA/18/2015/TM/DEL) Rectification petition filed by the Defendant against Plaintiff’s trademark registration no. Status: Transferred from the IPAB to Calcutta High Court. Matter is currently in the monthly cause list. Not maintainable in terms of the order passed in Section 124 application in the suit and upheld by the Supreme Court
11. Virendra Kumar Gupta vs Burger King Corporation; (ORA/19/2015/TM/DEL) Rectification petition filed by the Defendant against Plaintiff’s trademark registration no. Status: Transferred from the IPAB to Calcutta High Court. Matter is currently in the monthly cause list. Not maintainable in terms of the order passed in Section 124 application in the suit and upheld by the Supreme Court
12. Virendra Kumar Gupta vs Burger King Corporation; (ORA/24/2015/TM/MUM) Rectification petition filed by the Defendant against Plaintiff’s trademark registration no. Status: Transferred from the IPAB to Bombay High Court. Matter is at the pre admission stage. Not maintainable in terms of the order passed in Section 124 application in the suit and upheld by the Supreme Court
13. Virendra Kumar Gupta vs Burger King Corporation; (ORA/25/2015/TM/MUM) Rectification petition filed by the Defendant against Plaintiff’s trademark registration no. Status: Transferred from the IPAB to Bombay High Court. Matter is at the pre admission stage. Not maintainable in terms of the order passed in Section 124 application in the suit and upheld by the Supreme Court
14. Virendra Kumar Gupta vs Rectification Status: Not C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected Burger King Corporation; (ORA/26/2015/TM/MUM) petition filed by the Defendant against Plaintiff’s trademark registration no. Transferred from the IPAB to Bombay High Court. Matter is at the pre admission stage. maintainable in terms of the order passed in Section 124 application in the suit and upheld by the Supreme Court
15. Virendra Kumar Gupta vs Burger King Corporation; (ORA/27/2015/TM/MUM) Rectification petition filed by the Defendant against Plaintiff’s trademark registration no. Status: Transferred from the IPAB to Bombay High Court. Matter is at the pre admission stage. Not maintainable in terms of the order passed in Section 124 application in the suit and upheld by the Supreme Court
16. Trademarks Registry Taste King vs Burger King Corporation Cancellation action against the Plaintiff’s trade mark TASTE IS KING Status: Pleadings are complete and matter has been appointed for hearing To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
17. Trademarks Registry Opposition No. 944407 Plaintiff’s opposition against Application NO. 2052255 filed by the Defendants Status: Pleadings are complete and matter has been appointed for hearing Application No. To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
18. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 978927 Plaintiff’s opposition against trade mark application No. 2513771 filed by the Defendants Status: Hearing date is to be appointed Application No. To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
19. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 959139 Plaintiff’s opposition against trade mark application Status: Hearing date is to be appointed Application No. To be withdrawn as per order C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected No. 2638470 filed by the Defendants dated 29th November 2023
20. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 944408 Plaintiff’s opposition against trade mark application No. 2052256 filed by the Defendants Status: Hearing date is to be appointed Application No. To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
21. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 897011 Plaintiff’s opposition against trade mark application No. 2841594 filed by the Defendants for the ‘TASTE KING’ logo Status: Hearing date is to be appointed To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
22. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 897012 Plaintiff’s opposition against trade mark application No. 2841595 filed by the Defendants for the ‘TASTE KING’ logo Status: Hearing date is to be appointed To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
23. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 786731 Plaintiff’s opposition against trade mark application No. 2052260 filed by the Defendants for the trademark ‘BURGER EMPEROR’ Status: Hearing date is to be appointed To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
24. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 1115375 and 1115511 Plaintiff’s opposition against trade mark application No. 3618423 filed by the Defendants for ‘TASTE KING’ (in Hindi) Status: Hearing date is to be appointed To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023 C.O. (COMM.IPD-TM) 686/2022 & connected
25. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 1115431 Plaintiff’s opposition against trade mark application No. 3618424 filed by the Defendants for ‘TASTE KING’ (composite logo) Status: Hearing date is to be appointed To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
26. Trademarks Registry Opposition No. 1112070 Plaintiff’s opposition against trade mark application No. 3674959 filed by the Defendants for the trademark ‘BURGER KING’ Status: Hearing date is to be appointed Application No. To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
27. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 882987 Defendant’s opposition against the Plaintiff’s trade mark application No. 2011499 Status: Hearing date is to be appointed. To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
28. Trademarks Registry Opposition nos. 900156, 900157 900748, 900749, 900750, 900751 Opposition against the Plaintiff’s trade mark application No. 3535316 Status: Hearing date is to be appointed To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
29. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 1253321 Opposition against the Plaintiff’s trade mark application No. IRDI- Status: Pleadings are yet to be completed. To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023
30. Trademarks Registry Opposition no. 1253320 Opposition against the Plaintiff’s trade mark application No. IRDI- Status: Pleadings are yet to be completed. To be withdrawn as per order dated 29th November 2023 ***********************