Aktiebolaget Volvo & Ors. v. Jonas Woodhead and Sons India Limited

1. The present suit had been instituted by the plaintiff alleging infringement, by the defendant, of the plaintiff’s registered trade marks “ ” “ ”, in respect of Parabolic Leaf Springs 1st Axle, Parabolic Leaf Springs 2nd Axle, Bogie Rear, Bogie 32 Tons Rear, Shift FMX Parabolic Front or any other goods or services.

2. Accordingly, the plaint had sought a decree against the defendants, restraining them from using the aforesaid marks in respect of any goods or services or on any of the platforms on which they were having internet presence. The plaint further sought delivery-up, rendition of accounts, costs and damages.

3. While issuing summons in the suit, this Court, vide order dated 4th August 2021, granted an ad interim ex-parte injunction, restraining the defendants in the following terms:

4. The aforesaid injunction is continuing till today.

5. On the last date of hearing, the statement of Mr. Abhishek Modi, director of the respondent, was recorded by the court. Mr. Modi has categorically stated, in the concluding paragraph of his statement, thus: “I have been shown the brochure placed at page 40 of the Plaintiffs documents, and I state that the same was created sometime between 2016 to 2018 and it was per chance that products bearing the name 'Volvo' got photographed by the photographer. However, this brochure has been discontinued. I state that most of the products are sold under the company's brand name i.e., 'Woodhead'. Considering that the commercial vehicles which are manufactured by Volvo are mostly used in mines, it is only upon the distributors' request that the word 'Volvo' is added on the products. After explaining to the distributors that the word Volvo cannot be added by the company, only the model number was being put on the products. Further, after the order passed by the Court, my company has completely stopped the use of the mark 'Volvo'. In fact, my company does not have any interest in using the mark 'Volvo' and it was only at the customers' request that the same was being put on the products.”

6. As Mr. Modi has himself stated that the defendant is not interested in using the Volvo mark for any purpose whatsoever, Mr. Pravin Anand, learned Counsel for the plaintiff submits that the ad interim injunction granted by this court on 4th August 2021 may be made absolute pending disposal of the suit.

7. Mr. Jayant Kumar, learned Counsel for the defendant, does not object to this submission.

8. Accordingly, IA 9560/2021 is allowed by making the ad interim injunction granted by this Court on 4th August 2021 absolute, pending disposal of the suit.

9. Mr. Pravin Anand, however, submits that his client desires to press for costs and damages.

10. List before the learned Joint Registrar (Judicial) for admission/denial of documents and marking of exhibits on 3rd March 2023, whereafter the matter would be placed before the Court for further orders.

11. The application stands disposed of.

12. Let this order be uploaded on the website of this Court within 24 hours.

C. HARI SHANKAR, J.