Introduction:

The Delhi High Court recently intervened in a case filed by Mannat Group of Hotels, aiming to protect its registered trademarks like “Mannat Dhaba” and “Mannat Resorts” from infringement by local eateries.

Arguments of Both Sides:

Mannat Group of Hotels sought legal protection for its registered trademarks, alleging infringement by three local eateries – Mannat Dhaba, Shri Mannat Dhaba, and Apna Mannat Dhaba. They claimed that these eateries were unlawfully using the trademarks associated with the plaintiff’s hospitality businesses.

Defendants argued various reasons for adopting the trademark, from lack of justification to rebranding efforts to compete with similar eateries in the vicinity. The owner of Apna Mannat Dhaba claimed to have retained the “Mannat” branding due to its popularity among other local dhabas.

Court’s Judgement:

The Delhi High Court granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction, restraining the three defendant eateries from using the registered trademarks of Mannat Group of Hotels. The court noted the prima facie case presented by the plaintiff for the grant of an injunction against these defendants.

However, the court extended an opportunity to the defendants to settle the matter amicably with Mannat Group’s counsel. They were given the liberty to discuss rebranding their eateries or explore other suitable methods to resolve the trademark infringement issue.