Trademark Insights

Registry & Judicial Updates – 07 March 2026

Phonetic Similarity Can Trigger Trademark Conflict Even Across Different Products.

The Hon'ble Courts may intervene even when the goods are unrelated if an earlier trademark has acquired significant reputation or goodwill.

Example: The Madras High Court permitted the well-known “NANDINI” dairy brand to challenge the use of the identical mark for incense sticks, noting that strong reputation and phonetic similarity may cause consumer association or confusion.

Advisory: Before adopting a brand name, conduct comprehensive trademark searches across multiple product classes, particularly where an existing mark enjoys strong reputation.

Vishnu

Trademark Advisory

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