The Delhi High Court’s temporary injunction underscores the importance of trademark rights and brand legacy, particularly in cases involving well-established brands like “Moti Mahal,” which has deep cultural significance and goodwill in India’s culinary landscape. The dispute centres around Rupa Gujral’s assertion that her family retains exclusive rights to the “MOTI MAHAL” trademark and the associated goodwill despite having transferred their shares in the flagship Darya Ganj restaurant.
In her suit, Gujral highlighted that the “Moti Mahal” brand is globally recognized, mainly due to her father, the late Kundan Lal Gujral, who pioneered Indian culinary staples like tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and dal makhani. According to her, the defendants’ actions are misleading the public and trading off the brand’s established reputation. The plaintiffs claim that, beyond unauthorized usage, the defendants attempted to register identical trademarks without consent, further solidifying the plaintiffs’ case for infringement and bad faith.
The court’s order explicitly restrains the defendants from using the “MOTI MAHAL” name in any form, including online channels, printed materials, and promotional items, effectively safeguarding the brand’s exclusivity until the suit’s resolution. Justice Pushkarna noted the strength of the plaintiffs’ case and their right to prevent unauthorized use, pending the outcome.
This injunction also references prior court orders protecting the “MOTI MAHAL” and “MOTI MAHAL DELUX” trademarks from misuse, adding weight to the current ruling. The defendants, however, submitted an affidavit stating they no longer use the “MOTI MAHAL” mark and have removed all instances from their digital platforms.
Legal representation has been instrumental in framing the complex arguments around trademark rights, legacy, and brand protection. Advocates Shreya Sethi and Anirudh Bhatia appeared for the plaintiffs, while Samrat Nigam and Amit Punj defended the respondents.
This case reflects broader issues in intellectual property law, where heritage brands with significant historical and cultural resonance must navigate modern challenges to maintain their identities in the face of commercial interests. The High Court’s intervention, pending a final judgment, safeguards to ensure that established trademarks with long-standing goodwill are not diluted or exploited without authorization. The following steps will likely involve a detailed examination of the trademark’s ownership, historical usage, and the defendants’ non-infringement claims.
