Yezdi runs into trademark issues in India

The court imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Classic Legends and its co-founder.

The Karnataka High Court has restrained Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. and its co-founder from using the ‘Yezdi’ trademark or any other brand name containing the word ‘Yezdi’.

The High Court ruled that the ‘Yezdi’ trademark is owned by Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd., which is under liquidation and therefore the trademarks of the company remain in custodia legis of the court.

The court also stated that all trademark registration certificates issued by the Registrar of Trademarks, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad in favour of Classic Legends and co-founder Boman Irani will be null and void. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh each on both parties. Further, the Trademark Registration Authority has been directed to transfer all such registration to Ideal Jawa.

Ideal Jawa used to build and sell Yezdi motorcycles in India until it went into liquidation in 1996. The brand was re-launched by Classic Legends, a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra.

The company has released the following statement in response to the recent Karnataka High Court order:

"The order is held in abeyance and the company is seeking legal advice on the matter. The company will be filing an appeal against the order shortly and is optimistic of securing favourable relief. In the interim, manufacturing and sale of motorcycles will continue, subject to orders of the Appellate Court."

Source: The Hindu