Delhi HC says Ratan Tata a well-known figure, his trademark must be protected

Ratan Tata

The Delhi High Court stated on February 7 that the name "Ratan Tata" holds the status of a well-known trademark and must be protected from misuse by any third party.

Justice Mini Pushkarna's bench, responding to a lawsuit by the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Tata Sons Pvt Ltd, barred Rajat Srivastava from holding an award ceremony under the name 'Ratan Tata Icon Award.'

According to the lawsuit, the defendants ignored prior warnings and proceeded with promoting an unauthorised event and award, misleadingly claiming endorsement from the Tata Trusts and its former Chairman, late Ratan N Tata. However, during the legal proceedings, they consented to cancel the event and cease using Ratan Tata’s name, according to a report by ANI.

Observing that 'TATA' is a well-known mark, the High Court stated that the late Ratan Tata, its former chairman, is a widely recognised figure, and his name cannot be used by any third party without proper authorisation from the plaintiffs.

"This Court notes that TATA has already been declared as a well-known mark. Further, late Mr Ratan Tata, who was the chairman of the plaintiff no. 2, is a well-known figure and his name as such is liable to be protected and cannot be used by any third party without any consent or authorisation from the plaintiffs," the order stated.

It also sought an undertaking from the defendants regarding compliance and scheduled a follow-up for February 12.