An interim decision from the Delhi High Court prohibits Amar Biscuits Pvt. Ltd. from producing, offering for sale, or selling butter cookies with the brand name “Good Time” and packaging that is confusingly similar to that of Britannia Industries Limited’s “Good Day” butter cookies.
Britannia had maintained that its “Good Day” packaging is more than just a trademark label; it also qualifies as an artistic creation for which it has copyright. Additionally, the business provided proof that a customer had informed it that Amar Biscuits was using the trademark and packaging infringingly on social media.
The court determined that Amar Biscuits had intentionally tried to mimic and replicate Britannia’s packaging. It was mentioned that the color scheme and overall design of the two products were very similar, giving them a very comparable appearance. The court also discovered that a variety of consumers, including kids, literate and illiterate individuals, and residents of both urban and rural areas, buy butter cookies. The court decided that there was a chance of consumer confusion as a result.
The court’s decision benefits Britannia significantly and has a variety of business repercussions. First of all, it serves as a reminder that packaging and trademarks are significant assets that need to be safeguarded. Businesses should take action to protect their copyrights and trademarks by registering them, as well as by monitoring the market for any infringement. Second, the ruling demonstrates that courts will be eager to issue temporary restraining orders to stop trademark infringement, particularly in cases where there is a chance of consumer misunderstanding. Thirdly, the directive acts as a reminder to companies not to imitate popular brands’ packaging in an effort to obtain an unfair advantage.
In addition to the aforementioned, the court’s order emphasizes how crucial it is for customers to safeguard packaging and trademarks. Consumers may ensure that their favorite brands are protected and that they are not duped by fake goods by alerting the brand owner to any instances of possible infringement.
The court’s decision is a good step forward for both businesses and customers. It makes it abundantly clear that using trademarks and packaging without permission will not be accepted, and that companies will be held responsible for their conduct.
