The Delhi High Court has directed Bisleri International not to sell its mango-flavoured soft drink under the trade name ‘Maaza’ in India..Coca-Cola had filed a trademark suit in the Delhi High Court over the use of the mark ‘Maaza’ by Bisleri. Formerly known as Golden Agro, and later as Aqua Minerals, Bisleri had sold the Maaza trademark to Coca Cola in the Indian market. However, they had reserved their rights to use the mark overseas..However, Coca Cola alleged that Bisleri had continued to use the trademark in Indian markets through dummy firms.The court found that Bisleri in association with one Verma International, a firm allegedly owned by its employee R.V. Verma, was producing soft drinks under the trade name ‘Maaza’ in a factory in Andhra Pradesh and exporting it to Australia and some other countries.Both companies have locked horns over the international rights of Maaza for several years, with Bisleri accusing Coca-Cola of registering ‘Maaza’ as their trademark outside India..Anuradha Salhotra, name Partner in IP boutique Lall, Lahiri and Salhotra, represented the Coca Cola Company and briefed Senior Counsel A.S. Chandiok on the matter. Senior Counsel C.L. Sareen, who appeared for Bisleri, was briefed by Gaurav Duggal..The single bench, comprising Justice Manmohan Singh admitting Coca Cola’s suit said, “..documents show a direct nexus between Bisleri International, the overseas party and R.V. Verma, whose son Vishal Verma is operating the business in the name and style of Verma International and exporting Maaza to Australia”. The Court has directed Bisleri not to use the Maaza trademark in India and directed the Vermas to file their reply in four weeks.
The Delhi High Court has directed Bisleri International not to sell its mango-flavoured soft drink under the trade name ‘Maaza’ in India..Coca-Cola had filed a trademark suit in the Delhi High Court over the use of the mark ‘Maaza’ by Bisleri. Formerly known as Golden Agro, and later as Aqua Minerals, Bisleri had sold the Maaza trademark to Coca Cola in the Indian market. However, they had reserved their rights to use the mark overseas..However, Coca Cola alleged that Bisleri had continued to use the trademark in Indian markets through dummy firms.The court found that Bisleri in association with one Verma International, a firm allegedly owned by its employee R.V. Verma, was producing soft drinks under the trade name ‘Maaza’ in a factory in Andhra Pradesh and exporting it to Australia and some other countries.Both companies have locked horns over the international rights of Maaza for several years, with Bisleri accusing Coca-Cola of registering ‘Maaza’ as their trademark outside India..Anuradha Salhotra, name Partner in IP boutique Lall, Lahiri and Salhotra, represented the Coca Cola Company and briefed Senior Counsel A.S. Chandiok on the matter. Senior Counsel C.L. Sareen, who appeared for Bisleri, was briefed by Gaurav Duggal..The single bench, comprising Justice Manmohan Singh admitting Coca Cola’s suit said, “..documents show a direct nexus between Bisleri International, the overseas party and R.V. Verma, whose son Vishal Verma is operating the business in the name and style of Verma International and exporting Maaza to Australia”. The Court has directed Bisleri not to use the Maaza trademark in India and directed the Vermas to file their reply in four weeks.
