Delhi Court Bars Bengaluru Restaurant From Using "Carnatic" Tag After Trademark Dispute
Delhi’s Carnatic Café secured a court order preventing Lemonpepper Hospitality in Bengaluru from using the term “Carnatic,” safeguarding its trademark and brand identity. The ruling came from District Judge Neelam Singh at Delhi’s Saket court, favoring the well-known South Indian restaurant chain founded by Pavan Jambagi.
The court determined that the Bengaluru-based restaurant, operated by Lemonpepper Hospitality Pvt Ltd, used the "Carnatic" mark and managed the website carnaticrestaurant.com, which led to customer confusion. Carnatic Café has held the registered trademark since 2012, and the Bengaluru outlet’s use of a similar name was deemed trademark infringement and passing off.
The judge noted the Bengaluru restaurant had ignored multiple chances to file a defense, leading to an ex parte ruling under India’s Civil Procedure Code.
Details of the Court Order
The permanent injunction prohibits Lemonpepper Hospitality and its affiliates, including partners, agents, and franchisees, from:
- Using the "Carnatic" mark in any form
- Displaying the name on branding, websites, or promotional materials
Additionally, the court awarded ₹50,000 in damages and ₹10,000 for legal costs to Carnatic Café.
The court emphasized the importance of protecting established brand identities from misuse that causes consumer confusion.
Author's summary: The Delhi court's ruling reinforces trademark protections by halting the Bengaluru restaurant's unauthorized use of the "Carnatic" name, emphasizing brand identity and legal compliance.