Safiya Malik

The Delhi High Court has granted an injunction restraining the defendants from using the name, trademarks, and goodwill of Tata Trusts and its former chairman, late Ratan Tata, in an alleged unauthorized award event. The suit was filed by the plaintiffs, Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Tata Sons Private Limited, seeking to prevent the defendants from organizing an event under the name "The Ratan Tata National Icon Award" and misleadingly claiming an association with Tata Trusts and its leadership.

The plaintiffs, Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Tata Sons Private Limited, filed a suit for a permanent injunction against the defendants, alleging infringement of registered and well-known trademarks, passing off, copyright infringement, and dilution of reputation. The plaintiffs argued that the defendants falsely claimed an association with the Tata Trusts and its late chairman, Ratan Tata, while organizing an award event called "The Ratan Tata National Icon Award 2024" at Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi, on December 10, 2024.

The plaintiffs contended that Tata Trusts is a well-established philanthropic organization with a legacy dating back to 1919 and that Tata Sons, as the principal investment holding company of the Tata Group, owns the well-known trademarks "TATA" and "TATA TRUSTS." The plaintiffs submitted that the Tata name has been associated with trust, philanthropy, and business ethics for over 150 years and that any unauthorized use of the name or image of its leaders misleads the public and causes reputational damage.

The plaintiffs further alleged that the defendants were charging a nomination fee of ₹3,000 for Indian applicants and USD 100 for international applicants under the pretext of conferring an award linked to Tata Trusts. The plaintiffs asserted that they had never authorized or endorsed such an event and that their attempts to issue takedown notices to the defendants were ignored.

The court examined the plaintiffs’ claims regarding trademark infringement, misrepresentation, and the alleged unauthorized use of Ratan Tata’s name and image. It recorded: "The plaintiffs are the rightful proprietors of the well-known trademarks TATA and TATA TRUSTS. The defendants’ actions of using these marks and the personal identity of late Mr. Ratan Tata, without consent, prima facie indicate infringement and passing off."

The court noted that the plaintiffs had provided sufficient evidence to establish that Tata Trusts and its associated marks have a longstanding reputation. It observed: "The defendants, through their advertisements and promotional materials, have created an impression that their event is endorsed by the plaintiffs, thereby misleading the public into believing that there exists an official association."

Regarding the issue of reputation and goodwill, the court held: "The TATA brand has an undeniable association with philanthropy, corporate ethics, and business leadership. The unauthorized use of the plaintiffs’ trademarks and the name of late Mr. Ratan Tata amounts to an attempt to unjustly benefit from the immense goodwill attached to them."

The court also examined whether the defendants had obtained prior authorization from the plaintiffs. It noted that no permission had been granted and that the defendants’ conduct showed a lack of regard for the plaintiffs’ proprietary rights. The court recorded: "There exists no record of the plaintiffs granting the defendants any authorization or license to use their name, trademarks, or brand identity in relation to the impugned event. This unauthorized usage is unlawful and warrants immediate restraint."

Based on its findings, the Delhi High Court issued the following directives:

1. The defendants were restrained from using the names "TATA," "TATA TRUSTS," or any similar mark, whether in relation to an event, awards, or otherwise, without the plaintiffs’ authorization.

2. The defendants were prohibited from using the name "Ratan Tata" and his photograph in any manner that falsely suggests an association with the plaintiffs.

3. The defendants were directed to take down any advertisements, promotional materials, or social media posts relating to the unauthorized award event.

4. The court ordered the defendants to provide an affidavit confirming that they would not engage in any further use of the plaintiffs’ trademarks, names, or images in any capacity.

5. The defendants were required to ensure that no future events, digital content, or communications misrepresent any link to the Tata Trusts or its leadership.

6. The defendants were warned that any further violations of the injunction would result in contempt proceedings.

The court further noted that the defendants had, in their submissions, stated that the event scheduled for February 10, 2025, had been canceled. The plaintiffs, acknowledging the defendants’ assurance that they would not continue using the trademarks or name of Ratan Tata, stated that they were satisfied with the outcome and would not pursue damages or costs.

Case Title: Sir Ratan Tata Trust & Anr. v. Dr. Rajat Shrivastava & Ors.
Case Number: CS(COMM) 104/2025
Bench: Justice Mini Pushkarna

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