Aastha Pareek
The Delhi High Court on December 4, 2024 (Wednesday) has issued a significant judgment restraining Spread Home Products Private Limited from using Louis Vuitton’s iconic trademarks in the case of Louis Vuitton Malletier v. Spread Home Products Pvt Ltd. and ors. The Court also added the restrictions on the use of its well-known monogram and “Damier Azur” pattern. The Court upheld Louis Vuitton Malletier’s arguments, emphasizing that its trademarks enjoy global recognition and are synonymous with luxury, quality, and exclusivity. Spread Home’s use of similar designs was deemed to constitute trademark infringement and passing off, aimed at unfairly capitalizing on Louis Vuitton’s goodwill and misleading consumers into associating Spread Home’s products with the luxury brand.
The decision was made by Justice Mini Pushkarna, who highlighted the rigorous protection afforded to intellectual property rights in India, particularly for trademarks of international renown. The Court recognized that Louis Vuitton’s trademarks have acquired distinctiveness due to extensive use and market presence, making unauthorized replication detrimental to the brand’s reputation. The ruling also included a permanent injunction prohibiting Spread Home from manufacturing, selling, or marketing products with the disputed patterns, setting a precedent for similar intellectual property disputes.
In response to the trademark infringement allegations by Louis Vuitton, Spread Home’s legal representatives argued that while items with the contested floral designs might have been available earlier but the company has discontinued their sale in that respect. Furthermore, they emphasized that Spread Home is a well-established business with a 25-year market presence, distinguishing it from opportunistic or transient enterprises.
This case reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of trademark owners and maintaining market integrity. It underscores the necessity for businesses to respect intellectual property laws and avoid any conduct that could dilute the uniqueness of established trademarks.
The case shall now be heard on April 2025.
Case Name:- Louis Vuitton Malletier v. Spread Home Products Pvt Ltd. and ors.
Case Number:- CS(COMM) 1079/2024
Bench:- Justice Mini Pushkarna