Alok Singh
Twenty Four Seven Retail Store Pvt. Ltd. has sued Godfrey Phillips India Limited before the Delhi High Court allegedly for unauthorized use of the trademark “24Seven”.
The case highlights the complex issues involved in Intellectual Property Rights, especially when a business transitions to a new line of business.
Godfrey Phillips, a prominent name in the cigarette space, ventured into retail in 2005 through its 24Seven chain of convenience stores. In July 2024, facing cash flow stress, Godfrey Phillips decided to leave the retail business.
Twenty-Four Seven Retail Store, now running the brand, claims that even after this exit, Godfrey Phillips continued to use the “24Seven” trademark and damaged the market reputation and goodwill of the brand.
However, Godfrey Phillips argues that it had stopped using the trademark on October 10, 2024, three months after its exit from the business.
During the hearing, Justice Mini Pushkarna, while deciding the matter, Twenty Four Seven Retail Store Pvt. Ltd.& Anr v. Godfrey Philips India Ltd., suggested mediation to resolve the matter. However, Twenty Four Seven Retail Store refused the suggestion and has chosen to fight the case traditionally in court.
The High Court, through an interim order, recorded Godfrey Phillips’ statement declaring that the trademark was being discontinued and got the company bound to it.
The next date is scheduled for March 2025.