Delhi HC Bars Use of ‘ADIDAS’ by Local Firm Over Trademark Infringement

The Delhi High Court has barred a local firm from using the mark ‘ADIDAS’ for its textile products, dismissing the industrialist's claim of adopting the name out of admiration for his elder sister. The court ruled it amounted to trademark infringement and awarded damages to the German sports brand Adidas AG.

The Delhi High Court has prohibited a local industrialist from using the trademark ‘ADIDAS’ for his textile goods, rejecting his claim that the name was adopted out of a deep admiration for his elder sister. The court found the justification insufficient and evidenced an attempt to benefit from the brand reputation of Adidas AG.

Justice Sanjeev Narula noted that the mark’s distinctiveness and reputation could be diluted despite differing product categories. The court stated, “Unauthorized use of such a mark, especially without proof of honest adoption, undermines the established reputation and goodwill of the plaintiff.”

The court ruled in favor of Adidas AG, granting a permanent injunction against the defendant's usage of the mark and awarded Rs 3 lakh in damages and Rs 11.22 lakh in litigation costs. The ruling was based on a plea by Adidas AG to protect their trademark rights across various goods, including textiles.