Last Updated on November 18, 2023 by News Desk
Issue: After a global furniture manufacturer named Inter IKEA Systems BV filed a trademark infringement lawsuit, the Delhi High Court recently issued an ex-parte ad-interim injunction against Kerala-based furniture company “Ikea Luxury Furniture.” In the lawsuit, it was claimed that the defendant was using the well-known mark “IKEA” illegally on a variety of furniture items, within hoardings, and on product packaging.
The case’s facts: According to Inter IKEA Systems BV, the Swedish company owns the globally recognized “IKEA” mark. It was alleged that Ikea Luxury Furniture, the defendant, utilized the mark on similar products and catered to the same customer base. The defendant continued to use the “IKEA” mark after being given a legal warning, which compelled the plaintiff to file a lawsuit.
Reasoning: Inter IKEA Systems BV claimed that the “IKEA” mark is very recognizable and unique, making it worthy of protection. In contrast, the defendant continued to use the mark after receiving notice from the court. The plaintiff’s trademark needed to be protected from any potential damage caused by the defendant’s wrongful use, and the court had to consider how important such protection was.
Justification for the Decision: In her remarks, Justice Prathiba M. Singh emphasized the “IKEA” brand’s uniqueness and familiarity on a global scale. The court decided that an ex-parte ad-interim injunction was justified in this instance since the defendant was using the mark for similar products and was targeting the same customer category. The court’s ruling was significantly supported by the defendant’s inability to stop using the mark in spite of a formal notice. The plaintiff’s mark warranted protection, the court said, and future infringement needed to be stopped by an injunction.
Judgment: The court ruled that Ikea Luxury Furniture could not use the word “IKEA” or any other name that is confusingly similar as a trade name or trademark on posters, banners, handbills, hoardings, or other promotional materials. Protecting the plaintiff’s rights and preventing future illegal use of the trademark are the goals of the injunction. Furthermore, Ikea was given permission by the court to get in touch with JustDial and request that the defendant’s page, which was tagged as “IKEA Luxury Furniture,” be removed.
Title: INTER IKEA SYSTEMS BV v. IKEA LUXURY FURNITURE
Written By: Nikita Shankar @nikitaashankar
