Delhi High Court restrains Franchise India from using ‘Rasna Buzz’ mark as Piruz Khambatta sues

The Delhi High Court on May 9, 2025, restrained Franchise India Brands Limited and Ichakdana Food Services LLP from using the trademark Rasna or Rasna Buzz, after a suit was filed by industrialist Piruz Khambatta and Rasna Pvt. Ltd. alleging trademark infringement and unauthorized franchise expansion..Justice Saurabh Banerjee granted an ex parte ad interim injunction, observing that the continued use of the ‘Rasna Buzz’ mark by the defendants was without any valid license or authority and posed a risk of confusion among consumers, particularly as the mark pertains to edible goods.“The plaintiffs have been able to make out a prima facie case… allowing the defendants to continue passing off their products as that of the plaintiffs… is prone to cause irreparable harm, loss and injury,” the Court held..The plaintiffs contended that Rasna has been a well-known brand in the food and beverage sector since the 1970s, and is the registered proprietor of the ‘Rasna’ trademark across various classes, as well as the copyright holder of its associated artistic works. The brand has operated over 25 ‘Rasna Buzz’ franchise outlets, originally in partnership with the defendants under a 2018 Work Order and a Master License Agreement.However, disputes arose over unpaid franchise fees, royalty dues, and non-transparent revenue disclosures, leading to the eventual non-renewal of the agreement. Despite this, the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants continued launching and promoting new ‘Rasna Buzz’ outlets—including as recently as March 2025—without authorisation..Accepting the argument, the Court ruled "Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, defendants, their directors/ partners, principal officers, servants, agents, franchisees, affiliates, sub franchisees, operator licensees, etc., and all others acting for and on behalf of the defendants are restrained from using the trademarks 'Rasna', 'Rasna Buzz'/ or any other deceptively similar mark in any manner whatsoever, including but not limited to operating or franchising outlets under the 'Rasna Buzz' name, advertising, marketing, selling, or offering for sale any goods or services under the said marks, or otherwise misrepresenting any association, affiliation, endorsement, or connection with the plaintiffs, amounting to an infringement of the plaintiffs' registered trademarks or artistic works.".The Court added that due to the nature of the products involved—edible goods—extra caution was warranted given the potential for public confusion and health implications..The case will now come up for hearing in September 2025. .Khambatta and Rasna were represented by Advocates Saif Khan, Shobhit Agarwal, Meghana Kudligi and Prajjwal Kushwaha from Anand & Anand. .Read Order