The Delhi High Court on Friday injuncted one Rajat Srivastava from hosting an award by the name 'Ratan Tata Icon Award' in response to a suit for violation of intellectual property filed by the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Tata Trusts..The Court also ruled that the person could not use the logo and pictures related to Ratan Tata and Tata Trusts.Interestingly, the Court is also considering whether 'Ratan Tata' could be declared a well-known trademark in view of his popularity. Justice Mini Pushkarna observed during the hearing,"This Court notes that Tata is a well-known mark. Late Mr Ratan Tata is a well known figure. His name itself is liable to be protected.".During the course of the hearing, the defendant agreed to not use Ratan Tata's name and to cancel the awards as well. As a result of this, the suit has been decreed. The Court has, however, sought an undertaking from the defendants. The case will now come up for hearing on February 12 for compliance..The dispute in question revolves around the unauthorised use of the well-known trademarks, logos, and personal name associated with the Tata Group, specifically the trademarks TATA, TATA TRUSTS, and the name and image of the late Ratan Tata. Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Tata Sons filed this suit to protect their intellectual property rights, reputation and goodwill built over more than a century. The defendants, led by Srivastava and his company Yuci Mentors Private Limited, have been accused of organising fraudulent events and awards falsely claiming association with the Tata Trusts and Ratan Tata, thereby misleading the public and causing significant harm to the plaintiffs' reputation..The plaintiffs accused Rajat Srivastava of organising unauthorised events and awards, such as the "Ratan Tata National Icon Award", falsely claiming support and association with the Tata Trusts and Ratan Tata. Despite receiving a takedown notice from the plaintiffs in December 2024, the defendants continued to advertise these events on social media platforms and their website, further exacerbating the infringement.The plaintiffs sought permanent injunctions to prevent further unauthorised use of their trademarks, logos and Ratan Tata's name and image. They have also sought damages of around ₹2 crore for the harm caused to their reputation and goodwill..Tata was represented by Senior Advocate Rajeev Nayar with Advocates Pravin Anand and Achuthan Sreekumar from Anand & Anand. Advocate Saurabh Seth assisted Nayar.
