Market data analysis firm moves Kerala court against Groww for passing off

Bengaluru-based market data analyst Chandrakkanth Patil, proprietor of 915trade, has moved the Thiruvananthapuram District Court alleging that Billionbrains Garage Ventures Pvt Ltd (BGV), a Groww group company, is passing off his mark by launching a deceptively similar website and attempting to misuse his goodwill [Chandrakkanth Patil Vs Billionbrains Garage Ventures Pvt Ltd (BGV)]

Notice was issued in the matter and the Court is expected to hear the case again on November 22.

The development comes close on the heels of the proposed initial public offering (IPO) by Groww.

Patil has claimed that he has been operating under the proprietary trade name “915trade” since 2015, and launched his website www.915trade.com in November 2024, offering subscription-based securities market analysis using proprietary software.

According to Patil, the coined term refers to the 9:15 am stock-market opening time and enjoys nationwide recognition.

In August 2025, Groww issued a cease-and-desist notice asserting rights in the proposed marks “915” and “915 by Groww” based on pending applications in Class 36.

Patil has contended the notice does not demonstrate any instance of prior use and that the defendant admitted the marks were only “proposed to be used.”

Patil has alleged that shortly thereafter, BGV launched www.915.trade.com, offering similar data-based services, causing confusion among users.

Several clients, particularly in Kerala, allegedly mistook the Groww's website for his, leading to loss of business and reputational harm

According to the plea, Groww’s conduct is a deliberate attempt to misappropriate goodwill associated with the mark “915trade,” amounting to passing-off. The plaintiff has sought a permanent injunction, rendition of accounts, damages with 12% interest and costs.

The cause of action, according to Patil, is stated to have arisen when Patil commenced using the mark in 2015, launched the website in 2024, the defendant allegedly launched the impugned website in July–August 2025, and issued its notice.

The plaintiff is being represented by advocates V Bahuleyan, Ananthu Bahuleyan and Cyriac Tom of Quint Law Partners.