RNA, Technology and IP Attorneys
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024
About
RNA provides complete range of IP services, from clearance searches to filing and prosecution of trademark applications in India, Indian sub-continent, Trademark Transactional work, Trademark enforcement, oppositions and rectifications and IP strategy.
The prosecution team provides full range of trademark management services, from, strategizing, trademark clearance to advertising and label/packaging clearance, registration through to managing renewals, assignments, licensing, general maintenance.
The dispute resolution team at RNA provides robust and comprehensive services and advisory in contentious matters to clients from diverse domains.
The enforcement team at RNA, comprises lawyers, researchers, and investigators that have both in-house and private practice experience. Team RNA is trained to devise strategies to find business solutions to IP legal issues. In the last 10 years, the team has handled over 650 civil actions and more than 1100 criminal actions working with the local police. The team is experienced in handling infringement actions and devising a comprehensive enforcement campaign to create impact at both the manufacturing and distribution end. The firm works closely with businesses in understanding their priorities, distribution network, trade channels, and factors that affect their trade to devise enforcement campaigns that address both online and brick and mortar sales. RNA regularly advises clients on the most germane court for filing legal action and whether or not a civil or criminal option would be a viable option alongside provide individualized case management services at all stages of litigation. Additionally, the team has worked on numerous online infringement issues and have several on-going cases on digital issues and specific to e-commerce portals.
Trademark services at RNA cover complete transactional work from conducting due diligences in mergers & acquisitions and IP audits to drafting and negotiating licensing and franchising agreements. The firm has developed expertise in filing and prosecuting international applications through the Madrid protocol for their local as well as global clients.
RNA in a short period of time has won the trust of a number of Fortune 500 companies around the globe. The firm has, in its twenty years journey, developed a strong clientele in diversified business segments including Life Sciences, Information Technology, Electronics, Consumer and Luxury goods, Petrochemicals, Apparels, Sports and Fashion. The team manages substantial enforcement and IP filing and prosecution work in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Their extensive IP experience, ever evolving IP knowledge and close relationships with local lawyers and investigators enables them to take effective actions in these jurisdictions.
Ranked Offices
Provided by RNA, Technology and IP Attorneys
- Gurgaon401-402, 4th Floor, Suncity Success Tower Sector – 65, Golf Course Extension Road, National Capital Region (Haryana) , Gurgaon, Haryana, India, 122 005
- Web: www.rnaip.com
- Tel: +91-124-4296 999
- View ranked office
RNA, Technology and IP Attorneys rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
68 items provided by RNA, Technology and IP Attorneys
Wipro stopped from using EVACARE brand
The case revolves around the use of the trademark “EVECARE”. Himalaya Wellness Company (Himalaya) claims to be using the mark since 1998 for their ayurvedic proprietary medicine targeted towards women for menstrual disorder.
Regulating Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims
Consumer Protection Authority of India has come up with The Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024. These guidelines are an extension of the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisement
Madras High Court cancels registration of LEGO for confectionery
This case revolves around a trademark dispute between a globally renowned toy and games manufacturer, Lego Juris (the Petitioner) seeking to cancel the registered marks containing LEGO of a confectionery producer, Gurumukh Singh (the Respondent).
Madras High Court - the battle ground for ‘KCP’ as a company name
The case illustrates the interplay between different legal provisions, such as Section 16 of the Companies Act, 2013, and Section 35 of the Trademarks Act, 1999.
Court upholds validity of Lock-in period in an Employment agreement
The court’s decision sets important legal precedents for employment contracts in India, particularly regarding the enforceability of lock-in periods and the arbitrability of related disputes.
Star shines over Star Plastics in a Dispute over the Trademark ‘STAR’
The Court found that while neither party could claim exclusive rights to the common term ‘STAR’ the Petitioner demonstrated prior use and distinctiveness in its mark.
Registration of a same or similar Design in a foreign country, may not amount to publication- Calcut
It is a settled principle of law that a registered Design can be cancelled on the ground that the same has been published in India or any other country before the date of registration. Calcutta High Court examined this issue in an Appeal from the order of the Controller of Patents & Designs.
AO Smith is similar to STAR SMITH holds Delhi High court
In the trademark dispute between A.O. Smith Corporation and Star Smith Export Pvt. Ltd over the marks AO Smith and Start Smith, the Delhi High Court held the marks to be similar and use of Star Smith to be trademark infringement.
Bombay High Court: Copyright registration of a label not mandatory
The parties in Sanjay Soya Private Limited v Narayani Trading Company dealt in refined edible oil products and the dispute arose concerning the use of packaging.
Prior use turns the scales in favour of Cremo
Two entities dealing in milk and dairy products vie for rights in the mark/name CREMO before the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The Plaintiff, Cremo S.A., filed the suit before the District Court, Faridabad (Haryana), against the Defendants, Cremo Netureal Milk LLP & another, alleging passing off.
Snapdeal has no criminal liability for the sale of SUHAGRA-100
The ruling of the single judge of Karnataka High Court holding that an e-commerce marketplace being an ‘intermediary’ is not liable for any action or inaction on the part of a vendor/seller has come as a significant relief for e-commerce portals and their directors/officers.
Adoption of similar packaging for SELECT FLAKE cigarette boomerang on Godfrey
The two dominant players in cigarette category ITC Limited, (ITC) and Godfrey Philips (India) Limited (Godfrey) are pitted against each other over the use of mark FLAKE, and its packaging.
Amendments to Consumer Protection Act- what Brand owners must know!
To modernize the law relating to consumer protection and to enlarge the scope of the existing law and make it more effective and purposeful, the Consumer Protection Act 2019 has replaced the old Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Injunctions: Paradigm shift for India’s innovators
The interim or preliminary injunction plays a crucial role in IP cases as the focus of the IP holder is to seek an immediate order to stop the infringing activity so as to protect its market share.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms eased to attract Brands
The Indian economy has been witnessing a slow down since beginning of 2019. A mixture of international events and domestic fiscal tightening has lead to slowdown in India that not so long ago regularly featured among the world’s fastest growing economy.
Court holds registered proprietor is not expected to pursue every infringement
The plaintiffs, Purshotam Keshwani and three others (Purushotam) filed suit for trademark infringement, passing off, etc , against the defendants.
Functional shape not enough to prove design is functional
he court in its ruling determined whether constraints of functionality are such that the design in question is the only design which could have been devised.
Prior use prevails over registration
The siblings, Gopal Sabu and Rajkumar Sabu (Raj) both working together, at one stage, as Directors of Sabu Trade Private Limited (STPL) are now at loggerheads to assert their rights over the mark SACHA MOTI (Pure Pearl) being used in relation to Sabudana (sago) for human consumption.
Delhi High Court cancels OTRINIR registration, holds it similar to OTRIVIN
The note discusses the cancellation petition filed by GSK Consumer Healthcare SA (GSK) against the Respondent Celebrity Biopharma’s (Celebrity) registration for the mark OTRINIR.
Delhi High Court cancels OTRINIR registration, holds it similar to OTRIVIN
The note discusses the cancellation petition filed by GSK Consumer Healthcare SA (GSK) against the Respondent Celebrity Biopharma’s (Celebrity) registration for the mark OTRINIR.
High Court upholds sanctity of the Trademark Assignment Agreement
The gist of the appeal is the interpretation of the agreement entered into between the parties in the year 2015 in relation to transfer of various trademarks upon payment of the agreed consideration.
Pharmaceutical marks require lesser degree of confusion
Madras High Court in a dispute between two entities in the pharmaceutical industry restrains use of a deceptively similar mark.
Perils of protecting surname such as ‘Jindal’
The Plaintiff, Jindal Industries Private Limited (JIPL), relying on its rights in the registered trademark JINDAL filed the suit against the Defendants, Suncity Sheets Private Limited (Suncity) and Ors, alleging trademark infringement, passing off, etc.
High Court applies ‘doctrine of necessity’ on seeing huge pendency at IPAB
The petitioner in this writ sought High Court’s intervention to hear Appeal against the order of the Deputy Controller of Patents and Designs dismissing the pre-grant opposition filed by the petitioner and granting the patent in respect of ‘Methods of Evaluating Peptide Mixtures’.
Court upholds Bata’s right in ‘POWER’ brand, admonishes ‘Red Chief’ camel-in-the-tent approach
Bata India Limited (Bata) and Leayan Global Pvt. Ltd and others (Leayan)) operating in the footwear industry vie for the mark ‘POWER’ before the Delhi High Court.
Amazon, Snapeal, Flipkart and other e-commerce platforms stopped from selling Amway products
A batch of seven suits with overlapping issues was heard together by the Delhi High Court. The suits were filed by three direct selling entities, against various entities who are either running e-commerce platforms or are sellers on the said platforms.
MRF failed to show that Metro had copied the substance, and the kernel of their advertisement
This article discusses case brought by MRF Limited (MRF) against Metro Tyres (Metro) for copying concept of MRF NV, REVZ range of tires.
Court not impressed with Asus finding Zen in mobile phones
Two mobiles companies are at loggerheads over use of ZEN as a brand. Teleecare Network India Pvt. Ltd. (Teleecare) had filed suit for trademark infringement and passing off seeking an injunction against Asus Technology Pvt. Ltd. (Asus).
Goodwill whether Territorial or Universal
The instant dispute between two entities in the hospitality industry over the mark INTERCITY for hotels revolves around prior adoption and use; whether use has to be considered in India or international use and adoption can be relied upon to claim superior rights.
Court holds owner of Trademarks are not expected to pursue every Infringer
Nizam, the title of ruler of Hyderabad in 18th century is known to Delhites as a restaurant chain that sells kebab rolls. The restaurant chain NIZAM’S is seeking to restrain its former franchisee from using the mark ‘New Nizam’s Kababs and Biryani’.
Wipro stopped from using EVACARE brand
The case revolves around the use of the trademark “EVECARE”. Himalaya Wellness Company (Himalaya) claims to be using the mark since 1998 for their ayurvedic proprietary medicine targeted towards women for menstrual disorder.
Regulating Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims
Consumer Protection Authority of India has come up with The Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing or Misleading Environmental Claims, 2024. These guidelines are an extension of the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisement
Madras High Court cancels registration of LEGO for confectionery
This case revolves around a trademark dispute between a globally renowned toy and games manufacturer, Lego Juris (the Petitioner) seeking to cancel the registered marks containing LEGO of a confectionery producer, Gurumukh Singh (the Respondent).
Madras High Court - the battle ground for ‘KCP’ as a company name
The case illustrates the interplay between different legal provisions, such as Section 16 of the Companies Act, 2013, and Section 35 of the Trademarks Act, 1999.
Court upholds validity of Lock-in period in an Employment agreement
The court’s decision sets important legal precedents for employment contracts in India, particularly regarding the enforceability of lock-in periods and the arbitrability of related disputes.
Star shines over Star Plastics in a Dispute over the Trademark ‘STAR’
The Court found that while neither party could claim exclusive rights to the common term ‘STAR’ the Petitioner demonstrated prior use and distinctiveness in its mark.
Registration of a same or similar Design in a foreign country, may not amount to publication- Calcut
It is a settled principle of law that a registered Design can be cancelled on the ground that the same has been published in India or any other country before the date of registration. Calcutta High Court examined this issue in an Appeal from the order of the Controller of Patents & Designs.
AO Smith is similar to STAR SMITH holds Delhi High court
In the trademark dispute between A.O. Smith Corporation and Star Smith Export Pvt. Ltd over the marks AO Smith and Start Smith, the Delhi High Court held the marks to be similar and use of Star Smith to be trademark infringement.
Bombay High Court: Copyright registration of a label not mandatory
The parties in Sanjay Soya Private Limited v Narayani Trading Company dealt in refined edible oil products and the dispute arose concerning the use of packaging.
Prior use turns the scales in favour of Cremo
Two entities dealing in milk and dairy products vie for rights in the mark/name CREMO before the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The Plaintiff, Cremo S.A., filed the suit before the District Court, Faridabad (Haryana), against the Defendants, Cremo Netureal Milk LLP & another, alleging passing off.
Snapdeal has no criminal liability for the sale of SUHAGRA-100
The ruling of the single judge of Karnataka High Court holding that an e-commerce marketplace being an ‘intermediary’ is not liable for any action or inaction on the part of a vendor/seller has come as a significant relief for e-commerce portals and their directors/officers.
Adoption of similar packaging for SELECT FLAKE cigarette boomerang on Godfrey
The two dominant players in cigarette category ITC Limited, (ITC) and Godfrey Philips (India) Limited (Godfrey) are pitted against each other over the use of mark FLAKE, and its packaging.
Amendments to Consumer Protection Act- what Brand owners must know!
To modernize the law relating to consumer protection and to enlarge the scope of the existing law and make it more effective and purposeful, the Consumer Protection Act 2019 has replaced the old Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Injunctions: Paradigm shift for India’s innovators
The interim or preliminary injunction plays a crucial role in IP cases as the focus of the IP holder is to seek an immediate order to stop the infringing activity so as to protect its market share.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms eased to attract Brands
The Indian economy has been witnessing a slow down since beginning of 2019. A mixture of international events and domestic fiscal tightening has lead to slowdown in India that not so long ago regularly featured among the world’s fastest growing economy.
Court holds registered proprietor is not expected to pursue every infringement
The plaintiffs, Purshotam Keshwani and three others (Purushotam) filed suit for trademark infringement, passing off, etc , against the defendants.
Functional shape not enough to prove design is functional
he court in its ruling determined whether constraints of functionality are such that the design in question is the only design which could have been devised.
Prior use prevails over registration
The siblings, Gopal Sabu and Rajkumar Sabu (Raj) both working together, at one stage, as Directors of Sabu Trade Private Limited (STPL) are now at loggerheads to assert their rights over the mark SACHA MOTI (Pure Pearl) being used in relation to Sabudana (sago) for human consumption.
Delhi High Court cancels OTRINIR registration, holds it similar to OTRIVIN
The note discusses the cancellation petition filed by GSK Consumer Healthcare SA (GSK) against the Respondent Celebrity Biopharma’s (Celebrity) registration for the mark OTRINIR.
Delhi High Court cancels OTRINIR registration, holds it similar to OTRIVIN
The note discusses the cancellation petition filed by GSK Consumer Healthcare SA (GSK) against the Respondent Celebrity Biopharma’s (Celebrity) registration for the mark OTRINIR.
High Court upholds sanctity of the Trademark Assignment Agreement
The gist of the appeal is the interpretation of the agreement entered into between the parties in the year 2015 in relation to transfer of various trademarks upon payment of the agreed consideration.
Pharmaceutical marks require lesser degree of confusion
Madras High Court in a dispute between two entities in the pharmaceutical industry restrains use of a deceptively similar mark.
Perils of protecting surname such as ‘Jindal’
The Plaintiff, Jindal Industries Private Limited (JIPL), relying on its rights in the registered trademark JINDAL filed the suit against the Defendants, Suncity Sheets Private Limited (Suncity) and Ors, alleging trademark infringement, passing off, etc.
High Court applies ‘doctrine of necessity’ on seeing huge pendency at IPAB
The petitioner in this writ sought High Court’s intervention to hear Appeal against the order of the Deputy Controller of Patents and Designs dismissing the pre-grant opposition filed by the petitioner and granting the patent in respect of ‘Methods of Evaluating Peptide Mixtures’.
Court upholds Bata’s right in ‘POWER’ brand, admonishes ‘Red Chief’ camel-in-the-tent approach
Bata India Limited (Bata) and Leayan Global Pvt. Ltd and others (Leayan)) operating in the footwear industry vie for the mark ‘POWER’ before the Delhi High Court.
Amazon, Snapeal, Flipkart and other e-commerce platforms stopped from selling Amway products
A batch of seven suits with overlapping issues was heard together by the Delhi High Court. The suits were filed by three direct selling entities, against various entities who are either running e-commerce platforms or are sellers on the said platforms.
MRF failed to show that Metro had copied the substance, and the kernel of their advertisement
This article discusses case brought by MRF Limited (MRF) against Metro Tyres (Metro) for copying concept of MRF NV, REVZ range of tires.
Court not impressed with Asus finding Zen in mobile phones
Two mobiles companies are at loggerheads over use of ZEN as a brand. Teleecare Network India Pvt. Ltd. (Teleecare) had filed suit for trademark infringement and passing off seeking an injunction against Asus Technology Pvt. Ltd. (Asus).
Goodwill whether Territorial or Universal
The instant dispute between two entities in the hospitality industry over the mark INTERCITY for hotels revolves around prior adoption and use; whether use has to be considered in India or international use and adoption can be relied upon to claim superior rights.
Court holds owner of Trademarks are not expected to pursue every Infringer
Nizam, the title of ruler of Hyderabad in 18th century is known to Delhites as a restaurant chain that sells kebab rolls. The restaurant chain NIZAM’S is seeking to restrain its former franchisee from using the mark ‘New Nizam’s Kababs and Biryani’.